IMO, the iPad is really the best option — and other than that, I'm not in the Apple ecosystem at all, so I feel fairly unbiased. But in terms of build quality,

IMO, the iPad is really the best option — and other than that, I'm not in the Apple ecosystem at all, so I feel fairly unbiased. But in terms of build quality, responsiveness, and overall tablet-optimized app library, nothing else really comes close. The Surface Pro line of hybrid laptop/tablets is pretty interesting as a lightweight laptop replacement with pen support, but I suspect that's not what you're looking for in a "tablet for the house" — the OS is definitely not touch-first.