Thanks Chruser that was really what I was looking for. I was comparing a Intuos and a Graphire mostly because those were the ones that I saw for sale at first but then I saw a host of other, cheaper brands (like Aiptek)...I suppose you get what you pay for though.

Didn't get to see a Cintiq but I'm taking a look now.

I wont advertise for anyone as Im not sure on the rules regarding it but there is a site I found that sells those tablets for less than what you posted due to academic discounts if you're in school still. (the 9x12 Intuos sells for $375 usd it seems at this place)

Anyways thanks again.