As suspected, it took a day to make the trip from wallet to the pc but my credit card did come down the hall to this little office/ironing room.  A faint voice was saying "need" over an over!  Knowing soon I truly needed the tablet and that is so much more valid than only wanting something, it is to be shipped on the 22nd of this month.

It will be sometime in February for me to report back as to how I like it.  I got the Intuos3, 6x8.   The price was good compared to other places and worth a few days extra wait.  After all, I don't really know yet what I am missing.

All the fine input is very much appreciated.      Tom.