Talk me into keeping a Kindle?

[Craig234]

I finally decided to see how much I'd like a tablet.

As an Amazon prime member, with their Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" having a lot of great specs, and a web browser, I decided to try it.

It's not technically disappointing. It works as described. But I'm not enjoying it much.

An idea of tons of great apps, little fun things, useful things, watching movies... well, so far the main fun thing I found is a Luxor clone; the web browser is not that great to read - pages seem crippled in some ways, typing on that virtual keyboard isn't good for more than a few small stroked (forget posting long messages), the size... watching movies isn't that enjoyable. When I look up from the Kindle to a 27" bright computer screen, it's no contest (nevermind a big screen tv, but that's not fair).

So I find myself wondering, what is worth the cost about owning this? If I really needed something to use remotely a lot over Wi-Fi, I guess that'd be ok. But I don't.

Am I missing how to use it to get more benefit? Would a different tablet help (seems unlikely)?

 

[gorcorps]

Maybe a tablet isn't for you

The Kindle Fires are hampered by being chained to the Amazon store only, but I doubt you'd find a nexus 7 useful either.

I don't find them useful much myself. It's either my phone or my laptop for me and I rarely want to use anything in between. We're just not the target market I guess. Both my nexus 7 and nook HD collect dust

 

[postmortemIA]

I hate tablet browsers and auto-detection of many sites showing mobile optimized versions that suck. Yes there is magic button "show as desktop" that often gets reset by itself... Anyway I am personally looking at Windows 8.1 tablets with new generation of intel CPUs. Something that you can look at too. Idea of running desktop and metro apps on tablet seems appealing to me

 

[Imp]

Fire, huh? Can't help you there.

I'm about to get a regular, cheapo, e-reader Kindle. Some books are significantly cheaper in Kindle format, I'm getting tired of accumulating so much crap, and one bad smelling book that didn't stop stinking a week later killed it for me. Even the cheapest Kindle has a couple week battery life unlike the Fire versions. The fire versions have color and a backlight though... If you need an e-reader, the Fire is sort of useful? Battery life sucks at the standard tablet life though.

 

[MrChad]

I use my tablet in the same way I used to use my phone around the house, primarily to browse the web (using Reddit News, Tapatalk and the built-in browser) and to check up on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. It's easier to read than my phone, and the case let's me prop it up to read when eating breakfast. I have a few games on it that my kids play more than I do, and I haven't really used the eBook and video features too much, but I plan to on business trips.

 

[CuriousMike]

I have a desktop, smartphone and tablet.

The tablet essentially lives by my bed; 50% reading, 25% gaming, and 25% videos/browsing/other.

For that purpose, I really like it.

But I don't find myself ever wanting to sit down in the recliner or couch and grabbing it.

 

[Torn Mind]

Kindle Fires suck because the Google Play store isn't accessible without going all hax0rz. Great if you buy Amazon books left and right though and thoroughly enjoy the "Amazon environment".

Also, 8.9" is too "compromised" of a size, imo. Too big for comfortable hand usage yet not quite big enough for a "roomy" or "cozy" experience. Thankfully, the HDX is lighter than its predecessor. Oh, I really didn't like the weight on that thing...

I haven't used an IPad, but that remains the tablet to beat if you're looking for a "big" one. Otherwise, it would be better to go smaller. Nexus 7 2013, or even a Windows 8 tablet, but do note that Win8 is a bit behind in terms of the sheer number of apps, but you do get a "desktop mode" if you want to use the tablet more "regularly".

 

[CuriousMike]

Also, 8.9" is too "compromised" of a size, imo.

I think it comes down to how you use it; I have the original Kindle Fire 7"; it was too small ( and too low-res ).

Then I got a B&N Nook 8.9" - terrific screen, but it was too big. Just awkward holding in bed to read.

I'm finding my Tab 3 8.0" to honestly be the perfect size. I wish the processor was a bit faster and it was slightly higher res, but at least I now know the best form factor for me.

 

[Torn Mind]

I think it comes down to how you use it; I have the original Kindle Fire 7"; it was too small ( and too low-res ).

