Database Users

Should I buy a Kindle Fire?

Hey guys, I am considering whether or not buying a KF. Honestly, it will not be used as a reader or used with any of Amazon's services. Rather I am buying it to have a solid piece of hardware that runs the Android operating system and hoping to see Kindle specific roms in the future (CM7 gives me hope). This will be a toy to use for media and occasionally on the go. Is it worth buying in hopes of future developing and tinkering?

Anyone have any input?

Just got mine yesterday and I would say yes it is worth the price tag for what you want to do. I rooted mine and put cm7 on it within minutes of opening it and haven't looked back.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

What is the status of CM7 at this point? Is it fully functional?
I'd want to install CM7 and use SetCPU (if anyone has overclocked this thing yet).

I think the Kindle Fire is a great device for the cheap price.
I have my Kindle Fire for about 2 Weeks. At first i rooted the device and used Go Launcher Ex for a while, but I didn't like it. Then i decided to use CM7. It is very usable I think. There some problems with the MAC address and some forced closes sometimes.
Today i flashed the early Version of ICS from JackpotClavin. It is very smooth and with ICS the Kindle Fire feels like a Tablet. With CM7 the Kindle Fire feels like a big smartphone for me. ICS isn't finished yet and there are some problems with sdcard and forced closes.
If you can wait until the Custom Roms are more perfect I think the Kindle Fire is a good decision to buy.

I bought mine to use solely as a tablet. I installed cm7 as soon as it was avaliable and haven't looked back. i bought it without any intention if using any of amazon's services. it's a great tablet plus it fits in a pocket. dual core, so it can run 720p h264 very well. plus with the overclock it'll be even better. the only complaint i have is it doesn't have an sd card slot, so you only have like 8-10 gigs of space to put stuff on, but it's not a big problem for me. cm7 is very stable. I have no fc's that i can remember, video works, sound works, plus there's a cifs module compiled so you can even mount samba shares. definately worth it in my opinion.

Matt V said:
Hey guys, I am considering whether or not buying a KF. Honestly, it will not be used as a reader or used with any of Amazon's services. Rather I am buying it to have a solid piece of hardware that runs the Android operating system and hoping to see Kindle specific roms in the future (CM7 gives me hope). This will be a toy to use for media and occasionally on the go. Is it worth buying in hopes of future developing and tinkering?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have put four of these on my network at home everyone always waiting for workstation time. Now more than enough browsers for everyone. They have been rock solid so far. Running CM7 rom on all of them.

Yes, it's the best tablet you can buy for 200 dollars. An iPad is not 2.5 times better than it. I honestly think if you know your way around adb it is a magical device, with endless possibilities. Buy one, you won't regret it.

Using splashtop and orb to stream, I haven't put the thing down. I never need to leave the couch. Best thing I ever bought for light browsing, massive media, and email. I'm always around wifi so the 5.5 gig memory constraint is not a problem. ymmv with what you intend to do with it.
Edit: Orb has a beta apk on their website if you don't want to buy. It works great on the fire, worth the money if you decide to buy since no memory card.
Sent from my Epic (sleeper rom) using XDA App.

Buy it!
It's great value for money. I've put CM7 on mine and now it's a pretty nifty tablet. In any case, I couldn't use any of Amazon's services (apart from buying books) being outside the US.
I own a few other tablets and the only features I miss on the Fire are the lack of hardware volume controls and mic. Otherwise, the performance of the tab (with CM7) is great and the size is pretty convenient too. It definitely doesn't feel like a cheap tablet.

Thanks for the replies guys, I decided to pull the trigger on one and it will be here Friday.
CM7 appears to not have functioning sound so I'm just gonna root it for now and wait until a fully functional ROM is released, shouldn't be long. ICS looks promising as well.

Read the "Standing on the shoulders of giants" CM7 thread. Sound and hardware acceleration are working just fine.
Sent from my Gingervolt-ed VS910 4G using xda premium

Oh, I guess I watched an older video then that said it didn't work.

Love mine! Just got it for christmas. get it!
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

Should I buy?

