Help getting into digital art

For the last four months I have been working with either a sketch pad and pencil or a tiny no screen drawing pad for my computer. I am looking to get something more mobile like a tablet. I am of course also on a budget, which brings to my question; what should I get?

I have been saving up for the XP Pen magic drawing pad which is sitting at $500. Everyone I watch seems to really like the tablet and I also really like it from what I when seen.

But everyone seems to also say that IPads are better. But everyone iPad I see that people seem to recommend is sitting at $600+ and is way beyond my price range, not to mention having to dish out another $80 for a pencil.

What are your guy’s thoughts? I really appreciate it!