If you don't care about access to the Google app store, the new Kindle Fire HD is supposed to be pretty cool, and accesses the web and email as well as movies and books. Otherwise the Galaxy 7 is the economical choice, the iPad/mini if you want to spend the big bucks. 7 inch tablets are comfortable in one's hands, the 10 inch ones, not so much, but do of course have the bigger/nicer display.

You'd have to go to a store and try them out in your own hands to get a feel for what works for you.