If you follow KCM on Facebook, you know I received my Kindle Fire last week.
What you don’t know is how long I AGONIZED over which kind of tablet to purchase.
I love my iPhone. LOVE my iPhone. And was all set to purchase another Apple product, an iPad.
Until I realized an iPad would be $400.00.
While I love all the functionality of my iPhone, iTunes, and the app selection, I wasn’t sure that I loved it $400 worth.
So I waited.
Then I looked at the Kindle Fire.
It seemed as sleek, powerful, and amazing as the iPad. Yet in my mind I kept thinking, “But, it isn’t an iPad. You are always going to feel like you got the second-choice.”
But a couple of weeks ago, an announcement was made about the FREE Amazon Kindle Lending Library and Video-On-Demand for Amazon Prime Members. (Which I am a member.)
After I checked out the quality of books in the lending library, my decision was made. Even if the Kindle Fire didn’t turn out to be as “amazing” as an iPad, I could download free books, watch Amazon Videos on Demand, and still have apps. The pros outweighed the “cool” factor.
Then she arrived.
And outperformed in every way possible.
- Easy to set up to our home’s Wi-Fi. (Check.)
- Easy to get apps downloaded. (Check.)
- Easy to download books. (Check.)
- Has the apps I want. (Check.)
- Has a long battery life for the five-hour late night reading of Hunger Games. (Check.)
- Able to surf the internet. (Check.)
- Able to check email. (Check.)
- Able to check and comment on Facebook. (Check.)
- Able to watch Netflix. (Check.)
- Able to access the Amazon Cloud Server easily. (Check.)
Truly. Without a doubt. I could not be more happy about my decision to purchase a Kindle Fire.
However, I understand that laying down $200 is a hard move.
So here is the list I used to make my decision.
- Since my local library does not have a digital lending library, using the Amazon Lending Library is a great addition because I enjoy reading.
- The Kindle Fire supports the Android apps that are really important to me like Netflix, All Recipes, Evernote, MyFitnessPal, and HootSuite. Make sure the apps that are important to you are supported.
- That it is wi-fi compatible. For some, having 3G capabilities is a game changer. If so, then the Kindle Fire isn’t for you.
- I was a member of Amazon Prime. The majority of free benefits when you own Kindle Fire (or any Kindle) come from Amazon Prime. Not only do you get FREE 2-Day shipping, but also FREE access to the Amazon Lending Library and Video On Demand. If you aren’t a member, then this becomes not as big of a pro.
- You receive 90-Day access to FREE magazines from Conde Nast.
However, if you are interested in a Kindle Fire and plan on making several purchases on Amazon – I would buy the Kindle Fire NOW.
Not only will you be guaranteed a Kindle Fire, but you also receive a FREE month of Amazon Prime with your purchase. Then you can purchase from Amazon when you want no longer have to worry about the $25 minimum purchase, you receive your purchases in two days, and will be able to experience the lending library and FREE video-on-demand.
With all that being said, in the end I think it becomes personal choice. Spend some time thinking about where the majority of your purchases come from, what interface you feel comfortable with, and what programs are important to you.
I’m not tech reporter or a computer genius. I’m just mom. So please take this review as that. I just want my technology to be the same as my Kitchen Aid Mixer – to work every time I turn it on, to perform the way it should, and to be uncomplicated. And the Kindle Fire does that for me.
What about you? Do you have a Kindle Fire? What do you think? Please leave a comment and share your experience.
I took your suggestion and bought the nook for my 13 year old daughter at Target for $69.00 -perfect. Then I used a 30 percent off for a Vera Bradley cover for it at Hallmark. I LOVE my I Pad, but I won it in a raffle this summer for Free!
Well said! This is a tough choice. We have both an iPad and a Kindle Fire, and in my opinion, it really depends on the use. I use my iPad as a more portable laptop solution for work, which isn’t the design or function of the Kindle Fire (as I understand it) at all. For movies, Web surfing, and reading purposes, the Kindle Fire so far seems like an awesome device.
Thanks for the thoughtful post on this issue.
I went ahead and ordered 2 for my girls yesterday! I hope they love them. They are used to playing with my ipad, but I think they will figure this one out. Thanks for your response the other day
How does the Conde Nast thing work? I was afraid to click on that “free” button from my Fire, because one reviewer indicated that I’d get the magazine in the MAIL, not on the device. What is your experience?