But how could such a cheap knockoff compete with the almighty Apple?
Easy. First, it saves you a bundle, not only because the initial price is hundreds of dollars less than an iPad but unlike the iPhone, there’s no monthly fee (though you must find your own access to wifi to surf the web).
(One report says that the Kindle Fire actually costs $201.70 to make, so Amazon is selling this nifty device at a loss. The logic appears to be similar to selling you a cheap printer expecting that you will buy their expensive ink cartridges. In this case, Amazon wants you to use your Kindle to buy their books and other goods.)
Second, it displays Flash. My apologies to the late Mr. Jobs, but Apple’s arrogant refusal to show me Flash was a deal-breaker for me.
Third, the KF is the perfect size to tuck into my purse, which means that I can now carry a gazillion books in the place where I used to tuck just one paperback. In a flash (pun intended), the Kindle Fire downloaded all the books I had purchased for my old Kindle, the device I used to enjoy but now think of as the functional equivalent of Pong.
Much as I liked my old Kindle, the KF’s color screen really does make a difference, especially for books like the manual for my camera that color codes its instructions.
But books are only the beginning. I spent an hour downloading a bunch of free apps that allow me to read my favorite news sites for free. Then I discovered that Amazon Prime customers can access loads of old TV shows for free. (All three seasons of Arrested Development for free? Holy Hulu, be still my heart.)
Amazon Prime remains a bargain in my book. For an annual fee of only $79, I get two-day delivery of all my Amazon purchases for free. Since I hate shopping other than at Meijer, this means I can indulge a whim whenever I want something and order it through Amazon without worrying about the delivery costs that are often prohibitive for small purchases.
Maybe Apple’s iPad does much more than my somewhat smaller and more unassuming device. But my Kindle Fire does what I need at a price I can afford.
Nice to read a personal review. Personally a bit tired of the tech reviewers comparing the Kindle Fire to the iPad rather than reviewing it on its own merits. I love mine. The size is perfect for tucking in a purse, the screen is gorgeous, quick and easy to check email, web browser is fast and enough Amazon apps to meet my needs. Videos (YouTube, Amazon Prime, etc.) on the Kindle Fire looks great. Sound quality is good too. Check out the sound when you plug in external speakers. Nice!
P.S. Okay. For those who can’t help compare it to the iPad. Remember, the first gen. iPad does not have a camera, could not originally do copy and paste, had to be connected to iTunes before you could use it, and also had limited tablet-friendly apps. I am not iPad bashing, just stating the facts. I bought a refurbished iPad (1) for my mother and she likes it. But I bet she would also like the Kindle Fire too.
Well, for sure I now know what I want Santa to cough up for me!
I received my Kindle Fire a couple of days ago, finally. I generally like Amazon (love my Kindle DX) and usually shipping is ok, but the “Smartshipping” or whatever they called it (FedEx to USPS and where ever after that) is kind of lame… I pre-ordered mine on the second day after it was allowed to be pre-ordered and it took “3 days” just to get from Denver to Colorado Springs haha. Anyway, I digress.
I read as much as I could in the 24 hours prior to my pre-order being made, and essentially made a snap decision to do so, knowing my wife has an iPad and I carry a little netbook around with me everywhere. The netbook is fine, most of the time but awkward. The iPad to me, is kind of heavy.
I wanted something that could:
1) read books
2) read PDF files (especially PDF files, including COLOR technical and scientific manuals, like astronomy, celestial navigation material and brain rotting stuff like that).
3) do quick emails
4) browse the internet
5) do Face Book
6) browse and read my own web site
I think for 200 bucks (plus shipping) I got precisely what I was seeking. Not only that I can put all my Jimmy Buffet albums on there, re-read all the dozens and dozens of books I purchased through Amazon and right now, I’ve got the “free month” of “Amazon Prime” and haven’t watched TV in.. oh, four years I guess, and didn’t realize how much I missed it (got hooked on the “LOST” series yesterday… gonna try to see it all in my “month” LOL)!
Wow, I didn’t think I wanted one, but now I do! Thanks Bonnie!
I have now discovered Angry Birds. The screen is just the right size to play this.