Which Tablet?

At this moment in my life journey I feel like I would like to purchase a tablet. However, I have a few questions:

1. Do I really NEED a tablet or is it just a 'Nice-to-Have'?
2. Would a smaller netbook type laptop device be more functional?
3. What features am I looking for?
4. What size do I want?
5. Which tablet should I end up getting?

Answers:

1. No I do not NEED one per se. I just enjoy having a portable entertainment device.
   Here is what I would use it for ......
   - Youtube
   - Twitter
   - Email
   - Surfing the net
   - Kindle
   - Occasional games (although the kids would use it for more games).
2. Perhaps since it has a keyboard and would be able to accommodate 'real' windows programs
3. Ok here goes ....
   - Non-bluetooth Keyboard
   - Full USB
   - Sylus with hand writing recognition
   - Voice to text
   - Side-by-Side applications
   - Expandable storage
   - HDMI output
4. This is a difficult one:
   - I like to convenience of the smaller devices but screen size is an issue when reading kindle books/mags with maps/images
5. I am torn between 3 at the moment:
   - Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
   - Samsung Galaxy Note 8
   - MS Surface RT