So its not as easy to carry around or stick in a pocket or purse like a stand - alone ereader would do
How is ease way?
I got this as a gift a few months ago.  I have several non-Amazon ereaders.  This is my first Kindle ereader which is also a tablet.  Its very nice.  I was also given the case for it with the rapid charger.  The case is nice, protective and I can set it up to watch movies etc.The main thing that drives me crazy is the power on button.  They should have put it in an easier spot to get to and see.The other thing is also the lack of Google Play apps.  There are many on there I want that are not available.  Some other reviewer said there is a way to get them.  I have not tried figuring that out yet.Besides those two things I have no other complaints.  Obviously because it is a tablet the battery does go down faster if you are using it for other things than just reading.  Another thing to consider is it is heavy because of all the features it has.  So its not as easy to carry around or stick in a pocket or purse like a stand-alone ereader would do.  So that is something to consider.It has great functions and great picture quality.  It also has a camera and you can skype.  You can check your email, download available apps, play games, listen to music read,surf, etc.  There are many many other functions.As far as reading goes you can buy Amazon books right on the reader or online through your account or purchase gift cards available in most stores where the gift cards are; I see them everywhere.  However, I never buy books.  I read many books a month and get them all free through the Overdrive program including latest releases.  I downloaded the app on my Kindle Fire HD.  I can read Kindle format books and if I want to read non-Kindle format books I can read them on the ereader that is built into the Overdrive program, which is their console so I can read Kindle and Epub formats right on my Kindle Fire HD.  The ereader function of the Kindle Fire is very good.  The screen is bright, not much glare at all, tap to turn pages, easy dictionary access, bookmarking etc functions.  I also like how secure it is.  I have placed a password on it.  Its very easy to figure out and use.UPDATE:  I bought the ihome alarm/clock charger for this on Amazon.  See my review.  Its great. Its an alarm clock, charger (charges our KF and phones) and is a speaker for your KF for listening to music apps like Pandora, the FM radio the clock comes with etc. 