I ave two Kindles. I have a Paperwhite that I love to read with. I carry it with me a lot. I also have a Kindle Fire and I absolutely love it. I know it has many of the capabilities of the IPad. I do email on it, it has Silk browser, I have a contact list, note taking, etc. Most everything except phone. I is easy and compact to carry. When I travel I can connect with internet everywhere its available. I don't take my PC on most trips. I have been super happy with it. And, by the way. I can read a book on the Paperwhite and then switch to the Fire. It will advance to the place in the book where I want to read. I do have a smart phone (recent gift from one of my sons because he upgraded his family phone plan and I am on their plan) but don't use it as effectively as I might. I just don't put in the effort since I have other devices. But, I do like my Kindles!