Well...given the quality, the precision and the overall handling, I'd always go with a Wacom, even though they come at a price.
But then, with the Wacom pens, there's not need for batteries, so that makes for some savings.
I'm using a 12x12 and are pretty satisfied with it (some specific driver functionality left aside).
So if you can afford it, go with a Wacom - preferably an Intuos2, but that's really up to your budget and to what you want to do with it.
Hope that helps!