I have a Samsung tablet and really like it. Bought it primarily for business purposes vs the Windows tablet. The samsung has MS office so I can do word docs; excel; etc. It does not have cell capabilities so no monthly charge but can (and do) hook up to free wifi home and elsewhere. I have downloaded library books and it works in a pinch when I'm waiting places but not my preferred method of reading either.
I agree with going to Best Buy and chatting with the folks there. The Samsung lady I dealt with was wonderful. She totally understood my dinosaur mind and desires vs some of the younger folks and did not try to up-sell me on something I did not want.