Are there any decent Graphics Tablets out there that will work with a computer running on Windows Vista?

I prefer the wacom brand… do most of the new tablets work with Vista?
I have an older one which was meant for Windows 98, that isn’t compatable.
I mean the kind of Graphics Tablet, as in the machine that has a pen, that acts like paper.

I was thinking about getting one of those graphics tablets, but I’m unsure if they’re worth the money.
I usually just draw a picture by hand, pencil and paper, scan it into Photoshop Cs3, and then ink it.
But does a graphics tablet really improve the quality or make it easier?

Can anyone show me any comparisons between scanning and inking and a graphics tablet?
Are they worth the money?
Is it better to use?

What are some good graphics tablets companies besides wacom ? I want to get one for my cousin because it’s her birthday and she loves drawing manga. Oh & preferably under 0 (: