I have the 2019 version of the Fire 10 and I added the google play store (I didn't remove all of the Amazon stuff via the toolbox).
So, chrome, email, etc.
It's fine. Web browsing is a bit slow(ish) but everything works well.
I added an external Bluetooth keyboard and mouse which increases usability exponentially.
Keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Rechargeable-Detachable-Ultra-slim-Tablets-KM12/dp/B00T7GDZXM
Mouse: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Bluetooth-Mouse-Windows-Tablets/dp/B00JUHDYSO
Email via google is just as you would think, youtube is fine, so it netflix.
I'd add a cheap pair of egghead headphones.
If I were you I'd go for the newest 10HD or the 8+ - they both have more ram than the older version. They're still totally underpowered by today's standards but they do the job for $200.
It's basically a good way to have a dumb terminal to email, the internet, and your song library, and it's has a good enough screen.
Actually I'd just go for the new 10HD - the 8 inch is just too small.
Once these become obsolete I highly advise you to check out superdisplay - basically turning a tablet into a second monitor for your main computer.
I've been pining after a freewrite traveler but can't justify the cost. I tried the alphasmart for distraction free writing but wasn't a fan of the screen real estate or lack of the ability to back up immediately to the web. Then I discovered the rooted Nook and the possibility of VNC with the Pi. Added a battery, bluetooth keyboard, velcro, and some foam (needs work, still a little janky) to a gun case and, NookBerry is born. I'm using Draft in chromium which is super simple interface, isn't bothered by screen refreshing all the time and is constantly saving my work. Nook is secured on with velcro so can detach and still use as an ereader/tablet.
Small hiccups: Nook crashes a lot when battery is running low and screensaver cuts on every so often. Edges on the case are a bit hard on the wrists (need sanding). Need a more permanent solution for the hinge, right now it's just two binder clips wedged in back to maintain the angle.
EDIT:
Here are the links to various resources that helped me along the way and some of the materials:
-Rooting the Nook: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/nst-g-updating-nookmanager-for-fw-1-2-2.3873048/ -Using Nook as screen for pi: https://pihw.wordpress.com/guides/guide-to-using-the-nook-simple-touch-as-a-remote-eink-raspberry-pi-screen/ -AndroidVNC for Nook: https://code.google.com/archive/p/android-vnc-viewer/downloads -Raspberry Pi OS with RealVNC installed: https://www.raspberrypi.org/software/operating-systems/ -Case: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LN4LKG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details -Battery: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LMJV8X6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details -Keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T7GDZXM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 -Case inspiration:https://hackaday.com/2020/10/19/simplifying-the-ruggedized-raspberry-pi-portable/