Re: Kindle Fire 2 pack TS on HSN

Ainhisg · ‎03-09-2010

I have this tablet. Amazon has its own app store called Amazon Underground. Their store does not have all the apps that Apple or Google Play has...for example Kohl's and a local news channel that I enjoy, but I can use the browser (Silk) to go the websites. The apps also don't update frequently, and there is no way to update them unless Amazon is offering the update.

I got mine on Amazon for $39.99, and they run this sale quite frequently. You can get a similar case to the ones being offered with the tablets for around $15. The cases that are being included with the HSN special are not the Amazon-branded case designed to go with this tablet, which I have. That case is $25 but can be found for less from time-to-time. So if you only need one, you could wait until Amazon is running one of their frequent sales on the tablet and get it and a non-Amazon branded case for $55 w/no tax or shipping.

I like this tablet for a reader (the size is great for that purpose), and that is about it. There is no easy way to turn wi-fi off and on unless you use the airplane mode. I actually downloaded an app that I can use to quickly turn wi-fi on and off. I find the tablet to be PAINFULLY slow. I also find the color to be muted and dull, and there is no way to change the color contrast or bump it up. Another thing that I don't like is that it doesn't have voice recognition. So if you're used to speaking a search term or dictating a Facebook private message or email or anything for that matter, you are out of luck. I knew that when I bought it but did not realize how much I use voice recognition.

I finally sideloaded Google Play to get a bit more functionality out of it, but I have had to customize this tablet so much, that I most likely will not buy another Fire tablet.

I have the LePan from QVC, and it has been a good one. It is fast, works well, and the color is very nice on it. If it ever comes out with a new OS, I will probably buy another. The current OS is 4.2 Jellybean, and some apps won't work with that OS. Also, for safety reasons, I prefer a newer OS.

I also have an iPad mini 4. It is the BMW of all my tablets. The color display is amazing, the speed incredible, and the touch screen so responsive.

To summarize, if you are just wanting a cheap tablet to use as a reader and occasional internet use, the Amazon Fire will work albeit slowly and not with the best display. Amazon had a special a couple of weeks ago that included the tablet, the Amazon-branded case (which is quite nice), AND a screen protector for $62. I would either watch for this special again or buy the tablet when it is on sale for $39.99 and build my own package.

If you only need one tablet, and you're thinking of getting the HSN special, I strongly advise you to use that $100 on a nice Android tablet, which will have better speed, a better display, and Google Play...or if you're so inclined...get the Apple iPad mini. You can go to Best Buy to look at all tablets and see what is out there.

nomless · ‎03-10-2010

@Ainhisg, great review, citing both pros and cons.

Another thing for shoppers to know is that the Fire resolution is only 170 ppi (pixels per inch) or so. That's not great, especially for long reading sessions. I prefer ppi of 230 or better on a tablet I will use mostly for reading.

The Fire might might the needs for some, as long as its limitations are understood.

kcladyz · ‎04-30-2012

Yes it is. I picked up the 7 inch $49 dollar one at best buy a week ago to replace the 6 inch from last year that I broke and I like it. It is kinda too thick and backing is plastic but for the price it is just as good as the more expensive ones but 7 inch is too small for useing the web but great for books/magazines. I liked the 6 inch better for it is thinner

mima · ‎03-14-2010

@bonnielu wrote:
I believe Amazon had a sale for one (no longer in effect) but it was $39.95. However this one is essentially $49.00 but it comes with a case which Amazon did not have as part of the deal.

So to make a long story short, yes it is a good deal, and it has two cameras which would update mine. So I am about to buy it. I just don't know about having two. One for me (replacement) but the other person I am not sure my hubby would want one and my grandchildren already have like devices. I guess I am on the fence because I don't have a need for two.

My old one, is great. Love it. No problem, no issues, but one camera.

@bonnielu You might need two. I have two here at home and use them equally. I leave one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. When I upgraded, I decided to keep the old one instead of selling it. So I have two. It is nice when the battery is dying in one to have a spare too.

I leave them on stands that I got on Amazon. I LOVE these stands!!!! They are not cheap, but they are perfect and very good quality. I can't do a link, but search for
Prop 'n Go Slim.