Amazon Kindle Fire [Archive] - Absolute Write Water Cooler

kuwisdelu

09-29-2011, 12:02 AM

jinkang

09-29-2011, 12:32 AM

We have a discussion on it in the Roundtable (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226009) here.

If we want to keep the techy discussion in here, I am wondering what kind of specs it's going to have at those kinds of prices (and what quality screen?), and to what extent Amazon has customized Android. Will it be as locked down and ereading-focused as the Nook? Or will it be more of a full-on fork that they intend to develop as a general tablet OS?

Thanks!

Well.. it's interesting. The spec is very similar to Playbook since it's more or less the same manufacturer I believe. The screen is 7" and supposed to support up to 1024 x 600 pixels. So it's definitely a casual gaming/movie-watching platform. [http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37511/Amazon_Announces_Kindle_Fire_A_199_7Inch_LCD_Table t.php]

As for OS...it's locked down tight. In fact, Amazon has their own 'AmazonStore' and you can't access Android Market unless you root it, from what I hear. I think they are tooting it as 'curated' market with some additional stuff of their own (like Rio.)

So, as far as specs go... I don't think it competes with iPad2 since there is camera or mic....but it's the price that really kills competition I think. And the weight. Can't forget about the weight...

leahzero

09-29-2011, 12:41 AM

Anyone have the processor specs yet? All I've heard confirmed is it's a dual core.

jinkang

09-29-2011, 12:52 AM

Anyone have the processor specs yet? All I've heard confirmed is it's a dual core.

It's OMAP 4 dual-core, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich. LG Optimus 3D seems to use it.

jinkang

09-29-2011, 12:52 AM

It's OMAP 4 dual-core, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich. LG Optimus 3D seems to use it.

And might I add, it's supposed to be the next gen. for android devices so I imagine it's powerful.

kuwisdelu

09-29-2011, 12:56 AM

It's OMAP 4 dual-core, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich. LG Optimus 3D seems to use it.

Err, wha? Ice Cream Sandwich is the code name for the next version of Android, not for an ARM SoC.

kuwisdelu

09-29-2011, 12:57 AM

Thanks!

Well.. it's interesting. The spec is very similar to Playbook since it's more or less the same manufacturer I believe. The screen is 7" and supposed to support up to 1024 x 600 pixels. So it's definitely a casual gaming/movie-watching platform. [http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37511/Amazon_Announces_Kindle_Fire_A_199_7Inch_LCD_Table t.php]

As for OS...it's locked down tight. In fact, Amazon has their own 'AmazonStore' and you can't access Android Market unless you root it, from what I hear. I think they are tooting it as 'curated' market with some additional stuff of their own (like Rio.)

So, as far as specs go... I don't think it competes with iPad2 since there is camera or mic....but it's the price that really kills competition I think. And the weight. Can't forget about the weight...

And might I add, it's supposed to be the next gen. for android devices so I imagine it's powerful.

If that's right, I wonder what Amazon's margins are — if any.

Tirjasdyn

09-29-2011, 01:14 AM

Basic Info

Display7" multi-touch display with IPS (in-plane switching) technology and anti-reflective treatment, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi, 16 million colors.

Size (in inches)7.5" x 4.7" x 0.45" (190 mm x 120 mm x 11.4 mm).

Weight14.6 ounces (413 grams).

System RequirementsNone, because it's wireless and doesn't require a computer.

On-device Storage8GB internal. That's enough for 80 apps, plus either 10 movies or 800 songs or 6,000 books.

Cloud StorageFree cloud storage for all Amazon content

Battery LifeUp to 8 hours of continuous reading or 7.5 hours of video playback, with wireless off. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as web browsing and downloading content.

Charge TimeFully charges in approximately 4 hours via included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via USB.

Wi-Fi ConnectivitySupports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.1X standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks.

USB PortUSB 2.0 (micro-B connector)

Audio3.5 mm stereo audio jack, top-mounted stereo speakers.

Content Formats SupportedKindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, non-DRM AAC, MP3, MIDI, OGG, WAV, MP4, VP8.

DocumentationQuick Start Guide(included in box); Kindle User's Guide (pre-installed on device)

Warranty and Service1-year limited warranty and service (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200728730) included. Optional 2-year Extended Warranty (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058WELD2/ref=kinw3wf_ddp) available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to the terms found here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200699130).

Included in the BoxKindle Fire tablet, U.S. power adapter (supports 100-240V), and Quick Start Guide.

Little Ming

09-29-2011, 01:20 AM

Apparently root-friendly (http://thegadgets.net/2011/09/28/the-kindle-fire-will-be-root-friendly/) too. Or so they say.

