Hello.....I'm planning on buying a graphic tablet but I would love some helpful hints and advice if anyone out there has any.  I'm hoping for as large a screen as possible (or at least somewhere in the 19 inch range) and preferably wireless.  I know very little about tablets so perhaps I'm being naive about some of this, and if so, please let me know.  Also, I was wondering if, once I own a tablet if it matters which software I use with it (i.e., photoshop, paint shop, painter, etc.)

So if anyone can help I would very much appreciate it.

I recommend any Wacom model -- they have some wireless models available.

I use a Wacom Intuos 3, 9 x 12.  I also have a Wacom Intuos 3, 6 x 8.  Both are USB.

The only advantage of a larger screen is if you make flourishes of  wide strokes with a brush, but if that is what you want be aware that it is really big.  My 9 x 12 is huge because of the added space around the 9 x 12.  There is a guide on Wacom's site to help you decide what would be best for you.  I think it is a good guide.   Just make sure your vision of a 19" tablet is really what you need.  It will be a two handful object, rather like carrying a large TV tray only heavier.  The only factor is what you are going to use it for.  From the applications you mention, I honestly don't think you need anything larger than a 6 x 8.

There are new Wacoms that are like portable LCD's that you can draw directly on the screen, and they can be used in a dual monitor setup.  There are 3 sizes and are very expensive.  I drooled over one for a while, but decided it was more money than I wanted to spend, especially after making the whole house over with Macs.

If you don't already have Painter, you can purchase Painter X bundled with a Wacom Intuos 3, 9 x 12 at a reduced price.  That is how I got mine.  However, now I think my 6 x 8 was good enough.

I believe all three of the applications you mentioned can work with a Wacom tablet.  Wacoms website indicate what programs will work with it.  One they don't list that I use is ArtRage.   AR works fine with a Wacom tablet.

This question has been asked many, many times and the general consensus is that Wacom Intuos 3 is the most used and recommended, and most people use a 6 x 8.

Best wishes on your purchase when you decide what you want.

When you say USB does that mean it can only be used when hooked up to a computer by way of a USB?  I ask because I would really like to be able to use it without having to be near my computer, for example, if I want to take it to the park to work on it.  Are there wireless versions and USB versions?

There is a blue tooth version.  But, if you go to the park you need a laptop to work from with you.  I don't think you will get very far with a cell phone. 

I would take my laptop and smaller tablet and run it off the battery.  If you got the bluetooth tablet version and have bluetooth on you laptop, you are set.  However, I wouldn't want to too far from the laptop or someone might decide it would nice for them.  :-)

If cost is an issue, you could do the same with a USB connection between the laptop and tablet.

If you are talking about something totally contained in one unit, you want to look at Notebooks not tablets.   How they are with big graphics programs I don't know.  Wacom has notebooks too.

Attached Link: Cintiq in use at Youtube

When we normally talk about tablets we just mean a blank slab of plastic to run your stylus over. Your monitor still takes care of the display! But... it sounds like your talking about a display within the tablet under a touchscreen. You should look at the Cintiq range for that.

The Cintiq is still only a display, so you need a computer for your programs to function.  If you want something portable to take to the park a Cintiq won't do it without a laptop.  

The last time I priced Cintiq's the small one was $999, then the next was $1999, and the final one was $2400.

Is your question about a tablet computer that is good for graphics, if so you will get totally different response as it is another device all together.  The responses your are getting refer to Graphic tablets " wacom" in particular as they are the best on the market at the moment.
Edie