Simply, should I buy this Tablet? I was going to get a Nook Color. But after having a Duel Core Device, running ICS. Can't go back to single core. The Nook Color Tablet can't be hacked as of now. But this device is 200 USD. Has MIUI, CM7, ICS. Even if some are beta. Its better than most. Id only use it for Netflix, N64oid, Gmail, Youtube, etc.
So should I make it my Tablet?
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk

All I can tell you is I like it. Runs great with CM7.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

You should probably consider there are some other devices coming out soon-ish (End of Q1, beginning of Q2) you might want to wait for such as the Asus MeMo 370t. Competition's about to get real heated in the 7-inch market segment.
That said, I've spent a good month or so with my Kindle Fire and it's worked wonders so far. CM7 is smooth as hell and pretty much fully functional, and while CM9 is on the works and has some kinks to work out, it's also a pretty solid start as it is now. Rooting is pretty much effortless and fool-proof, and I don't regret getting it for a second; it's a brilliant media-oriented tablet and it's handled every game I've thrown at it without a single second of lag as well.

Fireblend said:
You should probably consider there are some other devices coming out soon-ish (End of Q1, beginning of Q2) you might want to wait for such as the Asus MeMo 370t. Competition's about to get real heated in the 7-inch market segment.
That said, I've spent a good month or so with my Kindle Fire and it's worked wonders so far. CM7 is smooth as hell and pretty much fully functional, and while CM9 is on the works and has some kinks to work out, it's also a pretty solid start as it is now. Rooting is pretty much effortless and fool-proof, and I don't regret getting it for a second; it's a brilliant media-oriented tablet and it's handled every game I've thrown at it without a single second of lag as well.
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You bring up a good point, I'm wanting a 7" Tablet. There's so many coming out. But I want something with a strong Dev team. I've made the Mistake of thinking all fourms where like the HD2, G2, and G1.
Is there any news about an Offical CM9 Rom?
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk

AgentCherryColla said:
You bring up a good point, I'm wanting a 7" Tablet. There's so many coming out. But I want something with a strong Dev team. I've made the Mistake of thinking all fourms where like the HD2, G2, and G1.
Is there any news about an Offical CM9 Rom?
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there aren't any official CM9 Rom
but I beleve it just a matter of time
here is the link of the progress
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1411895)

Love my kindle don't get me wrong. But just so you know the Nook is hackable it just takes some work.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

The current ICS rom in development is good enough to be a daily driver. I've been using it without any problems. It's been very stable for me.
Kindle Fire has a strong dev community and is very popular. Amazon sold many, many units. That being said, The ASUS tablet seems like a dream machine.. but it's not coming out for a while.

This device is just perfect for me!
If you like 7" (fits in my inner pocket), no sound buttons and if you can stand an alpha version of ICS, then it's perfect for you aswell!
The screen is very touch responsive, good light levels, high dpi (good for reading pdf) and the device feels sturdy in your hand. I get well over the specified 7-8 hours of usage, especially when I lower the light level to a minimum (still sufficient).
I recommend the Kindle Fire Lightweight MicroShell Folio Cover by Marware, Graphite which makes the device lean and has a nice feel over it.

My Aunt is buying one, so Ill get a 1st hand look at it. But I think my minds made up. Kindle Fire Hopefully they get the Bluetooth radio up and running
Sent from my HTC myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk

I dig it, wish it had cameras, but I like it. Like it more after rooting and installing the Google apps and sync working with contacts and calendar.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda premium

I really like the Kindle Fire. Like others have said, it would be nice if it didn't skimp on hardware devices like cameras, etc. but then it wouldn't be $199.
They do need to make the UI a little better. Native Swype keyboard support would go a long way.

I tend not to look towards upcoming products when it comes to electronics because while on page they may appear attractive, one cannot forsee their performance/relability.
I buy something that is fairly current and put it through its paces during the alloted return period. Something can obviously happen afterwards with it but I'm comfortable knowing I had the opportunity to try it and I like it without wondering what other forthcoming product works or when it truly will become available for that matter.

robertc88 said:
I tend not to look towards upcoming products when it comes to electronics because while on page they may appear attractive, one cannot forsee their performance/relability.
I buy something that is fairly current and put it through its paces during the alloted return period. Something can obviously happen afterwards with it but I'm comfortable knowing I had the opportunity to try it and I like it without wondering what other forthcoming product works or when it truly will become available for that matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A strong dev community is always positive! That way, even if the manufacturer screws up, you'll still have support.

Anyone else hesitant to order after rumors of Google $150/$200 Tablet?

I'm 90% of the way to ordering a Kindle Fire to root and unlock but after hearing of Google partnering with Asus to make a sub $200 tablet, I'm not sure anymore.
The big thing that gets me is the lack of SD Card for the Kindle Fire and the prominent lack of hardware acceleration on custom ROMs that are available right now.
Anyone else in this dilemma? Anyone who owns a Kindle Fire care to comment?
EDIT: Articles:
http://techland.time.com/2012/03/21/will-google-race-to-the-bottom-with-a-150-nexus-tablet/
http://www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3158&news=asus+google+tablet+nexus+android

after seeing the non existent support for the problems with the original nexus 'Google phone", I would not buy any hardware product from them.
go with the fire.