Tirjasdyn

09-29-2011, 01:21 AM

My daughter will be getting one of these for Christmas. She's been begging for a tablet...not needing an computer is a big plus. We've found that very limiting in the original iPad.

I'm looking at the eink tablet for a reader for myself...still iffy on it though. The touch Nook was extremely disappointing. Menu handling sucked so bad that it seems like you get a random menu each time, (highlights, notes or the main book menu). Hopefully that isn't a problem with the new kindle tablets.

Also I've seen a few reports of B&N stock dropping at this announcement. I'd bet that Amazon has a wider margin than B&N does right now.

jinkang

09-29-2011, 02:07 AM

Err, wha? Ice Cream Sandwich is the code name for the next version of Android, not for an ARM SoC.

Right, my bad.

Weight14.6 ounces (413 grams).

That's sweet... more than anything else, I like the fact that I don't need two hands to carry it. :P

alleycat

09-29-2011, 02:36 AM

I'm really tempted to buy one.

No one has yet come out with a tablet that's quite perfect for me (that's not a complaint about the tablets themselves, just my preferences); there always seems to be one or two things I don't like about them.

cray

09-29-2011, 10:28 PM

i'll be getting one of these whenever they come out. nov 15?

not that i'm was looking for it but i just won a contest at work and the prizes were a choice between the kindle fire, a new nano or a neatreceipts mobile scanner.

i didn't have to think too hard about which to choose....

alleycat

10-24-2011, 02:49 PM

Well, I just put in my order for a Fire. It's going to be my Christmas present to myself this year (it's got to be more useful than the battery-powered tie rack someone gave me for Christmas one year).

I'm sure there will be things I like about it, and a couple of things I don't. I do wish it had a slide-out keyboard.

Torgo

10-24-2011, 03:15 PM

If that's right, I wonder what Amazon's margins are — if any.

I'd be unsurprised to find that they're taking a loss on them, at least to begin with.

Cath

10-24-2011, 05:33 PM

With the margins in mind, remember, amazon will be building a tablet with the purpose of selling you content (primarily books from what I understand) and not offering content with the purpose of selling the device.

I suspect this will result in more limited functionality than a more expensive tablet and access to fewer applications (because they want you to buy from them). I believe it will be closest to the nook, not the iPad - possibly an excellent eReader, but frustrating for wider tablet use. My husband's nook was a gateway device to a full-blown tablet -- prepare to be hooked!!

thothguard51

10-24-2011, 05:49 PM

I got mine pre-ordered. Will use mostly for reading and maybe a little web browsing from time to time. I could have gone with the cheaper models just for reading, but I wanted the ability to web surf or watch a movie if traveling and stuck somewhere. I really don't need a full tablet, (Yet), since I have a great laptop for all my other computing task...

Price was the biggest decision maker for me over the ipad...

jinkang

10-24-2011, 07:23 PM

Torgo

10-24-2011, 07:37 PM

The only concern for me is that Amazon keeps track of all sites I would visit. Besides that, I'm more or less sold here too.

I'll be interested to see whether Silk is even legal. It is eerily reminiscent of Phorm.

alleycat

11-15-2011, 08:36 AM

Amazon has started shipping. I got a confirmation that mine will be delivered tomorrow.

Fun with new toys!

Cliff Face

11-15-2011, 01:07 PM

Ugh. We only recently got the original Kindle available in Australia! Don't tell me there's a better one out in the States already. *stern face, wags finger*

There's a catalogue for a store here that I saw tonight, with a 6" eInk Kindle for $139. We've only had Kindles for about 2 or 3 months!

*wonders how long it'll be before the Kindle Fire is available in Australia*

alleycat

11-15-2011, 02:41 PM

There are three or four models of the older type Kindles available in the US (small, large, large with keypad), and then the Fire.

Tirjasdyn

11-15-2011, 08:00 PM

Got notification that my daughter's will be here by the end of the week. I'm planning to shell out for prime for this but there has been some clarification that there is a netflix app and an email app preinstalled. Reviews are saying the email app is the basic Android mail app (the one no one ever uses on android devices because dedicated gmail and yahoo apps have been there from the start.)

cray

11-15-2011, 08:15 PM

Amazon has started shipping. I got a confirmation that mine will be delivered tomorrow.

Fun with new toys!

me too. ;)

Tirjasdyn

11-15-2011, 08:25 PM

Just saw another confirmation that hulu plus and espn apps are already available for the fire. Sounding like it's not as closed looped as it first appeared to be.

