Ever since the super duper success of iPads, all the big names are coming up with their own version of tablet computers. One of the better ones in the market these days is Kindle Fire.
You can find a more detailed analysis of different features below but first things first… As an end user on this side of the world, I look for VFM (Value For Money) in every product I buy. If 90% of the features can be found in a product which is 70% cheaper, I will take it! Thats how the Indian mindset works, we are a breed that is very price conscious.
Keeping that in mind, Kindle Fire is a no-brainer! Simply because it is not only half the price of an iPad, you can practically access amazon’s store from anywhere in the world, without having to pay for the internet. To add to the charm, Fire is so much smaller than the iPad, this making it convenient to carry when traveling. Did I mention Fire runs on Android? That kind of seals the deal, doesnt it? 
| Amazon Kindle Fire | Apple iPad 2 | |
| Price | $199 | $499-829 |
| Content Source | Amazon | iTunes |
| App Store | Amazon App Store & Android Apps | iOS App Store |
| Apps Available | 15,000+ | 90,000+ for iPad |
| Screen Size (inches) | 7 | 9.7 |
| Screen Resolution | 1,024×600 | 1,024×768 |
| Screen Pixels Per Inch | 169 | 132 |
| Size (inches) | 7.5 x 4.7 x .45 | 9.5 x 7.31 x .34 |
| Weight | 14.6 ounces | 21.28 ounces |
| OS | Custom Android | iOS |
| Capacity | 8GB | 16-64GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | No |
| 3G | No | Optional |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Processor | Dual-core TI OMAP 4 | Dual-core A5 |
| Camera | No | Front and Rear |
| GPS | No | On 3G Models |
| Browser | Amazon Silk | Mobile Safari |
| Battery Life | 8 hours | 7.5 hours |
We have a clear winner here: Amazon Kindle Fire
More reviews on Fire coming up as and when I get the hang of using it.
Both are ultimately marketing devices for their own services and data capturing devices to further their own ends. I know I come across as a cynicist, but there are serious privacy control issues with both the iPad and the Kindle Fire that people need to consider before letting them know more about you than your wife!! Nice post, well balanced.
Thank you Subhorup. I totally understand your concern… I am concerned about the same too… iPad/Fire MUST protect their user’s privacy… We can sue them for keeping track of the sites we browse and the likes…
We cannot sue them, it is part of terms of service. Apple already uses all the info for logged in users to customize the iTune interface. Kindle Fire is more worrisome. It comes with the Silk browser, which gives it access to all your web activity, which it can then use to provide targeted ads and customized amazon experience. Of course, there are users who will not mind this, but it is an emerging trend that needs to be understood better by all users and regulatory bodies.
Like Sheldon Cooper said “Windows 7 is more user-friendly. I dont like it”!! I wish they would stop customizing things… Its annoying!
I still keep thinking how important is the 3G bit… or should I just get a slightly bigger phone and be happy with that. Just too many questions. But, the iPad is just so so expensive!
iPad is very expensive!!! A bigger phone may solve part of the problem… I did think very seriously about Samsung Galaxy tab, which is both a phone and a tab… but soon gave up the idea… its better to keep them separate… Both are meant for totally different things and so should be kept separate
I got my FIRE!! And I am loving it so far
congrats!!
I like kindle fire and plan to buy one in the future, because its price and function. I am just a student and will not be able to use all the functions of ipad…
Sounds like a great idea