I have the Art Pad II as well but I have had one of the less expensive tablets in the past, there is a BIG difference in the feel of the less expensive tablets, you dont have as much control or as much preassure sensitivty. I hated graphics tablets when I had the cheaper one because it just wouldnt do what I wanted it to do. I finally folded to preasure from my sister to try the more expensive tablet and now I cant live with out it. All of my bird art is done soley with the graphics tablet and Photoshop with out the use of any filters or effects......I can say for sure though where tablets are concerned you get what you pay for. I do agree though the 4 x 5 tablet is plenty large enough. The Intuos is the Art Pad II replacement/ upgrade tablet, and you can get them from Intuos for about $199 .... if you can wait and save a little more money I would say go Intuos over Graphire.