How do you use your Kindle Fire?
A couple of posts ago, I wrote about the idea that Amazon calling the Fire a Kindle.
Part of the discussion was around whether the Fire is an EBR (E-Book Reader) primarily, or a multi-function tablet.
Well, one way I have to research this is to ask you how you use your Kindle Fire.
I know my group might be skewed towards readers…I’m not sure how many people found this blog after first getting a Fire as their first Amazon hardware, although they may have.
I’m going to keep this simple. There are seven tabs on the homescreen, and I’m going to ask you how often you use each one:
This post by Bufo Calvin originally appeared in the I Love My Kindle blog.
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January 17, 2012 at 2:11 am |
I would use the Fire more for the Web but I don’t love the keyboard… I would like to see videos but just haven’t had the chance and I rented the movie… super 8 but I think there was a message saying that I couldn’t watch it on the Fire… something about resolution. Not sure. Sorry I’m being so vague.
Linda
January 17, 2012 at 3:03 am |
Thanks for writing, Linda!
I use the web on mine…a stylus does help, but I’m not usually typing much.
Hmm…maybe you you tried to rent the HD version? That might not work…I think they have both in the Amazon Instant Video store.
January 17, 2012 at 5:08 am
I don’t understand using a stylus with the keyboard… How do you manage to type at any rate using a stylus? I tried it once, and ended up back at thumb-typing!
January 17, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for writing, tuxgirl!
As a touch typist, I think of typing as ten fingers. I can’t do that effectively with the Fire. That then puts me to two finger/two thumb input. I’m not very good at that: one issue is the visibility.
If I’m going to end up doing “hunt and peck” anyway, it’s faster with the stylus than with my finger…nowhere near typing speed on a laptop. However, the autocomplete makes a big difference, and that’s what I need to make a non-conscious routine.
I’ve been impressed when I’ve seen some people use the onscreen keyboard in Windows (where you click the keys with your mouse)…I’ve seen people I would say are in the low thirties. The low thirties would certainly be less than half my normal typing speed, but would do in a pinch. I’m thinking that with autocomplete, I can get to be faster than that. Ideally, another Fire comes out that allows for an external physical keyboard (Bluetooth, perhaps) and then I’m all set.
January 17, 2012 at 3:31 am |
I’ve always found it interesting how often people “complain” about what certain devices “can’t” do rather than what they “can” do.
“This gadget has NO 3G and NO volume rocker! Ergo it is useless!!” and What? No Flash player?! Outrageous!”
I don’t think we really appreciate how awesome we have it. Technology today is mind blowing. The Jetsons can keep their flying cars. I’m keeping my Kindles, ALL of them.
As an aside, my daughters “volume up” button on her iPhone 4S quit working today. This will decidedly NOT be an issue on the Fire.
Only one double exclamation/interrobang.
January 17, 2012 at 1:00 pm |
Thanks for writing, Brian!
The Jetsons had (or will have?) the advantage of the flying cars and multi-functional, conversational robots…Rosie is a much better conversationalist than Siri. However, the latter gap is closing…Watson understands natural language, and even the unnatural language of puns used in Jeopardy.
However, we are far ahead of them in terms of communication and data access.
We don’t need the flying car…we can telecommute.
January 17, 2012 at 5:43 am |
Great poll. First of all, I love, love love my Fire! This is my third since the 1st. I’ve never had a laptop or a tablet so besides my Samsung Captivate, my only web source was my desktop. I thought I would read on my KKeyboard instead of my Fire but so far have not. I do notice eye strain after lengthy reading, but not enough to worry with it. I would probably do more video/movies if it wasn’t such a drain on our data plan. Four of us accessng the same wifi from a satellite isp… well let me just say that I was very unpopular after downloading the movie Hatari over the weekend! I see why you think there is a backlash because of the name. I for one am using to its fullest & am very happy. Remember all the complainers about no back.light? I read the discussions with all the rants & problems. I am completely happy with my Fire as well as my previous Kindles! Sorry for being so lengthy, just had to throw in some defense!
)
I after I downloaded the movie Hatari over the weekend I wasn’t very popular around hereafter!
January 17, 2012 at 1:20 pm |
Thanks for writing, Kerry!
They can’t spare a little bandwidth for the Duke…and Red Buttons?
January 17, 2012 at 7:37 am |
I have a Kindle keyboard I use as my primary reading device. It’s lighter than the Fire. I prefer the buttons to turn the pages and the screen is easier on my eyes. The Fire is useless outside. I do take the Fire when I’m out and about mostly to access internet, read already downloaded magazines or to read a bit of my current book in progress while I’m stuck waiting for something. At home, the Fire is helping me with my New Year’s Resolution to use my treadmill more. It’s stable on the treadmill’s ledge and I watch streaming videos (Prime member) while I walk. An hour flies by! If my Fire has replaced anything, it’s my netbook NOT my Kindle.
January 17, 2012 at 1:40 pm |
Thanks for writing, Tania!
Oh, I agree with the Fire being a decent replacement for a netbook/laptop on the go…except for the typing part, for me. If I’m in a restaurant, I often have wi-fi access. That means I can check on my e-mail and news sources without thinking about a larger computer, and without the small screen of my SmartPhone. Nothing is better for me for e-mail than my Fire, and Pulse is best for my news sources.
January 22, 2012 at 4:03 am |
[...] too long ago, I polled my readers about how often they use the various features of the Kindle [...]
February 15, 2012 at 4:15 pm |
I do not have a Kindle Fire. I have a black Pandigital Supernova. I would like to know if there is a way to download ebooks from amazon.com. onto my device? If so,how would I do this? I have an account with amazon.com.
February 15, 2012 at 5:52 pm |
Thanks for writing, Eugenia!
The Supernova is an Android tablet. Have you tried downloading the Kindle for Android app? You may find you can do that through the Amazon Appstore, since you already have an account. I believe you would need to “register” the device there, but that’s easy.