i pad or ?

I have the same thoughts. I purchased a used Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 SM-T500 on ebay for less than $100.00. It appears to do all I want as long as I have WIFI internet service which I have in my TV. I also got a used Chrome Book for about the same price. Think I like the CB with it's keyboard best.

I-pad is $$$$$.

PS I am 86 years old. Need something to keep my brain working.

For that use apple all the way :)

If you're familiar with Apple an Ipad would probably work fine. But if you're used to Android, or Windows computing, you won't like the Apple locked down system. I like being able to do what I want, and the way I want, not what the computer wants.

For bill paying or email where I have to type, a laptop is more convienent.

Unless you are really desperate to save space/weight just take both.

I think it has to do with personal preference. Imagine doing the things you mentioned on your phone, but a bigger screen. That's basically what a tablet is. I prefer my laptop, with a mouse and real keyboard. I have a friend who does everything on her phone. I could never do that! I do have a small tablet (not an iPad) but only use it for games, which I do like it for.

Are you a Mac/iPhone owner? Is that why you are considering an iPad? If not, there are several Android tablets. I use a Mac laptop, Windows laptop in the household, and Android phone and tablet. But not everyone is tri-lingual :)

All these electronics travel with us!

I switched to iPad/iPhone years ago from a PC/Windows environment and won’t go back. Much more secure from malware, fewer updates, but a bit pricier than Windows based products. IMO well worth it. I used to have the opinion that Apples systems are too closed. For what 90+ percent of people need, closed is a good thing.

I'm not an Apple/IOS fan.. For assorted reasons that go all the way back to how they marketed the Apple II E... I just found those reasons are still valid. but marketing is kind of like Politics and I'm not discussing it here.

But I do use a lot of android products including a Samsund Galaxy Tablet. Phone. and some other 'droid tablets. and a pair of Chromebook as well (Related but diferent)

IF your use is sending/receiving E-mails.. Streaming Video and "Social Media"

All of them work well... I'd go with most likely a Cheap Chrome book or the Galaxy Tablet.. Note the Tablet I have has the ability to accept a SIM card and connect direct to Cell towers if I choose it also has GPS built in so I can use it for mapping and tracking (And have used it for tracking)

Or I can hook it to my phone's Wi-Fi hotspot or the House Router for uses as well.

I do not run a lot of "Apps" however other than some Communication stuff.. Some of which is not yet out for IOS..

But less than 100 dollars (I think I paid 80 for the Samsung Tab refurb at MicroCenter) v/s how much is the I-pad? (OUCH) .

I've been travelling with a desktop for many years. I'm finally going to switch to a laptop. Can't see a tablet in my future, but there are many things that are easier / possible to do with a smartphone.

I travel with MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone, but can do most anything with any one of them. Overkill mostly I guess. IMO, it's important that if you use more than one device, they should be compatible so that file transfers like pics or docs can be shared easily.. My preference is Mac--yours may be different.

Tablets are good when most of the time you are reading and not writing. Typing is just hunt and peck with a lot of wrong keys.

First. You need to decide what size screen you want/need. 10" is the minimum. Make sure it is an IPS screen (only the super cheap are not). You need to spend some time with one to see what size screen you like.

iPads are nice but expensive. Samsung is also good. Amazon Fire 10HD is the minimum I would go.