The problem with some stylus+screen interfaces, (IMHO) is that they often wear grooves into the surface, because they're so hard. Of course, this is all sorta second-hand .. I've not had the experience using a stylus, but I've seen the devices they were used on. Bleh. On the otherhand, I'm sure a stylus is much better to use than a ball-point pen. Stylus' are cheap, perhaps you could invest in one?

The advantage of a touch PC, is of course, having the surface BE the image you're manipulating.

All hat being said -- at the moment Amazon.com has a "sale" of sorts on the Wacom Bamboo Fun. Something like $5 USD less than retail, and no shipping. I think I'll get one. Maybe. They have some positive reviews also.