Meh...there are enough people interested in the Fire for legitimate Kindle use (Prime, movies, reading, etc) that I'm confident I can sell it for the $150 I bought it for and then get whatever tablet I want at that point in time.

I just got a KF on Monday. Love it! I'm currently running CM7. Everything works. I tried CM9 which is really nice, but HW Acceleration is a deal breaker for me. I don't think it is too far off.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

I dunno, unless someone was planning to root / flash an alternate ROM then I wouldn't suggest the Kindle Fire to anyone but my mom. Not sure what the draw is to Prime, or anything else, and the Amazon app store is sad as all hell.
If you wanted a device to read on, maybe browse the web and add a few apps, then I might say get the Kindle. Always the option to root and unlock, until, if ever, it gets locked down.
BUT, if you want an Android tablet, a cheap 7 inch, I'd say wait for the Nexus tab. The Nexus devices have continued to be some of the best option when it comes to phones, so in this case I'm not sure why it'd be any different.
Basically just depends on what you want out of it. IMO the Kindle Fire, stock, is one sad little piece. It really is. There is no way around it. I would say wait. But then again it is as cheap as it gets. I know I'll be copping that tab when it drops, keep my fire for maybe couch / throne duties.

bleedblue said:
I dunno, unless someone was planning to root / flash an alternate ROM then I wouldn't suggest the Kindle Fire to anyone but my mom. Not sure what the draw is to Prime, or anything else, and the Amazon app store is sad as all hell.
If you wanted a device to read on, maybe browse the web and add a few apps, then I might say get the Kindle. Always the option to root and unlock, until, if ever, it gets locked down.
BUT, if you want an Android tablet, a cheap 7 inch, I'd say wait for the Nexus tab. The Nexus devices have continued to be some of the best option when it comes to phones, so in this case I'm not sure why it'd be any different.
Basically just depends on what you want out of it. IMO the Kindle Fire, stock, is one sad little piece. It really is. There is no way around it. I would say wait. But then again it is as cheap as it gets. I know I'll be copping that tab when it drops, keep my fire for maybe couch / throne duties.
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Click to collapse
Have you tried CM7/9 on the fire?

They would have to make a really good screen to convince me to buy one.
The screen on the kindle is really well for me, especially when watching videos/movies.

Well....... you did ask this in the fire forums so what do u think were gonna say . Get the fire for sure.. wait for kernel 3.0
~ BiteBlaze via SGH-T989

isaiahhhhh said:
Have you tried CM7/9 on the fire?
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Click to collapse
Yeah running an ICS build right now. I really only used my Kindle for reading up until today ... was hungover and mad as hell at the state of my couch / bed device and rooted / flashed.
The only real positive I have taken from this experience is that I could get real use out of a tablet, something I questioned before. Maybe a little harsh to say it is a sad device, by it's pretty bad in its stock state.
For the Android enthusiast I say wait. There really is no reasonable draw for the Kindle fire.

Great replies everyone, thanks for the opinions.
For me I figured if it had an SD card slot, I could load up movies and watch them on the tablet.
Does it have enough processing power to watch 480p/720p/1080p videos?
Because that I think will be a big difference or the deal breaker between the KF and the google tablet for me.

Honestly, I find the KF to be just fine for what I do. I watch movies on Netflix. I browse the web. I read books. I just haven't found tablets to be as laptop-replacing as they've been marketed. I carry my Kindle in my inner jacket pocket, where it sits just fine on the go. I pull it out occasionally when I'm bored to read a book or play a game. Otherwise, it sits mostly at home, where I pick it up to watch movies or surf the internet. I haven't even replaced the stock ROM, just rooted it to get the Google suite and market. I don't mind the stock OS as some other around here have. And I don't see where hardware acceleration is necessary for any of the above tasks. $200 was well spent on this little thing.
One flaw I will admit though is the terrible screen. It's almost offensive to my retinas. While the colors are nice, it will reflect ANYTHING, which really cuts the viewing experience. You have to actively not focus on the reflection. In sunlight, the brightness needs to be insanely high to see plain text in a book. Even in a pitch black room, it'll reflect the light reflecting off the your face. If you need a mirror as well, this device kills two birds with one stone.
Otherwise, the Nexus tablet looks interesting. I'm a big fan of the Galaxy Nexus, so hopefully this will be on par. Only time will tell though
nxtfari​

i have a KF and the wife and daughter use it mostly to play games and watch a movie or two. i use it to read, which is really what it was intended to do
but IF the google tablet comes out i will get one of those for me to tinker with
so if you have not gotten a KF yet then you need to figure out what you want to do with your tablet before you decide which one to get

