I purchased the Kindle Fire for the main gift for my 9 year old that loves to read and really wants an iPad. It arrived today and I have been playing with it for a couple of hours (I really should go get her dinner .....) I have been reading details here and looking for information so thought I would share my experience.
Fun! But, this is coming from someone that still has a $15 tracfone flip phone
I have no experience with ipods, ipads, iphones, droids, etc. This is my first experience with a touch screen.
First thought - a bit heavier than I expected. Heavier than my regular kindle. Much heavier than my regular kindle - maybe double? I got her a cover though that is also a "stand".
Mostly user friendly - I got up and running pretty fast. I actually had to read the directions for a couple of things. I bought some books (free ones of course!) but they weren't showing up. The manual indicated to shut down and restart. That worked! Reading is easy - like a computer screen. I have the "old" kindle and not sure which I like better yet.
I bought a couple of (Free) apps and they didn't show up after rebooting so had to go back to the manual. I had to do a few steps but they were easy enough and the apps showed up.
Instant video is free for a month - started watching a show and it is really nice quality viewing and sound.
I think my 9 year old will LOVE the touch screen, the book, the apps!
My disappointments. I started it with her registered under me. ALL my books showed up in her cloud. There are books that I don't want her to read but she would have full access. No way to mark them so they wouldn't show up on her device - I called customer service and they confirmed this. The customer service rep said he would pass the idea on. Not holding my breath that it will be ready any time soon. They only thing you can mark as "adult" are apps. Not sure what they were thinking there. Same with music. I have a few songs for older DD that the 9 yr old isn't ready for but they show up on the cloud with no way to block.
So, I opened her own amazon account. Much better but .... if you do Amazon prime, no video sharing so either her device gets it or yours. I don't do amazon video and don't plan on her doing it but something to keep in mind. Either you share everything or nothing!
Finally, I am a bit frustrated that I can't remove some preinstalled apps such as facebook. If I am incorrect, someone let me know but my google searches seem to indicate you can't remove. She doesn't have a facebook account and I'll keep on eye on her fire but I would rather have the ability to remove that big temptation.
In summary, I think I'll have fun playing with her fire for the next month and I think she'll be thrilled with it on Christmas morning.
Fun! But, this is coming from someone that still has a $15 tracfone flip phone
I have no experience with ipods, ipads, iphones, droids, etc. This is my first experience with a touch screen. First thought - a bit heavier than I expected. Heavier than my regular kindle. Much heavier than my regular kindle - maybe double? I got her a cover though that is also a "stand".
Mostly user friendly - I got up and running pretty fast. I actually had to read the directions for a couple of things. I bought some books (free ones of course!) but they weren't showing up. The manual indicated to shut down and restart. That worked! Reading is easy - like a computer screen. I have the "old" kindle and not sure which I like better yet.
I bought a couple of (Free) apps and they didn't show up after rebooting so had to go back to the manual. I had to do a few steps but they were easy enough and the apps showed up.
Instant video is free for a month - started watching a show and it is really nice quality viewing and sound.
I think my 9 year old will LOVE the touch screen, the book, the apps!
My disappointments. I started it with her registered under me. ALL my books showed up in her cloud. There are books that I don't want her to read but she would have full access. No way to mark them so they wouldn't show up on her device - I called customer service and they confirmed this. The customer service rep said he would pass the idea on. Not holding my breath that it will be ready any time soon. They only thing you can mark as "adult" are apps. Not sure what they were thinking there. Same with music. I have a few songs for older DD that the 9 yr old isn't ready for but they show up on the cloud with no way to block.
So, I opened her own amazon account. Much better but .... if you do Amazon prime, no video sharing so either her device gets it or yours. I don't do amazon video and don't plan on her doing it but something to keep in mind. Either you share everything or nothing!
Finally, I am a bit frustrated that I can't remove some preinstalled apps such as facebook. If I am incorrect, someone let me know but my google searches seem to indicate you can't remove. She doesn't have a facebook account and I'll keep on eye on her fire but I would rather have the ability to remove that big temptation.
In summary, I think I'll have fun playing with her fire for the next month and I think she'll be thrilled with it on Christmas morning.
