Kindle Fire

[Doctor4Life1769]

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Thoughts on this?

Pre-order price of $199. Seems to be smaller and more portable than the iPad. Able to browse the new, watch movies, read word/pdf docs, etc.

Possible to use this as an alternative to the iPad for reading texts, etc? I saw some threads in the recent past about residents using the iPad to read up on texts and documents while in cases. Also, an intern, i could use while on the wards/unit.

Plus, it's a lot easier on the wallet.

Anyone else looking to pre-order this?

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-Tablet-Amazon-Tablet-Color/dp/B0051VVOB2/ref=amb_link_357715322_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1CTSGEN3TNP4D52178Y1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1322653222&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[Jack is Back]

I've read into it a bit.

Realize they rushed this to production and will have a newer version coming out as soon as Q1 next year.

I think you can't go wrong with Android OS. Smaller screen but will be useful to get data on the go. Price is nice too.

Apple is in trouble with all their little gadgets. Android is catching up and within about 3-4 years, apple will be dominated in market share, just like what happened with hardware. Apple is overpriced and they try to lock you down into buying their products for life.

I think the Fire will be a good product but Motorolla will make some nice new tablets in the next year. Personally, if you don't mind waiting a year, I think this young technology has some huge growth potential and this Kindle could be worthless in 18 months.

 

[Groove]

Depends on what you want to use it for...

If reading books and text, with light web surfing and limited functionality is all you want, then sure... it's cheaper and easier on the wallet.

Don't kid yourself though... nothing will topple iPad's reign anytime in the foreseeable new future. Apple dominates the tablet market and every company that has tried to produce a worthy competitor has failed to produce anything capable of significantly detracting from it's market share. It's a combination of hardware innovation, design, and the sheer success of the App store along with the adaptive iOS platform. The iPad can let you do all those things...and replace a laptop essentially, as it has done for me. Then again, if you just want to read books and have some web surfing capabilities then sure, Kindle Fire looks nice and Amazon still rules the nest on ebook publishing rights and sheer volume of ebooks available. Most of my ebook reading is done in the iPad Kindle reader app, but then again, I have an enormous amount of ebooks that I convert to various formats and can load on my iPad for reading within the iBooks app, and you can't do that on a Kindle. THAT is easier on my wallet also. You can torrent 1000s of books and load them on your iPad.

Of course, I don't do any of those kinds or nefarious activities because that would infringe on copyright laws now wouldn't it?

 

[Jack is Back]

Depends on what you want to use it for...

If reading books and text, with light web surfing and limited functionality is all you want, then sure... it's cheaper and easier on the wallet.

Don't kid yourself though... nothing will topple iPad's reign anytime in the foreseeable new future. Apple dominates the tablet market and every company that has tried to produce a worthy competitor has failed to produce anything capable of significantly detracting from it's market share. It's a combination of hardware innovation, design, and the sheer success of the App store along with the adaptive iOS platform. The iPad can let you do all those things...and replace a laptop essentially, as it has done for me. Then again, if you just want to read books and have some web surfing capabilities then sure, Kindle Fire looks nice and Amazon still rules the nest on ebook publishing rights and sheer volume of ebooks available. Most of my ebook reading is done in the iPad Kindle reader app, but then again, I have an enormous amount of ebooks that I convert to various formats and can load on my iPad for reading within the iBooks app, and you can't do that on a Kindle. THAT is easier on my wallet also. You can torrent 1000s of books and load them on your iPad.

Of course, I don't do any of those kinds of nefarious activities because that would infringe on copyright laws now wouldn't it?

Estimates are that Apple will hold the tablet market share until about 2015. Exactly what happened with their hardware. Kindle Fire isn't the thing to beat Apple though, I'd wait on a Motorolla or possible Asus. Lenovo, HP, Acer, Toshiba, Motorolla, Asus, Kindle, etc are all pretty much 1st gen and using Android OS, it is only a matter of time before the sheer mass of manufacturers over takes Apple. At that breaking point, software will be better for the Android because the developers go to who has the market share, which Apple should enjoy for a few more years.

To the bolded: This is one thing I can't stand people saying. I own an iPad and there is NO possible way that these replace a laptop. Yes, I can visit most websites (not flashbased with Apple's browser though, lol) and I can read things, but replacing a laptop? No way. Software on a laptop compared to a tablet is a joke. Tablets are about convenience more than functionality.

 

[Groove]

To the bolded: This is one thing I can't stand people saying. I own an iPad and there is NO possible way that these replace a laptop. Yes, I can visit most websites (not flashbased with Apple's browser though, lol) and I can read things, but replacing a laptop? No way. Software on a laptop compared to a tablet is a joke. Tablets are about convenience more than functionality.

Well dude... if you're using CAD and 3ds Max on your laptop, then of course it can't replace it, but if you're like 90% of the public who primarily use their notebooks for web surfing, watching movies, playing games, reading, email, word processing, etc.. then I hate to break it to you but...yes it can. Hell, I have a bluetooth keyboard paired to my iPad and I can carry out the vast majority of laptop functionality with the use of bluetooth devices. That's saying a lot for an ex IT manager/network engineer/software developer. No, I don't do any of my hobby development on my iPad, but when I'm traveling or remotely computing, I usually don't want to do any of that stuff anyway and would much rather facilitate it on my 27" iMac boot camped with Windows 7. That being said, I can VPN or VNC remote into my desktop at home and have instant control over all my desktop applications. Hell, you can even access Citrix apps on the iPad over your local intranet. The sheer power of the device is amazing. If you don't mind the screen resolution, then it can absolutely function as a laptop. Hell, check out the logitech case which essentially turns it into one.

The weakness of iOS is the proprietary hardware platform, which essentially makes the software work so well and let's not forget the OS innovative design, genius of the App store and 3rd party developers ability to contribute to the platform. Android proliferation is based on the open source nature of the OS and, like Windows, it's ability to be adapted to a vast array of disparate hardware configurations. That results in 2 great weaknesses... The excursion and fragmentation of the OS itself. I mean fragmentation in the sense that phone or tablet manufacturers can use any version of Android that they want and often add layers of their own proprietary software. If Android releases a new version with new features, it's completely up to the manufacturer to release an updated version for their platform and many times no strong incentive. This leads to the 2nd primary weakness...3rd party development. What programmer wants to program great software for sometimes 5 or 6 different versions of an OS that can operate well on 100s of devices with drastically varying hardware capabilities? Angry Birds is a great example. Read the developer ranting about his experience with porting it to the Android OS. Developers LOVE developing for the iOS platform, because the hardware is uniform and universal. It will run great on every single device and is much easier to code/develop for a universal hardware configuration. This adds more robust, full featured software with enthusiastic software developers who want to produce apps for that platform which makes the App store even more successful and gives customers that much more reason to....buy an iPad.

 

[Jack is Back]

Well dude... if you're using CAD and 3ds Max on your laptop, then of course it can't replace it, but if you're like 90% of the public who primarily use their notebooks for web surfing, watching movies, playing games, reading, email, word processing, etc.. then I hate to break it to you but...yes it can. Hell, I have a bluetooth keyboard paired to my iPad and I can carry out the vast majority of laptop functionality with the use of bluetooth devices. That's saying a lot for an ex IT manager/network engineer/software developer. No, I don't do any of my hobby development on my iPad, but when I'm traveling or remotely computing, I usually don't want to do any of that stuff anyway and would much rather facilitate it on my 27" iMac boot camped with Windows 7. That being said, I can VPN or VNC remote into my desktop at home and have instant control over all my desktop applications. Hell, you can even access Citrix apps on the iPad over your local intranet. The sheer power of the device is amazing. If you don't mind the screen resolution, then it can absolutely function as a laptop. Hell, check out the logitech case which essentially turns it into one.

