What is your favourite tablet/pen option for drawing in Illustrator?

I'm an old school hand drawing/scan/pen tool designer, but I have a project coming up that will require more illustration than my usual work so I'm thinking it could be time to try a tablet and pen option.

What are people using these days? Is the iPad the best option, or are new gen Wacoms good? (Would love to avoid buying another Apple product.)

Also if you're a designer and illustrator, I'm interested to know your process. :)