I think Wacom is the best way to go and people I know said the bought a small tablet their first time and regretted not getting a bigger one. So think about it. A good tablet will cost you $250-$350.
Wacom Intuos 3 ! 
I currently use Intous 3 A5 2007 edition, it's great, go for it if You can !
Tried widescreen ones but never fell for them. Probably just because I'm way too used with a standard one. I know a lot of people like the wide ones and they take up less space so if you have a wide screen I'd say go for that if you haven't really got used to a standard one yet.
Size doesn't really matter and in fact larger tablets will get you tired rather quickly, besides taking up too much desk space if that's a problem for you. I'd say go for the A5 one, I got a A6 graphire and I love it, although it's super tiny.
I recommend a widescreen tablet for a widescreen display and a 4:3 one for a 4:3 display. If there is a mismatch between screen and tablet you get different strength of movement horizontally compared to vertically. However, this is barely noticable, and I've done alot of digital painting so I should know. I have no problems with my wide tablet when I have to use it on a 4:3 screen. As for size, A6 is introductionlevel, it works, but it feels small after a while. Anything over A4 feels too big (these are my personal opinions). I use a wacom intous 3 A5 wide with my 20" wide display. To me it's the perfect size.
Wacom Intuos 3 A5 is highly recommended.
Quote from ZackerWacom Intuos 3 A5 is highly recommended.
I use the Intuos 3 A4 at work, and I tell you, it just rocks! But the A5 it's good as the A4, and I'd pick it for personal use. either that one, or the Graphire4
Quote from ZackerWacom Intuos 3 A5 is highly recommended.
If the A5 widescreen is out of stock 
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