The weakness of iOS is the proprietary hardware platform, which essentially makes the software work so well and let's not forget the OS innovative design, genius of the App store and 3rd party developers ability to contribute to the platform. Android proliferation is based on the open source nature of the OS and, like Windows, it's ability to be adapted to a vast array of disparate hardware configurations. That results in 2 great weaknesses... The excursion and fragmentation of the OS itself. I mean fragmentation in the sense that phone or tablet manufacturers can use any version of Android that they want and often add layers of their own proprietary software. If Android releases a new version with new features, it's completely up to the manufacturer to release an updated version for their platform and many times no strong incentive. This leads to the 2nd primary weakness...3rd party development. What programmer wants to program great software for sometimes 5 or 6 different versions of an OS that can operate well on 100s of devices with drastically varying hardware capabilities? Angry Birds is a great example. Read the developer ranting about his experience with porting it to the Android OS. Developers LOVE developing for the iOS platform, because the hardware is uniform and universal. It will run great on every single device and is much easier to code/develop for a universal hardware configuration. This adds more robust, full featured software with enthusiastic software developers who want to produce apps for that platform which makes the App store even more successful and gives customers that much more reason to....buy an iPad.

I agree the iPad is better today, I just don't think it will last. And the laptop thing has no argument really.

Editing PDFs, awful on the iPad. Word processing is average at best. The browser is super weak, slow and buggy, most can't even do multiple tabs. If you needed to sit down and do some work on a computer, process data, create documents, or anything like that then a laptop is 3 times faster/better. iPads are good for reading, watching, and browsing basic websites. You don't need crazy software to make this comparison, adobe acrobat, microsoft word, power point, microsoft one note, video players (that can play videos at 1.5, 2.0x normal speed, invaluable for med students watching lectures), screen capturing pics and saving them onto PDF notes, MULTITASKING anything, scanning in documents (I just scanned in a whole board review book on my laptop), etc. I could go on all day on how the iPad doesn't even come close. Want to watch a youtube video and type a document, can't.

So for students or anyone doing more than visiting websites and watching movies, the iPad isn't a great choice. If you just want a convenient $500 toy to read on and play games, agreed, it is amazing.

 

[Groove]

I agree the iPad is better today, I just don't think it will last. And the laptop thing has no argument really.

Editing PDFs, awful on the iPad. Word processing is average at best. The browser is super weak, slow and buggy, most can't even do multiple tabs. If you needed to sit down and do some work on a computer, process data, create documents, or anything like that then a laptop is 3 times faster/better. iPads are good for reading, watching, and browsing basic websites. You don't need crazy software to make this comparison, adobe acrobat, microsoft word, power point, microsoft one note, video players (that can play videos at 1.5, 2.0x normal speed, invaluable for med students watching lectures), screen capturing pics and saving them onto PDF notes, MULTITASKING anything, scanning in documents (I just scanned in a whole board review book on my laptop), etc. I could go on all day on how the iPad doesn't even come close. Want to watch a youtube video and type a document, can't.

So for students or anyone doing more than visiting websites and watching movies, the iPad isn't a great choice. If you just want a convenient $500 toy to read on and play games, agreed, it is amazing.

You're describing a DTR, as we call it in the tech industry. That's a notebook/laptop that functions as a desktop replacement system for power users. I use a desktop system for serious computing, and I use a laptop for light mobile computing (past tense...now I just use my iPad). Most users fit into that same category. An iPad will not replace a notebook for power users, but it can replace it for just about everyone else, myself included. Most medical students use their notebooks as their primary computer, hence.. it needs to function as a "mobile desktop". This does not reflect the majority of notebook users as mobile power users are a minority. Trust me, I speak from experience. I spent 10 years in the industry. There's plenty of tech sources on the web that reflect my opinion.

If you don't like the iPad, don't buy one. It's as simple as that. Hell, buy whatever you want that fits your usage style. The statistics don't lie though. iPad sales up....laptop sales down....doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.

 

[fakin' the funk]

to the bolded: This is one thing i can't stand people saying. I own an ipad and there is no possible way that these replace a laptop. Yes, i can visit most websites (not flashbased with apple's browser though, lol) and i can read things, but replacing a laptop? No way. Software on a laptop compared to a tablet is a joke. Tablets are about convenience more than functionality.

