Android or I Pad Mini?

The idea of tablets is mobility and portability. If all you want to do is surf, at home, buy a laptop. They are dirt cheap now, too.

If you're looking for something to use away from the house that is bigger than an iPhone, than any of the tablets will work, fine.

I also have an iPhone, and I don't have any problems communicating with any of my family and friends who have various tablets.
Some have even given up their cell phones for tablets with Facetime or cellular capabilities.