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USB Graphic pen tablets sizes start at about 4”x5” and go up to about 12” x 19”. The best graphic tablet for you will depend on how you plan to use it. For applications like photo retouching, scrapbooking and handwriting recognition the smaller, home user grade tablets should suffice. For graphic artists and draftsmen the larger scale or wide aspect tablet will be more appropriate as with greater size comes greater precision. Remember that the working area of the tablet will be smaller than the actual footprint of the device and a larger working surface will require greater arm movements. Graphic pen tablets generally use a USB interface to connect to your computer. Older models use a serial or PS2 connection but this is less common. If your computer does not have a USB interface then you should upgrade your computer before investing in a graphics tablet. Wacom has introduced a Bluetooth capability with their Graphire pen tablet. Most tablets feature pressure sensitivity, allow you to program buttons on the stylus and mouse and feature either buttons or pressure sensitive areas on the tablet to allow you to select features on the fly. Many graphics tablets include an overlay allowing you to trace images directly on the tablet. Higher end tablets often have changeable tips for the stylus. Most modern graphics software integrates automatically with a graphic pen tablet, but drivers are important. Make sure the tablet you select has drivers for your computer and OS. Check the manufacture’s website for updated drivers before using your tablet. Wacom is by far the best known and makes great products. Wacom products are robust, easy to use and come with good bundled graphics tablet software as well as special discounts on high-end software. The Wacom Bamboo is a popular choice for users looking for a small, inexpensive tablet. The Bamboo can be found online for under $70. Other manufactures of graphics tablets include Aiptek, DigiPro, and for a larger size at a moderate price, check the VisTablet, a 12” x 10” tablet online for a little more than $100.