The Kindle Fire 2
So What's the Big Idea of having or getting a Kindle Fire (2) and what are the options?
Well, the option is the Ipad and the idea is to have something similar to better at a more affordable price.
Is this goal met? The answer is "only partially". The partial part is really important however.. it's the money or cost part! But on the technical side, it's not rated as highly. But it's still a great piece of gear, and the Model 2 or Kindle Fire 2 is a quantum leap over the original. Reviews of the new Kindle Fire HD have been published, and many, including one from Consumer Reports, sound a similar theme: The tablet is quite good -- better than the original Kindle Fire -- but still no iPad. So now you have heard it from two sources.. me as your "blog meister" and the other from an independent source.
Tests were done by CR on the 7-inch Fire HD, which is the same size as the current Kindle but the larger model did not have tests run or reported. Results are expected to be similar. Does it meet the goal of the best tablet at any price? Guess that depends on the definition of "best".
Kindle Fire HD vs. IPad: A comparison
Leading the CR review was a positive take on the tablet's new screen."In particular, glare is reduced over the HD's predecessor, creating a screen that's among the easiest to read in bright light among tablets we've tested. Color fidelity is also a step up on the old Fire, though it's still a little behind the third-generation iPad screen, which has the highest color accuracy we've measured on a tablet," it read. The operative word is is "a little behind" and then we need to compare costs. Is it functional? Certainly, and the comparison is a small matter of degree and preference.
Another feature that was liked was its 8 hours of battery life, improved access to cloud storage, and the addition of a physical volume button and camera. These were deficienent in the original Fire. .
Now here's the biggie that we started talking about in the first part of this blog or review.:Like its predecessor, the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD sells for $199; the bigger version will go for $299.
That's $200 less than the similarly sized iPad and $100 less than Apple is currently asking for a version of the iPad 2.
Click HERE for a Video Review
It's been said "you get what you pay for: (or don't pay for). So are there compromises? Yes. Some are the lack of a fully stocked app store (improving), lack of a memory card to add to its 16GB or 32GB of memory and the fact that the advertised prices are for a "special offers" version that includes ads. (Ad-free versions are available for $15 more). Personally, for the life I expect to have this, I'd pay the $15 (and have).
Comparing the Kindle Fire 2 to competitors:
Let's face it: We are not exactly comparing two exact same things. I prefer to think of two models, or apples and oranges. Both are fruits; both have a purpose. Mine is just named the Kindle Fire 2, Our suggestion: try the Kinfkle Fire 2 first, but buy it from a place with a 15 or 30 day return policy (watch for restocking fees). See if it meets your needs. Yes the Ipad might be the Lexus, but if you are happy with a nice Honda (and both are good transportation), or you can't afford the Lexus.. be happy. And if you are not, take it back and move up.I like reviews, but the objectivity of the reviewer may be different than mine. For the best deals on the Kindle Fire that we have found anywhere, and with a good return policy, check HERE.
