I am in the same boat with everyone who says to splatter and scan. Infact I have some splatters scanned at home that have been turned into brushes for PhotoShop. When I get to them I will upload them ...
I just purchased a 12x12 Intuos (factory referbished) for $229. Refurbs are guaranteed "good as new". IIRC Wacom even sells Refurbed Tablets. The [url=http://www.wacom.com ...