Another thing. If I get a new Windows will it not be #11
Over a career of doing all manner of computer operations, behind the scenes, I've had computers of my own since the very early 1980s. Have seen 'em come and go. I tend to be conservative and cautious, to ensure I know what's necessary before leaping to a platform. Waited a couple of years prior to going to Win7; a year before updating to Win10. Just picked up a Win11 machine. Stability-wise, it seems at least the equal of Win7, so far as I can tell. Plus all sorts of Unix/Linus machines, as well as a variety of Apple.
Of course, it's Microsoft. So they do their tracking and tracing of a person's usage. But then, so does Google with their Chrome devices. Apple isn't so different, with their knowledge of what's being done on "their" machines, though they don't seem to sell/advertise the information to the degree other companies do. Six o' one, half dozen o' the other, in a way.
About the only way to sidestep those issues would be: a Linux platform. (Which many "Windows" machines can handle.)
As for a tablet, it'll depend on whether operation of a small device without external keyboard and external monitor will be sufficient for what needs to get done. My own preference is strongly for a "proper" (full-sized) keyboard, and the clarity and size of a decent external monitor.
Definitely evaluate exactly what you'll want the machine to be done. Be certain that the applications (software) you wish to run are available and actually function well on the machine you choose ... whether Win, Chrome, Linux, Apple or a tablet. (I've got a small tablet, and it's good for travel; smaller than a laptop, but sufficiently capable to do what I need done while traveling.)
Good luck on your choice.