Then I got a B&N Nook 8.9" - terrific screen, but it was too big. Just awkward holding in bed to read.

I'm finding my Tab 3 8.0" to honestly be the perfect size. I wish the processor was a bit faster and it was slightly higher res, but at least I now know the best form factor for me.

I was commenting primarily about the 8.9" form factor and that size is in a "no man's land", and it seems your experience matches my own. I have not tried an 8" tablet, but I have used the Nexus 7 2012, and it is actually a "handheld" device in the sense that I can hold it in one hand comfortably(my hands are big enough).

I would not be surprised if 8" form factor would prove satisfactory for me as well.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Some people when they get their first tablet they immediately fall in love with it and can't imagine how they've lived their lives this long without. And others simply think, what do I do with this thing? Sounds like Craig234 is a member of the latter crowd. Tablets aren't for everyone.

Regarding the Kindle Fire specifically. I'm an Amazon Prime member and at the moment I don't have a Fire, but I had the Fire HD before. And what I did like about that tablet is it's designed for content discovery. It presents all of your Amazon content front and center and when you look at something you own or looked at it'll provide suggestions on other items that it thinks you might like, much like it's website. The UI is really nice for just browsing and discovering new stuff.

And the apps provides some bonuses for Prime members as well, such as being able to borrow a free book once a month from a select choice (mostly self published books, but a few big names like Harry Potter and Hunger Games books), and the Kindle app has far more features on Kindles than on any other platform.


However the reason I no longer own a Kindle Fire... Well each year Amazon makes a major update to the Kindle OS, not only updating the underlying version of Android, but of course adding cool new Amazon specific features as well. And Amazon does not allow the previous year's tablet to get this update. After one year Amazon abandons their hardware. Which seems completely illogical, you'd think since they make very little money off the hardware, they'd want to keep their customers happy on their current hardware as long as possible.

PS. Just after I posted this, A thought popped into my head. I didn't mean to make it sound like last year's tablet is worthless. It's still good to use of course. You'll just miss out on a few new features they usually add to the newer tablets that could easily work on the previous model if they would only update it too.

 

[Red Storm]

If you don't see the point in a tablet there's really no reason to talk you into keeping one. A lot of people like them, some people don't, simple as that.

 

[Jesusthewererabbit]

Mine is basically the TV in my bedroom, and it's perfect for that. I can put on a video as I'm falling asleep, and it's turned off when I wake up. Good access to Amazon video, Netflix, and Youtube.

I do really dislike typing on it, especially after getting used to Swiftkey on my phone.

 

[Phynaz]

I got a tablet for Christmas. I've turned on my desktop PC twice since then.

 

[Craig234]

Interesting replies. It sounds like I may not really be missing much on the tablet, it's just not that useful for some people. Having a hard time justifying keeping it.

I was interested in moving to more ebooks also, too many paper books taking space, but it's just 'ok' for reading books (I bought several ebooks before getting the tablet).

Surprisingly I don't find it even that good at shopping on Amazon - some product info seems to be missing, and it seems a lot harder to 'browse products'.

When I try to look around for things on the tablet, in a couple minutes I put it down and want to get on the desktop.

Even the idea of games, the interface just is crippled compared to keyboard/mouse.

It's not that a few 'casual games' can't be ok, but why play those compared to much better games on the PC? Again, that'd be better if I were away from the PC.

Then there's music - I don't listen to that much here, but even for listening to the Amazon music, the Kindle speakers can't compare to real speakers, and headphones bleh.

It is a great looking device - when my music collection comes up, the album covers are in very high resolution and pretty - but that's not a reason for a tablet.

Even if I did want to take it out for web browsing, how fast would the typing make that terribly frustrating (seconds), and that would suggest looking for a keyboard too...

So that would mean taking it out for reading and/or music. I could take a book...

If I wanted music, an ipod or other MP3 player actually seems I might be good for that, and the size a lot easier fitting in a pocket.

The reason I went for 8.9 over 7 was that I usually prefer a larger screen a lot, but as I mentioned it still seems too small to enjoy that much. 7" might be more convenient.