I hope we get more reports soon (or I'll be checking when my daughter's comes in) how it preforms when streaming.

alleycat

11-16-2011, 12:28 PM

I got mine yesterday, but I only played around with it for a little while.

Christine N.

11-16-2011, 02:11 PM

Got mine got mine got mine!!! LOVE IT.

Way back when, there were questions about whether you'd be able to watch Netflix and such on it, since Amazon has its own streaming service.

But there's an app for that. You can't watch Netflix directly on it, the OS doesn't work, but there IS a Netflix app that will make it work. It's FREE and on the front page of the app store. There is also a Hulu app, if you're into that. Also the Weather channel if you like.

Since it came with a month's free Amazon Prime, I gave it a whirl and watched a free episode of Doctor Who (an older one) on that service. To check the quality of the streaming, you understand ;). It was great. The processor is speedy, no problems with the streaming.

I set up my FB account on it, my gmail, and made a tweet from it. Oh, and I actually looked at my books I already have on Amazon too. It was nice to see those covers in color.

It's NOT an iPad. You can't take it anywhere and watch movies or read books on the cloud, since there's no 3G/4G. There's no camera. BUT you're not paying for either of those things either, and there's no service contract. There is a small word processor app that it come with,but I haven't tried it yet. And there's a place to put your personal docs. There's also a folder for music and the Audible app comes pre-loaded.

You can download the books so that you can read them off line, and it will work anywhere there's wi-fi. My phone also happens to have a hotspot, if I'm desperate.

Eventually the world will be connected anyway right?

For what it does, it does it well. Adore it and am very happy with my purchase.

kuwisdelu

11-16-2011, 09:19 PM

The Ars First impressions found the scrolling not very smooth and hated the keyboard. Any impressions on the smoothness and the typing?

alleycat

11-16-2011, 09:50 PM

I had a hard time typing on it, but I assumed it was just me getting used to it, or that the sensitivity could be set . . . somewhere.

I also found a slight unexpected delay when an option is selected, which made me think I hadn't pushed it right, so I'd push again . . . and then it would skip to the next page. It was almost like I had to push an options icon slightly above the icon. Again, it could just be me not being familiar with it.

thothguard51

11-16-2011, 10:03 PM

Scrolling was a bit faster than I thought, perhaps too fast. If I just did a swipe and took my finger off, it kept going. Takes a bit of practice but once you get used to it, it works very smoothly. IMHO since I have nothing to compare it too...

The keyboard is very sensitive and its easy to hit the wrong keys. My GF gave me a stylist and that seems to have helped eliminate the fat fingers syndrome.

The screen is sharp and the colors as good as my 24 inch desk top monitor. No complaints. I had no trouble using the magnifier once I located it to bring images and things up that were hard to read.

One of the first web sites I visited last night was the AW Cooler of course and I had no trouble navigating around the cooler. Did not try to respond to any threads though.

One of the first books I downloaded from my Kindle for PC account was a book by a fellow AW member and I had no troubles reading. My whole Kindle for the PC is available to me and I was glad because I thought I was going to have to sync them one by one.

Haven't watched any movies or TV shows yet but there are a bunch to choose from. Three seasons of the Tutors...yes.

As far as apps, I did have trouble downloading the dropbox app which is free, but it might have been a connection problem. Going to try that again later tonight. Be nice to pull up my writing files or even my work files while in a meeting, just to say...get with the program guys...

What I am disappointed in, is the fact that the usb ports are not compatible with my usb devices. It takes a micro adapter and of course, the Kindle did not come with one, nor did it come with a stylist. Like the ipod, they want you to buy all that stuff separately. Gerrr.

Waiting on my cover to arrive. Why they shipped that separately I don't know.

Over all, for what it is, (NOT an ipad), I am happy with the Kindle Fire for now. Its my first tablet and I may want more as I get used to this. Still, more than likely I will not be doing any major editing or writing on my novels from this device as I am much faster on my standard keyboards. If I have to stop and think about each key pressed to make sure I am spelling DOG and not EOG, it won't be worth the effort and even stiffle the creative process, for me...

alleycat

11-16-2011, 10:11 PM

Waiting on my cover to arrive. Why they shipped that separately I don't know.

Amazon's shipping is excellent, but they do weird things sometimes.

I ordered three small items earlier this week; they are now shipping each one separately (I chose free shipping, lump my items).

I ordered a fancy natural wood hiking stick from them a few months ago. It was 52" tall. You would think it could come in something like a 6"x4"x54" box. No . . . it came in a box large enough to hold a refrigerator (I'm not kidding).

