I'm using a Wacom Intuos pen & touch M graphics tablet, connected to a Thinkpad 430. Over the years I was using Debian Stable, MINT, and finally Ubuntu.
The experience is great. Like I mentioned, much better than windows. I only just started to use Krita (I prefer MyPaint, however I feel I should branch out). The work I do isn't special, just stupid doodles and cartoon type of stuff. The wacom I'm using is older, I think I bought it 5 years ago or so.
I don't really have much to add besides that. I remember WAYYY back in the day having to compile the driver myself for an older wacom (Ubuntu 6 or 7 era). It's practically plug and play now, however, I think there is some other apt-get stuff that I did once for some reason that I forget (eraser wasn't working?). If you are having issues maybe try another tablet. I think the one I have can be bought for $50 on ebay. Maybe try a 30 day return place like best buy and sorry to say try the latest ubuntu or mint for compatibility (have a dedicated art machine?)