Fru

For these uses, I vote iPad but look into getting a good deal or refurbished. I still don't trust the quality (and lifespan) of most other tablets on the market.

I agree @jaws, there are some half baked manufacturers out there.  I still try to go with names I recognize.  I have 2 samsung galaxy tablets that work great, kindle fire that is great, and would probably fit @fru's needs at about half the price, 2 iPads and a Aurus tablet.  Outside of price, and OS, there wasn't much of a difference between the galaxy tablets, fire and iPads.  It was really a preference between the OS.  The Aurus was spotty at best.  If you have an iPhone, I'd say the iPad for ease of transferring between the two.  But otherwise, I'd recommend the Fire.

Fire tablets are affordable and they get the job done.