I never suggested boycotting Amazon. @NullNix You are taking almost every bit of advice out of context.
People need to learn to install books from Amazon and everywhere else via download and then USB. A laptop is best, but most smartphones and tablets will work too.
People need to make their own backups.
Do not hand Amazon a monopoly.
If you believe any Cloud is more reliable than a Kindle, I have a bridge you'd like to buy. Clouds go down all the time. Yes, they usually come up again.
Very many Internet based resources are gone. Make backups and you CAN pass on downloaded material to your children (one of them anyway, without breaking copyright*). The Media companies that say this is not true are greedy and lying. Also the evil DMCA doesn't apply outside of USA.
USA is getting worse at misuse of intellectual property. Read the comments.
* Also copyright DOES expire (except maybe in the USA)
Buying a Kindle is about a buying a cheap good value eInk reader to read eBooks including ones from Amazon. You'll pay a premium for one with 3G.
If you simply want instant access, then you can put apps on a smartphone (or tablet) and access Amazon, Google Books, Nook store, Kobo store, Aldiko store and Smashwords directly (apps for most of these). The Kindle only works "direct" with Amazon. Best to learn how to download and use USB if wanting eInk instead of LCD/OLED apps on phone/tablet.
A Kindle is also the best way to
use Gutenberg, over 57,000 copyright free titles today.