My 2 cents
Get one.
I got mine (I had already used one a lot -see the third advice-) for Photoshop when I was working on an animation series, and I got hooked by Wacom again. It just reminded me how much I hate mouses, and now I take my tablet and a copy of the Mac and Windows drivers with me if I know I'll have to use another computer for more than a day.
My advice:
- The jump from a mouse to a tablet is at least as huge as the switch from Windows to Mac.
- It can be frustrating for the first three hours (or days). Don't give up. It's very rewarding.
- The size isn't really important unless you have a big screen. I used to use an A3 Intuos 2 (before the Intuos 3 existed), which was the biggest available. We never used anything more than a A6~A5 portion of it, and it was on two (at the time humongous) 22" screens. The smaller the active portion, the faster you'll go, and the less you'll get your arm tired.
- If you're going to do design, however, I'd consider an A5~A4 (for CAD, even bigger).
- The Graphire 4 series is great (earlier series sucked). Much better per dollar value than the Intuos IMO (although I reckon the Intuos is better built and has a softer touch, it's hardly worth the money for a first tablet unless you've got too much money*). I haven't used the Bamboo yet.
- When you get yours, look at all the options you have in the preferences panel. I always turn on the force proportions.
- Consider getting a Bluetooth model. My next tablet will be a Graphire Bluetooth (or maybe if I get a Mac Pro and a big screen, an Intuos A4). The cable is too long. Too much hassle plugging and unplugging.
- i never use the eraser end of the pen. If you keep the other hand on the keyboard, it's much easier (and faster) to press "E" than turning the pen. Try both methods.