New Kindle Fire Coming this Fall

Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet will get a new and larger version this fall, according to a new report. Reuters states via unnamed sources that the new version of the Kindle tablet will have an 8.9 inch screen, compared to the seven inch screen that's on the current Kindle Fire tablet. That will still make it smaller than the current iPad from Apple which has a 10 inch screen.
There's no other details on the new Kindle tablet, such as its processor, operating system or even if it will keep the Kindle Fire name. Amazon has yet to comment.
The same report claims that Amazon is working on a new version of its Kindle eReader device that will include a front light. That version is expected to be released sometime in July. Barnes and Noble recently launched a version of its Nook Simple Reader device with a front "Glowlight" that allows users to read eBooks in the dark. That product sells for $139.
One of the concerns for Amazon in adding such a front light feature is that the battery life of the device would likely be reduced. As far as pricing, a front light for the Kindle eReader would only generate a slight price hike for the device; in fact, the article claims that Amazon might not raise its price at all.
Barnes and Noble recently announced a partnership with Microsoft that might lead to the Nook business spinning off from the bookseller. There has been much speculation that a future version of the Nook tablet could run on a port of Windows 8.

I will buy one for sure !

Yea, I think I may have to upgrade to the new version as well.

I would have to hold it. I like that I can wrap one hand around the current Kindle Fire and carry/hold it like a phone. 8.9" is getting pretty big unless they just cut down on the bezel. That is one thing I disliked about my Tranformer Prime. I felt like I had a lot less secure hold on it and because of that didn't like using it on the train or at work. It always felt on the edge of falling out of my hand. With the fire I can hold the thing very securely.

Evo_Shift said:
I would have to hold it. I like that I can wrap one hand around the current Kindle Fire and carry/hold it like a phone. 8.9" is getting pretty big unless they just cut down on the bezel. That is one thing I disliked about my Tranformer Prime. I felt like I had a lot less secure hold on it and because of that didn't like using it on the train or at work. It always felt on the edge of falling out of my hand. With the fire I can hold the thing very securely.
Click to expand...
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I've had the similarly sized Galaxy 10.1 for a while, and for the most part I feel the same way as you do with the Prime. 10.1 is unwieldy in any packaging for single-handing like you would do with the Fire. But I've also used the Galaxy Tab 8.9, and it's much easier to hold.
I'm hoping that Amazon may even go to a 4:3 format like the iPad or Touchpad. IMO larger 16:10 screens are too long to scan a page without major head contortions when you hold them in portrait mode.

I may consider upgrading as well, depending on price, or getting one for my wife as she loves mine. However, I kind of like the size it's at now, so I will also have to see how it feels...

Depends on price, processor, and whether they start locking it down.
Probably not though, as I already own a Tab 10.1 and will likely get the Note 10.1

If it comes with anything better than the stock 2.3.4 junk, it will sell way faster. But it is not likely...
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

shravbits said:
If it comes with anything better than the stock 2.3.4 junk, it will sell way faster. But it is not likely...
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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It could come with a modified Honeycomb or ICS operating system.

I prefer a 7" device with a smaller bezel.

veeman said:
It could come with a modified Honeycomb or ICS operating system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlikely, but possible
Sent from a blaze of amazon using Tapatalk

Sounds cool, but I lover my fire it the perfect size. I'll have to take a look at it first.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda premium

As long as it has bluetooth I'm sold!

Only thing I wish mine had was Bluetooth as well. Besides that, perfectly content with my Fire.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using Tapatalk 2

It is worth to upgrade *IF* the new Kindle will be much lighter with the same or better battery life. Size is ok, screen ok, OS doesn't realy matter.

Remember the Nexus tablet!
Nightly Suicide said:
Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet will get a new and larger version this fall, according to a new report.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I just want to see what the galaxy tablet will look like. I hope it will have a microphone and bluetooth 4.0. A front-facing camera would be nice but I don't really need one.

[Q] Thinking of buying Nexus7 to replace Kindle Fire HD - worth it?

