I have both an iPad & Acer Iconia w510. When choosing a tablet, I think it's important to consider for what exactly you'll be using it for. This will determine how much you'll need to spend and what kind of hardware power you'll need. One of my mates did just that and saved himself a bundle... all he wanted to do was to buy something with a bigger screen to skype on lol.
Even though I can use my acer as a "tablet", the operating system (Windows 8 ) sucks. Windows 8 - despite their claims, is simply not built for tablet users. I am finding myself using it more as a touch screened netbook than anything else.
The iPad on the other hand, is a dream to use as a tablet. It does what it says on the tin so to speak. You can do a bunch of stuff with it and you get the added benefits of using the Apples App Store.
If you want a mobile device to browse websites, check your emails, type a bunch of stuff - the iPad will make your life much easier. It's built solely for that purpose. I realise you'll be spending a lot more than an average tablet, but rather than buying cheap crap (which'll most likely lack in usability or die in a few months), I'd invest it into something which actually has a strong reputation in the tablet market.
One big downside with an iPad - which I am sure you'll know is that it doesn't play flash content - hence why I have the Acer tablet!
The Acer is basically a tablet and a netbook in one: