some Kindle Fire reviews are already in

[urkel]

If it's the same crowd that didn't want/need an iPAd, then the future of the Fire isn't too bright.

We're getting into an iPod situation, where there will really only be demand for Apple's implementation, while competitors struggle among themselves for the scraps.

Thats a narrow view. The difference between the iPod and iPad dominating the market is that the iPod was a superior product priced competitively with the Jukebox/Sansa/No Name brands it put up against and the ONLY thing it did was play music. This no longer is the case with those who are contemplating an iPad vs Fire decision because, while the iPad is clearly superior as an overall product, it also costs more than twice the price and there's a sizable portion of the market that aren't willing to invest $500+ in a product that they only intend to do specific things with.

People tend to downplay the direct competition these two products have, but IF someone were to go to you "I want a tablet, what should I get" then (pending on how good a friend you are) you're going to evaluate THEIR needs and it probably will come down to a $200 Kindle or a $600 iPad.

 

[Mac.World]

People tend to downplay the direct competition these two products have, but IF someone were to go to you "I want a tablet, what should I get" then (pending on how good a friend you are) you're going to evaluate THEIR needs and it probably will come down to a $200 Kindle or a $600 iPad.

True friends don't steer their friends to something that is literally a beta product. They tell them to wait for version 2 or buy something that "just works". Not to mention, the rumors persist that Amazon is moving to an 8.9" tablet by mid next year, which means the 7" will probably be abandoned and never receive another OS update.mYou know, the typical Android move. Get people to buy a device you never have any intention of updating and will kill off.

And by the way, if someone wants a neutered tablet that is limited in what it can do, then they likely never had any intention of buying an iPad to begin with.

 

[smoking monkey]

but IF someone were to go to you "I want a tablet, what should I get" then (pending on how good a friend you are) you're going to evaluate THEIR needs and it probably will come down to a $200 Kindle or a $600 iPad.

After having used the Sony 7 inch tablet I can say without a doubt I would never recommend the fire. It's got far fewer features than the Sony and unless you are totally bound to the Amazon experience I feel you'd be better off with a cheap android tablet if you want a 7 inch tablet.

I believe people are getting caught up in the price.

 

[m3coolpix]

I believe people are getting caught up in the price.

And that's exactly what Amazon wants to happen.

There is a market that exists below the iPad 2, and Amazon is poised to be that market leader, regardless of how much it's debated...

 

[Bernard SG]

Thats a narrow view. The difference between the iPod and iPad dominating the market is that the iPod was a superior product priced competitively with the Jukebox/Sansa/No Name brands it put up against and the ONLY thing it did was play music. This no longer is the case with those who are contemplating an iPad vs Fire decision because, while the iPad is clearly superior as an overall product, it also costs more than twice the price and there's a sizable portion of the market that aren't willing to invest $500+ in a product that they only intend to do specific things with.

There has been/are many MP3 products, priced much less than the iPod, yet they never took off, despite fulfilling their fundamental function which is playing music; they gained only marginal market-shares.

The impression I get from serious reviewers is that this Kindle Fire is a big piece-of-turd device. I will really be surprised if it's successful. Anyhow, we will never know as far as Amazon doesn't disclose sales volumes.

 

[*LTD*]

Thats a narrow view. The difference between the iPod and iPad dominating the market is that the iPod was a superior product priced competitively with the Jukebox/Sansa/No Name brands it put up against and the ONLY thing it did was play music. This no longer is the case with those who are contemplating an iPad vs Fire decision because, while the iPad is clearly superior as an overall product, it also costs more than twice the price and there's a sizable portion of the market that aren't willing to invest $500+ in a product that they only intend to do specific things with.

People tend to downplay the direct competition these two products have, but IF someone were to go to you "I want a tablet, what should I get" then (pending on how good a friend you are) you're going to evaluate THEIR needs and it probably will come down to a $200 Kindle or a $600 iPad.

It's a dud. It was supposed to be the smash hit iPad competitor of the year - in fact, since the iPad was released - and it's turned out to be a dud full of compromises for which everyone and their dog is already making excuses.

Those not wanting to spend money on an iPad . . . don't really want a tablet, or are going to save for it, or will just wait for a price drop. There's no market for budget iPad clones. There were oodles of iPod competitors years ago coming in at lower price points. Consumers barely gave them a second look.

Apple's running away with next-gen computing. They are several years ahead of the competition in this area.

 

[urkel]

It's a dud. It was supposed to be the smash hit iPad competitor of the year - in fact, since the iPad was released - and it's turned out to be a dud full of compromises for which everyone and their dog is already making excuses.

How is a product thats been out less than two weeks already deemed a dud? I'm an iPad owner from the start so, like many others, we've seen a product go from being a punchline to being one of the most desirable products on the planet in a very short time. So to be so shortsighted as to not see the hypocrisy in your made up criticism is very odd.

Its silly to pretend the iPad is devoid of its own compromises or excuses because at the time the biggest competition were netbooks and laptops that were capable of doing more. This is a product that lacked a hardware keyboard, didn't have the obvious "skype camera" and ran mostly iPhone apps at 2x (which earned its "big iPod Touch" label). So buying a launch iPad REQUIRED these "excuses" and "compromises" that you now use as a way to demean the Fire.

Those not wanting to spend money on an iPad . . . don't really want a tablet, or are going to save for it, or will just wait for a price drop. There's no market for budget iPad clones. There were oodles of iPod competitors years ago coming in at lower price points. Consumers barely gave them a second look.

Lets not revise history here. The iPad was a runaway success but lets be honest, most of us bought it without a clear intention on why we "needed" it. Over time it developed beyond being a niche product or the mislabel as a "fad" and became the standard in $500 10" tablets. But that's not the only size and pricepoint that people will buy.

This is where this 2nd wave of products comes in. Not every user has the same budget or usage scenarios as you so there is plenty of room in this emerging market for different sizes and pricepoints. I could never use the Fire as my primary tablet but it makes a good secondary. I bought my brother a Kindle because his needs are extremely basic and he values the portability more. I bought my mom an iPad which was overkill for her uses but she needs the camera to skype with the family. Everyone has different needs and while you may feel something like the Kindle Fire is "missing" features, to many people then those are features they never would've used anyway.

Apple's running away with next-gen computing. They are several years ahead of the competition in this area.

To assume that Apple is the only ones making advancements in "next-gen" computing is silly. Apple is by far reinforcing its greatness but the industry as a whole are making significant advances and this is much less a competition than you make it out to be.

 

[aneftp]

My only gripe about the Kindle Fire is the in store demo units.

Everything is that amazon doesn't let you try the fire out in real time situation.

It's like they don't want people to realize there is a lag in switching apps or moving between menus.

It's like amazon wants to take the risk people buying their tablet won't know any better.

Just look the tablet section at best buy. Amazon Kindle fire is only tablet there where you can't test out real time use.

 

[allmIne]

Well, folks were expecting an iPad or better. And this isn't it. So if it's being dubbed as competition for e-readers instead (Nook, etc.), then the Fire is already consigned to competing against others in a small segment of the market. So in this case it seems all Bezos did was make a better Kindle, that is still a Kindle. Which is fine in and of itself, except that it won't really change anything. So for $200 you're getting $200 worth, and not much more.

I had to quote this for posterity.

What sort of person expects an 'iPad or better' from a device that costs, at a maximum, 40% of an iPad?

An Apple fanboy wanting to bash another product, I'd venture. Now I remember why I don't read most of LTD's contributions. Maybe I should though, with insight like 'for $200 you're getting $200 worth.'

That said, I picked up an iPad last week in preference to the Kindle. No regrets, personally, at spending the extra. But I decided I wanted the extra features

 

[urkel]

I had to quote this for posterity.

What sort of person expects an 'iPad or better' from a device that costs, at a maximum, 40% of an iPad?

An Apple fanboy wanting to bash another product, I'd venture. Now I remember why I don't read most of LTD's contributions. Maybe I should though, with insight like 'for $200 you're getting $200 worth.'

That said, I picked up an iPad last week in preference to the Kindle. No regrets, personally, at spending the extra. But I decided I wanted the extra features

I wont participate in the "fanboy" accusations, but the "'for $200 you're getting $200 worth' statement does have to make you think. What exactly is "$200 worth of tablet" anyway? Is an iPad really "$500 worth of tablet", and if so then how do you monetize the added features. And what about people who don't use the iPad to its fullest, are they somehow getting ripped off for loving a device that they dont use to its full capabilities?

I think the problem with listening to people with a chip on their shoulder is that they tend to create their own fictitious scale on whats important or whats not and act as if their need for bluetooth or skype is universal for all products and people.

 

[wgnoyes]

I handled my son-in-law's KF. For the size of the tablet, it seems like it weighs a ton (I perceive it to be heavier than an iPad but that could just be the smaller size v. weight screwing with me) and you wouldn't use it long for an e-reader just out of fatigue of holding it.

 

[jsh1120]

I handled my son-in-law's KF. For the size of the tablet, it seems like it weighs a ton (I perceive it to be heavier than an iPad but that could just be the smaller size v. weight screwing with me) and you wouldn't use it long for an e-reader just out of fatigue of holding it.

Weighs about 30% less than an iPad. 14.6 oz vs. 1.33-1.35 lbs.

 

[PracticalMac]

First of all, the reality is the Fire comes out of the box already setup with the buyers info, all ready to be used. That's a big advantage not to be easily dismissed. Especially when Apple lords *itself over others for ease of use. While not a big deal to us enthusiasts, its a huge deal for non techies and seniors.

So I ask, why the fear ? It's _NOT_ an iPad.

Next up, Amazon is being criticized because they're losing a few bucks per unit in this first generation product. So what? It's not _your money_ !

So I ask, why the fear ? It's _NOT_ an iPad.

They are going to sell millions of these because just like Apple, Amazon has made a name for itself, is trusted and valued by their existing customer base.

So I ask, why the fear ? It's _NOT_ an iPad.

Unless you own the latest generation of Kindle ( I do ) then you can't possibly appreciate what Amazon has accomplished.

*So I ask, why the fear ? It's _NOT_ an iPad.

This is a great product that is properly priced and will only get better. So what?

I will be receiving mine shortly since they _are_ different and my wife, like other wives all across America loves her Kindle. And guess what? She also loves her iPad 2 and fully appreciates the differences between the two.

Who says they both cannot peacefully coexist ?

Only fearful, single minded Apple lovers. Those who must designate a "winner". Those who are so insecure they're already calling the fire a POS. How sad.

In my house we each enjoy variety, choices & competition. Neither of us is filled with fear just because Amazon has built the Fire. She might love her Kindle for reading, and will love her Fire for other Amazon content, but make no mistake, neither replaces her iPad 2 for what it excels at.

Therefore rather than fearfully bash this new tablet from Amazon, I celebrate it's arrival as an enhancement to the category.

It's as simple as that

Tell that to ALL the reviewers that are comparing Fire to iPad.

 

[Mac.World]

I wont participate in the "fanboy" accusations, but the "'for $200 you're getting $200 worth' statement does have to make you think. What exactly is "$200 worth of tablet" anyway? Is an iPad really "$500 worth of tablet", and if so then how do you monetize the added features. And what about people who don't use the iPad to its fullest, are they somehow getting ripped off for loving a device that they dont use to its full capabilities?

I think the problem with listening to people with a chip on their shoulder is that they tend to create their own fictitious scale on whats important or whats not and act as if their need for bluetooth or skype is universal for all products and people.

I think that when you buy an iPad, you expect a flawless OS (no hang-ups, stutters, crashes, etc), you expect quality apps with nice graphics, you expect to be able to Skype or Facetime with family and friends, you expect an app store that has every conceivable app to fit your needs, you expect to be able to go into an Apple store and get your product fixed or replaced in the event something happens to it, you expect great customer service with people that speak English and not some variation of Pashto or Hindu, and so on. Do I use my iPad to the fullest? I don't know. Maybe. But it's great to know the features are there if I want or need to use them. That is why I spend thousands of dollars on Mac products and in this case, iPad 2's.

 

[IJBrekke]

I own an iMac, an iPhone, and a 11" Macbook Air. Add all of it up, and I really don't have any need for an iPad. I have nearly every corner of the Apple ecosystem covered.

But I still want a Kindle Fire. Why? I've wanted a Kindle for years (I'm an avid reader), and the only things I really want a tablet for are couch web browsing and Netflix in bed with the girlfriend. Everything else is redundant, and even my current "wants" are pushing those boundaries.

I consider a $199 Kindle Fire "good enough" for me at a price I can afford. And it gets me into the Amazon ecosystem. I'll be purchasing one soon.

 

[bufffilm]

the kindle is both smaller and [noticably] lighter than an ipad 2 and you want people to believe your claim that it's more fatiguing to hold the KF compared to an ipad?!

please stop with the BS.

I handled my son-in-law's KF. For the size of the tablet, it seems like it weighs a ton (I perceive it to be heavier than an iPad but that could just be the smaller size v. weight screwing with me) and you wouldn't use it long for an e-reader just out of fatigue of holding it.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

I think that when you buy an iPad, you expect a flawless OS (no hang-ups, stutters, crashes, etc), you expect quality apps with nice graphics, you expect to be able to Skype or Facetime with family and friends, you expect an app store that has every conceivable app to fit your needs, you expect to be able to go into an Apple store and get your product fixed or replaced in the event something happens to it, you expect great customer service with people that speak English and not some variation of Pashto or Hindu, and so on. Do I use my iPad to the fullest? I don't know. Maybe. But it's great to know the features are there if I want or need to use them. That is why I spend thousands of dollars on Mac products and in this case, iPad 2's.

Yes, you expect it to just work.

Which is why I'm pulling my hair out trying to get my dads new IPad set up with a valid AppleID via their broken registration system. There are over a hundred threads on this iCloud debacle on Applessupport forums. Apple needs to get their software game together before the holiday hits.

 

[Mac.World]

Yes, you expect it to just work.

Which is why I'm pulling my hair out trying to get my dads new IPad set up with a valid AppleID via their broken registration system. There are over a hundred threads on this iCloud debacle on Applessupport forums. Apple needs to get their software game together before the holiday hits.

I have set up several family members and haven't had any issues registering new ID's?

I know there were a lot of issues when iOS 5 launched, due to the sheer volume of people updating, but thought that was cleared up now? Personally, I didn't run into any issues moving my MobileMe account over to iCloud. Guess i was lucky.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

I've set up 4 iPads in the past 2 days and 2 went without a hitch while the other 2 are still unverified, meaning zero access to App store, iTunes, iCloud, etc. The problem is clearly something on Apple's side and even the Genuis Bar is scratching their heads on this. When you get the bug, it thinks the AppleID is already assigned to someone else (it isn't) even if its a brand new account (it is) and you get stuck in this loop of being unable to verify the account.

Very frustrating. The iPad's are a marvel of engineering but typical of Apple their software processes are pretty lacking for the first few releases.

 

[ipadaltkc]

Kindle Fire vs the I-pad

The i-pad and tablet fire kindle are not even the same thing. So many people are comparing the two and the only thing you can compare really is the price. Kindle beats the i-pad in price for what the customer is getting.

 

[m3coolpix]

Which is why I'm pulling my hair out trying to get my dads new IPad set up with a valid AppleID via their broken registration system. There are over a hundred threads on this iCloud debacle on Applessupport forums. Apple needs to get their software game together before the holiday hits.

Welcome to iCloud 1.0....no wait.....Apple never releases anything that's a beta and not ready for primetime....

 

[Mac.World]

Welcome to iCloud 1.0....no wait.....Apple never releases anything that's a beta and not ready for primetime....

Siri was released and announced by Apple as being a Beta product. Your sarcasm would be warranted, if your statement was actually true.

 

[ReallyBigFeet]

Tell that to ALL the reviewers that are comparing Fire to iPad.

While this is absolutely true, I believe its more an issue of comparing Amazon to Apple than it is trying to match up the iPad to the Fire. Clearly, that's not a fair comparison by a longshot since you can purchase 2 Fire's for the price of a single iPad 16g WiFi model.

The better comparison is between the Nook Tablet and the Amazon Fire. And in almost all cases, the reviews give the higher marks to the Nook.

 

[m3coolpix]

Siri was released and announced by Apple as being a Beta product. Your sarcasm would be warranted, if your statement was actually true.

Hmm....don't believe I mentioned Siri being the product in question....and neither did my quote.

 

[Mac.World]

Hmm....don't believe I mentioned Siri being the product in question....and neither did my quote.

You specificaly said, Apple never releases a Beta product. I specifically gave you an example. Too hard for you to comprehend?