I got a Kindle Fire HD the other day - at first I loved it but the mods amazon have done to android are starting to annoy me now. I've rooted it and installed another home screen (go launcher HD) but getting simple things done involves messing about and hacking that I would rather not have to do. I'm considering buying a Nexus7 now - not sure if i'll be able to take the kindle back for a refund or just have to take a financial hit there. My question is, is it worth doing? Is the Nexus a lot better?
Cheers
Dean

I went from the regular Kindle Fire to the Nexus 7 [gave the Fire to my mom...]. I was torn between the Fire HD and the Nexus, but decided on the Nexus to give me a full Android experience. I can still use the Kindle app to read books and Amazon's MP3 app to give me access to my music which is all stored on Amazon's cloud. For me, this was the right choice.

PromaneX said:
I got a Kindle Fire HD the other day - at first I loved it but the mods amazon have done to android are starting to annoy me now. I've rooted it and installed another home screen (go launcher HD) but getting simple things done involves messing about and hacking that I would rather not have to do. I'm considering buying a Nexus7 now - not sure if i'll be able to take the kindle back for a refund or just have to take a financial hit there. My question is, is it worth doing? Is the Nexus a lot better?
Cheers
Dean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 7 will give you all the pure Android experience, and all the freedom that goes with it, but you may find the screen on the Kindle Fire HD to be better:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33755719&postcount=68

I have a Nexus 7 and it was a no-brainer for me. The kindle HD is nice, but I like the full Google experience. Plus you're more likely to see updates because you won't have to go through proprietary companies before Google pushes an update. I got my wife the HD and she loves it. But she reads mostly and she likes Amazon Prime's free book per month thing. We compared video playback using Netflix. The HD was just a tad brighter, but the colors and resolution looked better in the Nexus. The HD is a nice tablet...but if you like customization and care about updates - the Nexus is the way to go.
There may be someone like you that had a Nexus and wants the HD...try CL to see if someone will trade. Otherwise, sell the HD (you should still be able to get a good price) and if you have some Xbox out PlayStation games you don't want, trade them in at GameStop and use the credit towards a Nexus. Yes, they sell the Nexus there. That's where I got mine and used the game credit to get the 16GB version.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Thanks everyone - I think I'll go for the Nexus and either sell the kindle or give it to a family member - Guess you'll be seeing a lot more of me around this section once I get it

Been comparing these two for ages.
Differences are:
1. Build quality. Kindle appears to be a better build (I've used both).
2. Screen. Kindle is better, especially for reading and at different angles
3. WiFi. Kindle is dual band and is faster
4. Sound. Kindle is dolby stereo and better
5. Innards / CPU. Nexus has a faster CPU and GPU, with some games specifically optimised for it. Kindle I used appeared to have significant lag at times.
6. OS. Kindle uses a skinned version of an earlier version of Android. It cannot do everything the Nexus can and is not as compatible with things the Nexus is. The Nexus is likely to get the latest android updates, the kindle may never get them.
7. Play Store: The Kindle uses its own store and has less apps in it. Many apps will not work with the Kindle.
8. Google Play Music: This is not supported currently on the Kindle
9. Camera. The camera on the Kindle cannot be used as a camera as no app currently exists for it. This is not the case with the Nexus
10. GPS. The Kindle does not have a GPS in it (Kindle Fire HD does, but has no apps to use it as yet)
11. HDMI Out: The Kindle has this. The Nexus does not.
12. Charger. The Nexus comes with a charger. The kindle you have to buy one seperatley or use a slower USB to microusb charger.
13. Size. The Kindle is a little larger. This makes it harder to hold in one hand or pocket easily. However, it gives a nice bezel to hold while reading
14. Battery. Kindle battery life is on paper slightly better than the Nexus. (11.5 vs 9.5 hrs)
15. NFC. Nexus has it. Kindle does not.
16. Magnetometer. Nexus has it. Kindle does not
17. Bluetooth. Nexus has it. Kindle does not - bit odd leaving that out.
So... the Nexus is better, but possibly not as well built and does not have as good sound or screen. Its also possibly going to be stuck on its current OS level and not get all the new and nice upgrades. Your favourite apps may not work on it.

If it annoys you, then you will be happy with the N7!!!!
I was in the exact same shoes and I'm extremely happy I made the switch. No matter how you say it, the KFHD is nothing but a gimped android device with the amazon system running, including using custom launcher.
Dev's are working on a boot strap for the KFHD but it's still in early development and not to mention waiting for (stable) rom.
You'll be happy with the N7 out of the box.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Went out and got the 32gb n7 today and gave the kidnle to the gf. I LOVE the nexus! Really happy that I got it! Thanks to everyone who helped me make the choice