amazon.com
Kindle Fire
There seems to be a lot of discussion these days about tablets and eReaders replacing print editions of books and periodicals. Having no experience with either device, I always held fast to my belief that nothing could replace the experience of flipping through a magazine or holding a solid book in my hands. Yet, I still wondered if there could be unknown benefits of tablets and eReaders that would make them more attractive to me.
So, I decided to try out a tablet to see first hand what it had to offer. I was eager to learn about and try out my new Kindle Fire HD 8.9 tablet when it arrived from Amazon. My first impression upon opening the package and turning on the tablet was that the color, picture quality and clarity was amazing. It was also easy to operate and simple to charge.
I quickly discovered that I was able to download the book I was currently reading for free since it is a classic. This was a pleasant surprise because I knew that many books and applications for tablets come at a cost. When I finally settled in for the night I accessed the downloaded book to read in bed. The 8.9 inch screen on the Kindle Fire coupled with HD made the pages of the book clear and easy to see. The device was much lighter than the actual print version of the book which made it easy to handle.
My 4 year old daughter was very excited to try the tablet as well. I was able to set up a separate "account" for her on the tablet through Kindle Free Time. I added some free books, videos and game applications for her to enjoy. With brief instructions she was able to enjoy the features selected for her on the tablet.
The Kindle Fire has proven to be been very convenient to travel with. On a recent trip I was able to access my own book and books for my daughter's bedtime stories on the device. I was also able to access the internet to check e-mail since I was within range of a WiFi source. For longer trips when we will be away from loved ones, I can use the front facing camera on the Kindle Fire to video chat.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. It provides a convenient way to transport and read books. It also can provide hours of entertainment for myself, husband and daughter, making it great for travel.
The tablet does not replace my favorite magazines or make me want to convert all my books to digital format. I still love and enjoy the feel of a magazine or book. However, I will utilize the tablet for work and travel and look forward to continuing to learn how the Kindle Fire can make my life easier.