Tirjasdyn

11-17-2011, 12:17 AM

Eta of Friday for my daughter's. I just got a message from amazon that they put the cover I ordered for it on sale so they gave me a 10 credit. I also got a $20 credit for any digital purchase, games, movies or books because the Fire was delayed in shipping. from Today to Friday...since i had chosen to have it shipped free, I expected I wouldn't get it till next week.

Since it's touch device, it's not meant to use a stylus but I expect the keyboard to be little since it's only 7".

Rhoda Nightingale

11-17-2011, 01:39 AM

I may be in the market for one of these, seeing as my lappy has crashed for the third and final time.

The only thing holding me back really is the fact that it was strongly hinted I might be getting an ereader of some kind for Christmas...

Christine N.

11-17-2011, 02:07 AM

No problems scrolling, and the page turning was fine. I'm used to my smart phone though, so it was an easy adjustment. The software keyboard was a little difficult, but there's a learning curve.

I had no problem downloading the Netflix app, but it's the only one I've tried. There's a Dropbox app, huh? Good to know.

ETA: I am updating from it now and it is easier to write. The motions I use to enlarge, etc are the same as my phone. I wouldn't want to write a whole book like this.

Cliff Face

11-17-2011, 09:43 AM

Just a quick question, showing how totally newb I am. :tongue

So, you can download books from the Kindle and now the Kindle Fire. I get that. You have to pay for the books. I get that.

Does this mean you need to give Amazon your credit card info before you can use the device? Is there a subscription fee at all?

Thanks. :)

alleycat

11-17-2011, 12:16 PM

So, you can download books from the Kindle and now the Kindle Fire. I get that. You have to pay for the books. I get that.

Does this mean you need to give Amazon your credit card info before you can use the device? Is there a subscription fee at all?

Thanks. :)

Well, there are some free Kindle books (old classics and such, and some promotions). And some (30-day) freebies that comes with purchasing a Kindle.

In the US you can either use a credit card or your checking account to pay for your purchases on Amazon. I'm not sure whether that's true in Australia or not.

If you're getting a new laptop, you can set up an Amazon account and download Kindle for PC (it's free). If your budget is tight you might be better off just using your laptop rather than purchasing a Fire. It might be different if you traveled a lot and wanted to download several books to take along, or had some other need to get a Kindle.

For me it was mostly just a little Christmas gift to myself; since a Fire is only $200 it wasn't like it was a big splurge. And, while it's too early to tell, it could end up like my old Palm Pilot (which I used a lot at one time)--put away in a drawer somewhere never to be used again.

Cliff Face

11-17-2011, 12:26 PM

Yeah, it's not exactly essential for me right now. It's just something to keep in mind.

Cliff Face

11-17-2011, 12:28 PM

And actually, my mum travels semi-often (generally twice a year, it seems) and I know she always comes back with a suitcase full of books, so she's expressed interest in the Kindle.

So I figure, if she gets one, I might be able to borrow it sometimes until I can get my own...

alleycat

11-17-2011, 12:30 PM

And there are cheaper models. I think the basic model is $79 US now.

Cliff Face

11-17-2011, 01:17 PM

Well, I had a look in stores today, because there was a brochure for the Kindle the other day at 1 store in particular. But I also remembered seeing the basic Kindle in another store when they first hit Australia.

So I went into that store, and the cheapest one was $139 - and that's WiFi without 3G, and no keyboard. The guy played around with it, and showed me how to get the "keyboard" up on the screen, but it looked so awkward to try to type one letter at a time with arrowing over and down and pressing select... Ugh. No thanks.

So if I got one at the moment, it'd be the one with 3G (for ease of purchasing new books at any place anywhere without a WiFi network) and keyboard, which was $219.

So basically, Australia is heaps expensive, and it could be MONTHS before we get the Kindle Fire - which will probably cost 1.5 times what it costs in the US.

But I figured I may as well get some facts about how it works now, for if I decide to buy one in the future.

Christine N.

11-17-2011, 02:08 PM

Just like with any other Kindle, the device is set up with a 'one click' buy account. Your cc or whatever you choose on your Amazon account is attached to it. You COULD buy an Amazon GC and make THAT your payment method. Which I've done before, and it helps you keep your budget under control.

Cliff Face

11-17-2011, 02:13 PM

Okay, thanks. :)

FOTSGreg

11-17-2011, 10:47 PM

I'm seriously considering buying one of the $79 Kindles for a friend of mine, but she's already got an iPhone and says she doesn't read that much. Still, it's the kind of gift a writer gives to friends. If I had more money I'd probably opt for one of Tge more expensive models. I could always give her my Nook Color, but I'm kind of collecting tablets and don't want to give any of the one's I own away.

