I have an iPad, Kindle paper white, and Kindle Fire. The iPad has the most applications and broadest capabilities. If you are only looking for an e-reader and a way to do emails and LIGHT Internet browsing, a Kindle Fire is great and less expensive. But if you want a robust Internet browser, photo applications, and many useful apps, in addition to an eReader, you will need the iPad--it is worth every penny. Both will run on local WiFi, but if you want them to run anywhere without wifi, you will need to buy the more expensive models with 4G and then buy a monthly data plan with your wireless telephone/Internet provider.