Drawing Tablets

Hi, I have been doing a lot of freelance graphic design recently, and am looking into getting some sort of tablet to help. I honestly don't know anything about it, other than the brand wacom. Anyone have any brands they could name?

While I am at it, anyone mind mentioning some name sof good software I should look into outside of photoshop/paintshop pro.

Thanks.

I also have little artistic bursts where I want to create art on my computer and have always wanted a tablet. Please someone answer this question.