In the game of Tablet Poker, Amazon is saying “deal me in” with the new Kindle Fire, the latest entry into the tablet market.
The Kindle Fire is essentially a heavily modified Google Android-based system optimized for use with Amazon’s services. It has a compelling price-point vis-à-vis the iPad; $199. But for that price you get decidedly fewer goodies:
|
Amazon Kindle |
Apple iPad |
| WiFi Only | Wifi & 3G available |
| Internal storage: 8GB | Internal Storage: 16 to 64GB |
| Screen size: 7” | Screen size: 9.7” |
| No camera | Front and rear cameras, video chat |
| No Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
I guess it all depends on what you expect to do with your tablet! The Kindle Fire is primarily aimed at users of Amazon’s content (eBooks, video, MP3s), whereas the iPad is more suitable for light-duty, general-purpose computing. A user who hates desktop computers can probably get by with an iPad. Doubt the same could be said for the Kindle Fire. But, since it is based on Android, that is likely to change!
Regards,
