I've got an Intuos3 A4 size as well, if it ever breaks I will instantly buy another one, these things are great!

I don't think wide screen is really important as I usually paint much much bigger areas anyways. Like anything from 2000x2000 and up for extremely detailed paintings and so. I'm still learning to actually paint, but together with Painter IX it's a mighty powerful combo that I'll probably love until I die or so.

Cheers