Tablets

With the home school program we're in, we get money to buy supplies for school.  I have $175 left over and need to spend it soon.  So we've been debating between a refurbished laptop, a laser printer, or a tablet (probably a Nexus).
The thing is...why do I need a tablet?  I mean, we have some old ipods my brother in law gave us so get how cool apps are and everything, but isn't a tablet just like a really big smart phone?  Or is there more to it?
Someone enlighten me.
I like computers.  They may not get apps, but they have dvd drives.

Exciting things to know:
2 of our new chickens (previously known as "the chicks") have started laying!!  AND my husband ordered a smart phone!!  That's HUGE for our family.  He may even send a text now!!11!!one!