If the iPad is the flagship of the post-PC era, then the Kindle Fire is the new IBM
Recently Nook Share wrote about the new Nook Tablet and compared it to the new Kindle Fire. Although the Nook Tablet arguably has a faster processor and more storage, it does cost more (by $50). But that’s not what people are necessarily buying a tablet PC for. With the recent mistakes Netflix has made, the debut of the Kindle Fire means Amazon’s Instant Video has a chance to be a real contender in the streaming video market.
The first and most important thing that should be said is that this is not an “iPad-killer.” It is not designed to be. If you are expecting an iPad, or even a tablet, you will be disappointed. The main purpose of this device is to deliver Amazon content – like Amazon Instant Video – to you more effectively. It is designed for consumption, not creation.
You can also use it to view your own movies and media, but will find that it is more limited in that way than a regular tablet. Personally, as someone who has ordered several rentals from Amazon Video, and had to contact customer support for every single one of them due to problems with Amazon’s Unbox player or purchases not appearing in my downloads, I can really appreciate this. But if you don’t plan on using Amazon at all to obtain your media, you may want to take this into consideration before purchasing the Fire.
Additionally, the reason this product is so hyped is due to the low price. Amazon reviews shouldn’t focus on price, but it is hard not to with this device. On price alone, this is a five star device. However when looked at the Fire overall, and when compared with other touch devices like the Nook Tablet, it is well worth the money.
