Hi nikokapo, I have owned Wacom tablet for over 10 years now and I still use the same one.
I have used other brands at work, and to be quite frank do not waste your time and $$$ on anything else. From a user perspective, the Wacom tablets just work and work well.
Much like a mouse and keyboard, the tablet must feel natural and responsive. IMHO the Wacom are just right.
I use mine purely for image editing (GIMP) and could not live without it. Have you ever tried to mask or erase a region with a mouse? It sucks. The wacom feels so natural that you actually forget your using a tablet/pen because it feels just like using a real pencil/pen.
Some key elements of the Wacom that I love are the high resolution pressure sensitivity, turn the pen around and it functions like an eraser (pressure sensitive also).
As for durability, let me say that I am still using the original "pen" and surface. My model has a semi-clear cover that is hinged at the top. Not sure what it is made of, but it has suffered no scratches or indentation over 10 years of hard work. I clean it weekly with mild soap and warm water. The pen stylus has also stood up to what must be miles of use.
Wacom tablets are fully supported by Linux (my choice) although I have also taken mine to the office (used with XP Pro) and it works just the same.
Tip: Don't go to small.....
Unlike a mouse, you don't lift the pen when you run out of tablet (takes a little getting used to initially) rather the tablet is absolute coordinates.
The larger Wacom tablets are not cheap, but if your serious about getting onbe for regular use then pay the $$$. PS. I do not work for Wacom!