Even at the low end, Wacoms are probably a better deal than some of the other brands. My ol' Graphire 3 is pretty reliable and trustworthy after all this time. (The stylus is seeing some wear from lots of use, but nothing beyond reasonable.) Their proprietary RF (or is it induction?) tech means the stylus is lightweight and uses no batteries, and the tablet designs are sturdy and straightforward. The budget models will provide a simpler stylus that has about a quarter of the sensitivity resolution of the mainline models, but in most cases that's probably not too noticable - and some things can still be worked around by dialing in settings via the software. If you can afford the Intuos, get it. If not, the Bamboo (which replaced the Graphire) probably isn't too bad a deal either. As for tablet size, pick one that fits in a range comfortable for how you draw. (Take a look at how you use the paper or canvases you have lying around and go from there. The tablets are sized accordingly.) Going too big is probably not worth the money or workspace real-estate, as where too small may seem cramped and leave you wanting more.

I know if I had opportunity to upgrade, I'd go one size up and to the Intuos model. Not sure how much that tells.

I've heard some people say other brands are ok, but the stylus part either needs a battery or even has less sensitivity range than the low-end Wacom. Or the tablet itself is bulkier and flimsier than the Wacom. I guess for some folks, tablet size may take a precedent over other features.

Now whenever those patents become due to expire, then shopping around might get more interesting. But I don't think we're there just yet.

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Barbequed Pixels?

Your friendly neighborhood Wings3D nut.
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There might be something worth downloading.