Thoughts on Kindle Fire?

[nukediver]

Hi all. I'm contemplating the purchase of a Kindle Fire and am looking for others' thoughts - do you have one? Do you like it?

Something to note is that I already have a 3G iPad 2, an iPhone 4S, and a 3G Kindle Touch, so I'm not looking to replace these (ok, I LOVE technology, there, I've said it). What interests me with the Fire is that it might be a better option for short duration business travel when I'm not in need of a computer, or a place to put photos, or anything heavy duty. Almost all of the places I stay offer free Wifi (a plus, since the Fire doesn't have a 3G option). I'm also an Amazon Prime member, so I'd have access to all that free content. I'd just prefer not to carry my comparatively more expensive iPad with me if I didn't need to.

I know I could leave the Kindle Touch at home and read on the iPad, but I don't love reading on a backlit screen, something a Fire won't solve, but I like the idea of only taking the one device (Fire), being able to access so much content, not having to worry if it gets lost/stolen, and freeing up a little more space. And don't even bother suggesting I use the Kindle app on my iPhone - I'm old enough that it's a pain to see :-)

Any thoughts or advice welcome, thanks!

[Frank II]

The only reason I did not get a Kindle Fire was the lack of Bluetooth. Trying to type on a smaller tablet is very difficult. I had hoped to use my folding Bluetooth keyboard with it but can't since there's no Bluetooth. I even looked for an external keyboard that would work with it but was told there is none.

I'm not sure if this is an issue with you but it was a deal breaker for me.

I have an Ipod Touch (soon to be replaced with an Iphone.) I also have a first generation Kindle. When I travel, I go with the Touch and the keyboard and occasionally bring the Kindle. I make the font on the Touch as large as possible--meaning only about a paragraph per page--and use that to read. Even my "older" eyes make do. I also use the sepia background to cut down on glare. But since you're not interested in using your iphone to read then this is not an answer for you either.

[kmcg]

I don't own one, but have been thinking about buying one so my husband has something to travel with (it's gotten difficult to share the iPad: when he travels on his own, I don't want to give up the iPad, which I use all the time at home). What I've learned is that the browser speed is going to seem slow compared to the iPad. Obviously there are way fewer apps, but that shouldn't matter since you already have an iPad to enjoy apps on. Amazon access would clearly be super easy, but I haven't had any trouble using the Kindle app on my iPad. So if you decided you don't mind carrying your iPad, you could probably make it do essentially what the Kindle Fire does. But if you don't mind spending $200 and owning an extra device, the Kindle could be a great travel companion.

[Tlacltme]

My hubby surprised me with a Kindle Fire for Cmas!

And by surprise, I mean, it wasn't even on my wish list. I didn't think I wanted one.

I LOVE it.

I mostly use it for web browsing, email checking, posting occasional comments, and, of course, READING (I am a book worm).

I should make the disclaimer, that while I'm no technophobe, I'm no techno geek either (8 kids, no time). Perhaps more importantly, we do not own an ipad or iphone or ipod. We have smart phones and mp3 players and laptops and netbooks, but I guess we're not an Apple family...my point being that my point of reference with regards to the Kindle Fire isn't the ipad. The Fire is smaller than the ipad, which I like because I have enough crap to cart around for myself and the kids and so portability is key, but I don't think it's too small. It's light. Big enough. Seems plenty fast to me. And waaaaaay cheaper than an ipad. I say go for it!

(I also have the TB padded KF case...love it! See, if you do get a KF, then you'll HAVE to order a TB case for it, which means you'll HAVE to order a couple of other goodies, y'know, save on shipping and all!)

[Lani]

My husband has a Kindle Fire. This is his third Kindle, and he has apparently taken to it and uses it to read everyday. He got it with the understanding that he would send it back if he couldn't get used to reading on the lit screen, but he seems to like it OK.

For him, the convenience is that he can tuck it into his back pocket, in essence carrying a paperback book with him everywhere.

He also has an iPhone, but he'll often look things up on his Fire when he's at home.

Mostly though, that man just reads. And reads. And reads.

[gmanedit]

I was given a Kindle (with keyboard) a year ago and a Kindle Fire this past Christmas. I use the Fire for browsing; the old Kindle is better for reading—easier on the eyes. Also, the Fire seems to need recharging every five hours*; the old Kindle lasts about ten hours. The backlit screen seems to be good for putting me to sleep.

*To be fair, since I use it to browse, the WiFi is always on.

[AVService]

I find that I really prefer having a real keyboard on a device that will be my sole device on a trip.
All of the touchscreens are great unless I need to really type!

I was bringing an iPad everywhere but now I bring an 11" Macbook Air.

I have thought about upgrading my early version Kindle and have tried the Fire and others out but I prefer the iPad every time.

Of course I always have my iPhone on me too.

Ed

[nukediver]

Thanks for all the great input!

The only reason I did not get a Kindle Fire was the lack of Bluetooth......I'm not sure if this is an issue with you but it was a deal breaker for me.

@Frank II, bluetooth isn't really a concern for me, especially since I hadn't thought about it before you brought it up. I'm primarily interested in something *relatively* inexpensive that I can toss in a bag (a TB bag, of course!) and take on a short business trip to keep me occupied at night or on a flight.

The Fire is smaller than the ipad, which I like because I have enough crap to cart around for myself and the kids and so portability is key, but I don't think it's too small. It's light. Big enough. Seems plenty fast to me. And waaaaaay cheaper than an ipad. I say go for it!....I also have the TB padded KF case...love it! See, if you do get a KF, then you'll HAVE to order a TB case for it, which means you'll HAVE to order a couple of other goodies, y'know, save on shipping and all!

@TlacItme, The smaller size and weight is what I find attractive, plus the price point (I'm thinking refurbished for $169) is good. And don't think I haven't already thought about the *need* fir a new TB order!