I have an HP laptop that works very well and a separate drive for storage as a backup. I use it for my family tree, letters for DH and other stuff I want easy access to. I like having separate storage, just in case.
For use everyday I have the most basic IPad. I’ve had this model since 2017. It wasn’t holding a charge well, so I went to the Apple Store and had a chat. I was able to buy a replacement pad, same model for £100 instead of a new one. It should last now until this model isn’t updated anymore (and longer). Once I was used it, I just love it. It’s so fast. The people in the store are so helpful. For example they set the whole pad up and linked it to my new iPhone, also the cheapest model and helped me sort out one or two problems. They also run in store courses for doing loads of different things with the iPad.
These days I’d probably buy a reconditioned laptop and new Apple stuff, if I needed to. Still, go with whatever you are comfortable with.