I'm using a wacom intuos (A5) and it was one of the best investments I have made so far. I've worked on an graphire A6 before and I thought i was a bit too small. So if you can afford to go one number bigger do it. Size does matter especially when you use the tablet to draw a lot (painter, photoshop etc) For modeling, weight painting... in maya the size probably doesnn'T make a huge difference. It'll take you a while to get used to it especially in 3D, but once you've got the hang of it you'r mouse will start to collect a thick layer of dust.