I don't remember where I've read about it, but there's the cheaper alternative of a Ugee: http://www.amazon.com/Ugee-Digital-Display-Original-Chargers/dp/B00WJHOKQ2/
It's cost less to buy a sketchbook, a pencil and an eraser then buy a tablet... And i think it's better to learn the basic of traditional drawing before going on digital drawing
Ah. Interesting seeing job roles at various studios. @ambershee: Yeah that was closed a while back. Apparently was really close to the old place Digital Extremes was at.