my major concern is that if I understand it right a Kindle Fire is "touchscreen" which for me is a problem.
First I like a keyboard and a touchscreen interface seems so slow to me.
Second I hate fingerprints on my screen it annoys me to the point of being an obsession.
Third for some reason my hands get very dry which means I am using hand cream every day which aggravates the issue of fingerprints on my screen.
“my major concern is that if I understand it right a Kindle Fire is “touchscreen” which for me is a problem.”
I prefer the Kindle keyboard for reading some books, and the laptop for others (e.g. diagram-heavy books and manuals). The easy portability of the Kindle is the main selling point for me. I find the Nook (touchscreen) less efficient so it usually stays home in the drawer.
Use a stylus, I do.