Still, the Kindle Fire is supposed to combine a dedicated ereader with an Android- based tablet so for $199, it's heavy competition for Acer, Asus, Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, and everyone else out there. I paid $328 for my Acer 7" tablet which has slightly better specs and more expandability, but if the Fire had been available at the time I'm pretty sure there would have been a heavier comparison before Tge Acer was purchased (and it would have been no contest against Sylvania's POS 7" mini-tab (purchased by me at Toys R' Us fir $199)).

Rhoda Nightingale

11-17-2011, 11:00 PM

Went to Best Buy yesterday and played around with their demo version for a bit.

Didn't get a chance to try the keyboard, but it looks niiiiice, and I want one. They had a DC comic in the library, and you can enlarge individual panels. I have no idea what a standard tablet can do with ecomics, but I thought that was cool.

Only problem is the screen is so dang small. The resolution is pristine, though.

kuwisdelu

11-18-2011, 12:18 AM

Ars was not impressed (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2011/11/dont-call-it-a-tablet-the-kindle-fire-reviewed.ars). At least not for a tablet.

cray

11-18-2011, 12:52 AM

i rec'd mine yesterday. again, it was a contest prize from work so it's not like i was in the e-reader or tablet market.

from where i sit, i see this as a neat little gadget to play with while watching tv....
mess around with the apps like scrabble, weather, etc. etc.

and you check emails without having to go to the computer.
i'm sure i'll use it as an e-reader when i travel too.

so, yeah,...a neat thing to have around.
that's about it.

thothguard51

11-18-2011, 01:58 AM

OK, my first problem has cropped up. Downloading apps. Unsure if its me or a network problem, but I keep trying to download the dropbox app and it won't let me. Well, it says downloading but then sort of just hangs up...

I tried downloading the free app for address book but it gave me a notice that it is not available for the fire, as were several other apps that I thought I would like to try.

Anyone else having this problem?

Christine N.

11-18-2011, 04:48 AM

I've downloaded three apps: Netflix, Twitter, and Bejeweled. No problem with any of them. Wondering if your internet speed isn't fast enough? Go to another place with wi-fi an try,maybe?

alleycat

11-18-2011, 05:01 AM

I had a slight problem when I first got the Fire. I had temporarily plugged the recharger and Fire into an outlet in the kitchen and at one point the Fire said the download speed was slow (and might have cancelled out once). I'm just guessing, but maybe the wi-fi wasn't good in the kitchen.

thothguard51

11-18-2011, 06:28 AM

I think the directions noted that if you plug into the charger port, that you can not use the Fire for web surfing or movie watching. Not sure, will have to look that up...

thothguard51

11-18-2011, 07:06 AM

Well, my apps problem is solved. User problem. I had to set up the one touch buy info. I assumed because Amazon already has that info on my main acct that it automatically transfered, but nooooo, that would have been too easy.

alleycat

11-18-2011, 09:17 AM

I think the directions noted that if you plug into the charger port, that you can not use the Fire for web surfing or movie watching. Not sure, will have to look that up...
When I got mine almost the first thing I did was plug it in, thinking the charge was probably low. I didn't want it to run down in the middle of the initial download. As it turned out, the thing had about a 75% charge.

Christine N.

11-18-2011, 02:19 PM

Torgo

11-18-2011, 04:25 PM

So, let me get this straight: does the Fire do fixed-format illustrated books at all? The Ars review seemed to suggest that it doesn't. If it doesn't, I'm royally pissed.

alleycat

11-18-2011, 11:06 PM

wait, yes, I'm a liar. When I first plugged it in and downloaded the updates, it did tell me that my download speed was slow. after that, no problem.

And I'm plugged in and looking at Facebook without problem either.

Since several people have reported this (including me), I wonder if the Amazon servers was overwhelmed. A lot of people all got their Fire on the 15th and 16th and immediately began downloading.

I haven't had any problem since the initial "slow download speed" message.

Tirjasdyn

11-21-2011, 02:02 AM

We got my daughter's on Friday, and surprisingly, it completely replaced her Macbook.

Admittedly, her hands are small so typing on it is easier that it would be for someone with larger hands. However, it had an Ms Office clone on it, and the browser allows her to play all her flash games at girl go games, marvel.com. Alias Sketchbook was the free app for Friday so she got that as well. Her make was for games, painting, reading email, surfing and writing. She ported her Nano novel on it and has been typing on that as well. Watching movies on it and reading just became icing.

The app store doesn't have any google apps. However it's settings work like any other android device. I'm planning to see if I can use that get some non-Amazon approved apps on there.