 

[Red Storm]

The main reason why people love these new mobile devices is because instead of saying things like "I could just take my book/iPod/Laptop/GPS/etc with me, instead you take a single device that can also do other things pretty well too.

 

[dmw16]

I don't think the Kindle is a good representation of a tablet. It's more of a super powerful eReader than it is anything else.

If you want to see if a tablet is for you I'd suggest a proper tablet. Either a Nexus or an iPad. Personally I favor the iPad as it feels cleaner and better executed than the Android OS based options.

You can pick up a refurb iPad pretty reasonably and I think it would give you a much better sense of if a tablet is right for you.

 

[notposting]

I would agree with maybe try an iPad instead (or Nexus), the Kindle's are more focused on consuming Amazon content, or a Kindle with e-ink screen for reading.

We have a Kindle Fire and it's mostly used for our son to watch Youtube videos about trains, and a couple games for the wife. A book every now and then.

I use my Kindle Touch more for reading, quite nice in that regard.

 

[Ravynmagi]

The guy doesn't seem to like tablets in general. Not sure the solution is to buy more tablets.

 

[Imp]

Some people when they get their first tablet they immediately fall in love with it and can't imagine how they've lived their lives this long without. And others simply think, what do I do with this thing? Sounds like Craig234 is a member of the latter crowd. Tablets aren't for everyone.

That was me with my Playbook.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

I use my N7 for watching videos mostly.

It's really handy, since the screen is bigger than my phone, smaller and lighter than a laptop.

 

[Torn Mind]

I don't think tablets are quite as simple as love them or hate them at the first try. Some app digging should be done before doing away with a tablet. When I found out the Amazon Kindle 8.9 (not HDX) could not run certain apps such as some online banking apps, I really found it too restrictive and felt the urge to dump it. Amazon's tablets just don't have the versatility of stock Android.

Whereas, I don't feel the same way about the Nexus 7 2012. It has more apps to use at my disposal. Really nice for email, calculator, checking weather, finding gas stations with gas guru, or using WiFi in a location without my own service. GPS is not quite up to snuff because no app has been particularly satisfactory in terms of ease of use. I also have yet to find the "perfect" keyboard, but SSH Master is excellent for administering my mining rig in a pinch. The screen resolution is just okay, and certainly wouldn't compare to the 2013 Nexus 7. I also bought my N7 as a deeply discounted refurb, so I wouldn't know how I would feel if I had spent retail price on the device.

Now, a tablet with a back facing camera could be handy in situations such as taking pictures of a car accident if you don't already have a smartphone with you.

 

[Chrono]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I have a kindle fire 8.9" hdx but I'm aiming more on keeping it. I love the form factor and as far as using it goes, it's great for content consumption. Once CM 10.1/10.2 is ported over it's going to be even better.

What I use it for:
Surfing web
Emails
Reddit
Books
Video
Youtube
Occasional games

It's light and awesome with the roocase origami case and the fact that I can pick it up and go kicks ass. I have an ultrabook but it weights 3lbs and moving that around can be a chore. Battery life is also decent on the kindle fire hdx.

If you're not going to find much use in the kindle... then I recommend returning it.

 

[rh71]

My mom really wanted to get into the tablet craze so based on its popularity I got her a Kindle. The interface is pretty hard for beginners. I think a regular Android tablet without a disappearing home key would've been a lot better. I don't know why Kindle went that route. It's not at all intuitive going back, going home, or switching apps. That's really my biggest gripe.

 

[Doomer]

I have a Nook HD+. My main use for it is reading mags and books. It's also an awesome movie player. Surfing the web is too klutsey and don't really need it for email. Some day I'll get a full blown tablet but for now the Nook does everything I need.

 

[Craig234]

I tried to finally use the Kindle remotely, I took it to Safeway which has an app.

It's supposed to have a 'locator' feature I turned on In the app it tries to use it to offer coupons.

Between a pretty slow login to the store wifi, and constant errors with the locator, it was like a half hour fiddling with the device trying to find a few coupons.

When I'd finally find one, it'd say 'unable to update card'. So pretty frustrating.