We also have a Wacom Bamboo for my 13yo DD.
She was extremely frustrated with it when using GIMP, SAI and Paint (we are a PC family), but Corel's products are a delight. Part of it is that some software is better with the hardware interface. CorelDraw is better able to utilize the pressure sensors built into the tablet so that it responds by producing different color intensities/thicknesses. She also loves Manga Studio and Anime Studio.
Honestly, Wacom's tablets seem to be the ones that most of the pros use, and they kind of have a lock on this particular technology. They're rugged and they seem to have pretty good response, too.
We had also looked at upgrading about four months ago-- and the next step up would have been to another Wacom tablet, at about $350. I'm really glad that we encouraged DD to explore some other software first, though, because now she's completely happy again.
