Amazon Kindle Fire Review

Kindle Fire is A Great Device if You Don’t Already Have an iPad

I was really excited to get the Kindle Fire when it was first released. I like to read —  a lot.  However, thick books and my iPad get really hard to read from frequently because of their size, so this looked like a neat way to carry something equally, if not more, convenient for reading, but smaller and cooler as well.

Also, being an Amazon Prime member, I was looking forward to seeing how I would like the integration of the Amazon store in the upgraded Android software of this newest Kindle.

Why I love it

• The device is more compact than Apple’s iPad and iPad 2.  If you, like me, are interested in portable products, this point needs no explanation.
• Despite its smaller size (than iPad), the screen is really nice, and allows for quality video consumption pretty much anywhere with WiFi.  One small caveat here: The screen edge is thin and sometimes I inadvertently touch it and turn a page or do something else unintended.
• The low price is fantastic.  At only $199, the Kindle Fire provides me with media on the move at a very low price.
• Integration with Amazon purchasing: As an Amazon Prime member, I do order from Amazon frequently and this device makes that process (frighteningly) easy.

Why I think it is a great gift for you or your loved ones

• This item is on par with iPad in many respects:  for book reading, steaming video watching, and light web surfing, it competes well.
• The price is a respectable amount — less in fact than any iPad —  but, at $199, it won’t burn your entire paycheck (I hope!).
• The Interface is VERY easy to use, so especially if you or your loved ones like to consume stuff from amazon, it can’t get easier than this.
• Coupled with an Amazon Prime membership or a Netflix steaming subscription, it is a portable movie theatre.
• You can also include an Amazon gift card, so that your loved one will not have to worry about paying for those first few books or movies.
• Or you could buy a case, to help its new owner protect the Fire from the elements, such as this one that I got.

Kindle Fire is not for everyone

After using the device for about a week, I’ve decided I love it and recommend it for many people, BUT I’m returning it.

Why I am returning it

• I already have an iPad and have put a lot of money into buying apps for it. I do not want to repurchase those apps for Kindle Fire.
• I prefer to watch videos when I’m stationary at home, where I prefer to use my larger computer screen.
• I find myself using the Kindle Fire A LOT to read books.  The size and weight of it work great for me when I read.
• The Touch screen is not true multi-touch.
• This device does not work as well as the iPad as a true multitask device.  It does become sluggish if too many hefty apps are running.

What I’m getting instead

I’ve already ordered a Kindle Touch and will be returning my Kindle Fire tomorrow.

Thanks!

Super Gadget Guy