+1

 

[fakin' the funk]

It's a combination of hardware innovation, design, and the sheer success of the App store along with the adaptive iOS platform. The iPad can let you do all those things...and replace a laptop essentially, as it has done for me.

You're describing a DTR, as we call it in the tech industry. That's a notebook/laptop that functions as a desktop replacement system for power users[i.e. to imply that an iPad cannot replace a DTR.]

Your semantics and industry jargon are amusing.

 

[Groove]

Your semantics and industry jargon are amusing.

Then consider yourself ..."fakin" amused?

Read the post again, slick.

I don't use DTR's anymore, I specifically stated:

and I use a laptop for light mobile computing (past tense...now I just use my iPad

Here's another one

This does not reflect the majority of notebook users as mobile power users are a minority

That means that I'm not a mobile power user, that they are a minority, and that the iPad works just fine for me.

Comprende?

 

[thepoopologist]

Verdict

Keeping in mind the reasonable price of the device, buy it only IF

1. You have pdfs of reference books (ie pocket medicine, sanford guide) that you want to consolidate into one device. I've sold all my hard copies of these books and looking them up on the Kindle is a smoother process, especially with ezPDF reader (the $0.99 annotation software for android). It is also the size of a reference book, and fits quite nicely in the pocket of my scrubs and/or white coat.

2. Your hospital has wifi

3. You are already an Amazon Prime member

4. You intend to root the device


I do not think you would be able to enjoy the full extent of the device unless all four points were met. It is essentially a reference book replacement + some extra capabilities (email, web browsing, etc).

 

[aneftp]

I've read into it a bit.

Realize they rushed this to production and will have a newer version coming out as soon as Q1 next year.

I think you can't go wrong with Android OS. Smaller screen but will be useful to get data on the go. Price is nice too.

Apple is in trouble with all their little gadgets. Android is catching up and within about 3-4 years, apple will be dominated in market share, just like what happened with hardware. Apple is overpriced and they try to lock you down into buying their products for life.

I think the Fire will be a good product but Motorolla will make some nice new tablets in the next year. Personally, if you don't mind waiting a year, I think this young technology has some huge growth potential and this Kindle could be worthless in 18 months.

Not sure you know your facts
1. iPod still owns its market (although clearly stand alone mp3 players are dying in general)
2. MacBook Air is the best selling laptop in the USA
3. IMac is best selling desktop computer over $1000 in USA
4. iPad still owns well over 90% of the market. (we are talking about "sold units". Not "shipped units sitting on the shelves unsold in retail channels

You are correct Android phones have dominant shares of the smartphone market. This is where it gets cloudy. Clearly the cell phone carrier subsidies help android sales (bogo, 1 cents amazon wireless sales etc). But apple still has by far the highest profit margin of all cell phones produced. As evidence by Sprint CEO saying that the iPhone commands "40% more subsidy" than any of the other cell phones Sprint carries.

Let get back to the iPad. The public has spoken and they don't want subsidized tablets and another monthly data plan. That means iPad and Android devices have to compete without carrier subsidy. Amazon has to sell at a lost and hope it makes up the price difference with its Eco system. Apple already makes a small profit on addition to its Eco system.

I doubt anyone will make a dent in the iPad market share and iPad ends up owning still over 50% market share even after 5 years. It will repeat the mp3 dominance.

I own both Playbook and iPad 2. Have owned a Xoom and Touchpad. So I am a techie who knows his stuff.

$199 does put pressure on Apple but you are talking about razor thin margins from companies. Not sure how long a company can stay in business selling at a lost.

 

[thepoopologist]

I bought an iPad 2.

I'm sorry, but Apple hardware is flat out the best choice. Why? Because Apple has the best selection of software (apps).

I would love something like the Transformer Prime if it ran iOS, but Android apps are a shadow of what Apple gets me.

Fanboy for life

/end thread