I have a Kindle Fire. I got it for the same reasons you mention. We are in FL for the winter and we had to get a different cable while we were down here. I am able to send e-mails; but, most of the time my recipients don't get the e-mails I send them. I have been on the phone since we've been here (mid-January) with both Kindle Support and the cable company here. They have been very nice but, so far, cannot solve the problem. Otherwise I love the things it can do; but the main reason I got it was for e-mail while we're traveling. I would also suggest that you buy a stylus for it. It's much easier to use than tapping with your fingers.