Not talking iPad or nook sort of thing - I have a nook and am well pleased with it. No, I am talking about a drawing tablet. Ever since a friend in college got a Wacom tablet and let me play around with it for half an hour, I have lusted after one of these. Now that I finally have the funds to purchase one, I am overwhelmed by the choices. A little advice, please?

I will be using this tablet (at first, at least) to 'ink' scanned pencil sketches, and then to color my drawings. I have a PC running Windows 7 and I have been using GIMP for this sort of thing to date. I may get other programs later, but right now GIMP is my friend.

I'm not doing this professionally, just as a hobby and to make things for friends. It's also not a primary hobby (that'd be fibery crafts), so while I need a good and serviceable tool, I don't need many bells and whistles.

My funds for this are about $100, though I would go as high as $200 if necessary.

Thank you, lovely Zchers!

Tira has a Wacom Bamboo Fun and she does some amazing work on it.  From what I understand it's a great entry level tablet and right about the price range you're looking for.  I'll see if I can get her to comment on it later on.

Iunno, going back to 1024 levels of sensitivity from 2048 when I got my cintiq was a hard pill to swallow. (drawing directly on the screen makes up for a lot though)

I guess if you're not used to the higher pen sensitivity in the first place it might not be too much of an issue though.

I would stay away from Intuos unless you plan on going pro. They're really fancy and expensive.

I got my Bamboo Fun Pen (Small) for $100 at Best Buy. They've replaced it with the Bamboo Fun Pen & Touch for $100. These are great for people who are starting out or don't plan go go pro any time soon or ever.

It's small, light weight, and comes with the pen and wireless mouse. The pen has different functions and can be customized to do various things. The mouse is just a mouse. (Just be sure to remember to click on the mouse mode thing, otherwise it does weird shit.)

Their latest software (That you can download from the Wacom website) is very user-friendly and fun. It comes with games that help you get used to your tablet, and it comes with Bamboo Paper that allows you to jot down notes or anything you want to do freehand. It also has writing recognition, so you can write out e-mails or messages in IM.

The Wacom Bamboo Fun tablet works nicely with GIMP. (I love GIMP.) However, when you do use a tablet for the first time it will feel awkward. I remember I'd try to tilt the tablet to the side like I do with my papers and it just doesn't work that way. Hahaha. But don't get frustrated, just practice. You'll pick it up quickly. SAI is also another program you might wanna look into to use in combination with GIMP.

Aaaaaand that's all I can think of for the time being. O guess I should link to my very sad-looking portfolio on DA... Mind you, all this stuff is old. Like, a year old... www.catsonmarz.deviantart.com

An update! I ordered a Bamboo Capture. UPS tracking says it is on vehicle for delivery right now.

*ahem*

FUCK YEAH BITCHES!

I already have some picture ideas lined up. Eeeehehehehe! 

Woo!  Looking forward to seeing what you make with it.