I've made everything in the past using a wacom bamboo. Not professional grade by any means, but it got the job done (admirably, even).
It's been a long time since I made a big purchase as I like to only acquire things I need or will use a lot. I don't buy games so much anymore.
SO. Wacom Intuos 5 or Cintiq?
Now that I'm thinking over my options, I know what to do. Sometimes its best to write it out, stare at it, then delete it to know what you need to do. Either way I'll have a professional grade tablet for digital painting. I wonder if it will speed up my process?