Posted 03 June 2005 - 10:01 PM
If you want control and accuracy go for the Wacom Intuos line (Granted they are more expensive.) I've had one for several years and love it. Actually just ordered a new Intuous 3 one this week. Oddly I've never used the mouse for them.. But the new one is coming with one.
As a side benifit, the pen helps in an ergonomic way.. once you get used to using it, it just feels better in the wrist and such.
One of the new things that the intuous 3 line will do is not only watch pressure, and angle, but will also watch how you rotate the barrel of the pen. I find that unless you have serious desk space anything bigger than the 6x8 is too big (and expensive) I will admit to looking into the 9x12s though.. just because it fits a sheet of paper.
IN anycase, I would strongly suggest going with wacom. I've had nothing but good things with them for the past 8 or so years. Also a lot of the tablet PCs that are coming out actually use wacom's technology, so you can download enhanced drivers for them to get good stuff.
If you are going to be doing graphics work, and have $150 (thats discounted because you have a wacom), I'd look into Alias' SketchBook Pro. It is like photoshop but designed for pen usage. (The guys at penny-arcade.com use it.) You can download a 15 day trial for free though. (I have it, but am waiting on the new tablet. Stupid me loosing my Intous1 pen, then accidently buying a replacement for the intuous2, which won't work on the 1, btu should work on the 3)
Anyway, good luck, and hope this helped!