Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 a better Kindle Fire than the Kindle Fire?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is the first full Android 4.0 tablet with the size, price, and performance to compete with the Kindle Fire, but can it match what the Fire does best?

The Kindle Fire was designed to be a simple, no-frills tablet, with limited complexity, so it's not likely that the Tab 2 7.0, running a full version of Android will best it in doing what it does best. The real question is, how close can it come to matching what the Fire offers.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

The greatest thing about the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is its price. The Tab 2 7.0 strikes a balance between features and performance that allows the tablet to be sold for as low as $250.
If the tablet's price had been higher -- say, $350 -- it wouldn't be worth the money. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good tablet, but at the end of the day, it's a depowered version of Samsung's own $350-$400 Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.
Getting its price down to $250 puts it right smack-dab in front of the Kindle Fire, its gauntlet tossed between the two. The Tab 2 7.0 is a full Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) tablet with dual cameras and expandable memory. The Fire was designed to deliver to users Amazon's books, video, and music services in the simplest and most straightforward way possible.
Given that, can the Tab 2 7.0 hope to match the Fire as an Amazon consumption device? Let's be honest, the chances are slim, but it doesn't mean it won't be fun finding out just how close it can get.
Quick note, though: this is not a prizefight or a dual review. I won't be comparing these tablets based on everything they can do (see the conclusion of the Tab 2 7.0 review for that). I will however focus on each tablet's strengths as Amazon media consumption devices with an emphasis on books, video, and music. End over-explained disclaimer.
Books
What the Kindle brand itself was created for. Already, this comparison is skewed in the Fire's direction but let's see what the Tab 2 7.0 can muster. For the most part, using the Kindle Android app and reading a book on the Fire are largely the same experience, with a few differing details.
First, color accuracy isn't a strength of the Tab 2 7.0's screen. It has a noticeable greenish tint that gives the white background a yellowish look. White backgrounds on Kindle Fire books however are like freshly polished ivory in comparison, displaying no noticeable tint problems. While you could get used to the Tab 2 7.0's color problem after some time, it's definitely noticeable with the two tablets sitting next to each other.

On the left is the Tab 2 7.0 running the Android Kindle book app and on the right is the Kindle Fire. The Fire's version of the Kindle app has more options and, thanks to the device's better-calibrated screen (not really apparent in this pic, I know), looks better overall.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

The Tab 2 7.0's Android Kindle app allows you to select from six different font sizes and choose from white, sepia, or black backgrounds. The Fire features those same color options but goes a few steps further to include margin resizing, a total of eight different font size options, multiple font styles, and the ability to alter line spacing. Also, the Kindle Fire includes a built-in dictionary that seamlessly provides word definitions within the app. The Android app does the same, but the dictionary must be downloaded first.
From a comfort perspective, the Fire, with its angular, more boxy design and subtly textured backside, just feels better to hold when reading. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0's sloped and smooth rear end feels a bit too slippery in comparison.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 takes on the Kindle Fire (photos)

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The Tab 2 7.0's memory expansion is a slight advantage here. While even the most studious of users will find it difficult to fill the Fire's relative limited 8GB of storage with books alone, the storage limit could pose a problem when their Fire is already filled with ample movies or music. Not a huge advantage in this case, but something to consider.
While the Kindle app on the Samsung (or any other tablet) allows you to read and access all of your Amazon-based e-books, magazines, newspapers, and documents, it falls short in one content area: the Kindle Lending Library. That allows Amazon Prime subscribers to have access to thousands of "free" e-books (or, at least, at no additional cost above that of the $79 per year Prime membership). Alas, the Lending Library feature only works on Kindle hardware devices such as the Fire; you can't access the books for free in the Kindle app.
All in all, reading books is simply a better experience on the Kindle Fire. While it could use a few updates, the Android Kindle app is well-implemented; however, the Tab 2 7.0's screen quality isn't as easily amendable.
Movies and TV shows
The Kindle Fire taps into Amazon's large video content reservoir which includes downloadable and streaming TV shows as well as rentable, downloadable, and streaming movies. Again, if you have a Prime membership, you can stream thousands of those movies and TV shows for free.
As of yet, there is no Amazon video app for Android, and you can't download video like you can on the Kindle Fire, but that doesn't leave the Tab 2 7.0 completely SOL. The 99 cent Flash Video Browser app allows you to watch Flash-based video through a custom browser. Just navigate to Amazon.com and you can stream movies through Amazon's Web player, just as you would on a conventional computer.
So, while you can technically stream Amazon movies, this jury-rigged way of doing so is clunky and buggy. Tapping the "fullscreen" option while the movie plays, yields only a black screen while the sound continues. The pop-out option works better, but I couldn't find a way to make that annoyingly bright white address bar go away. Unlike the Fire, though, you can access HD versions of video through the Web player.

The Kindle Fire (top) can play Amazon video in full screen, but not in HD. Using the 99-cent Flash Video Player app, Prime videos can be streamed (in HD when applicable) on the Tab 2 7.0 (bottom), but the experience feels clunky and the address bar is obtrusive.

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Even so, the Kindle Fire is the better choice. While the Fire can't do HD, it's a relatively small trade-off compared with the size and breadth of Amazon's Prime video library and the ease in which you're able to stream movies and TV. Being able to actually download videos is a particularly tasty icing on the cake -- useful when you're taking trips and heading other places where live streaming just won't cut it.
Music
The Amazon Cloud Player for Android is free and allows you access your stored Amazon cloud music as well as purchase new music. Your music library can then be downloaded or streamed directly from Amazon's servers. Of the three major Amazon media experiences, this comparison is definitely the closest in terms of options and interface.
The interface on the Fire and Tab 2 7.0 are virtually identical, but from a UI standpoint I'd give a very slight edge to the Kindle Fire as its overall UI is just simpler. This due mostly to Android's "always there" status bar.
However, the obvious advantage of the Tab 2 7.0 here is its ability to hold much more music due to its expandable memory (up to 40GB) option. For those with gigantic music libraries, with songs numbering in the thousands (I'm sure you're out there), that's an appealing feature. I'll give this one to the Tab 2 7.0, based solely on the storage factor, and its inclusion of an actual volume rocker (sorely lacking on the Fire) is a nice bonus.

Apps and hardware features
While the Kindle Fire bests the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 in two of the three Amazon media experiences, it's not all coming up roses. In addition to the Tab's expandable memory mentioned above, it also offers a litany of tablet features you won't find on the Fire: dual cameras, GPS, and Bluetooth.
Beyond those hardware wins, the Tab also offers the full version of Android 4.0, which includes the full Google Play app store. While the Amazon app store has a strong list of apps --including must-have ones like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and Facebook -- it's still effectively a subset of the "real" Android market, where most apps hit first.
Conclusion
So is the Samsung a better Kindle Fire than the Kindle Fire? Short answer, no. Long answer, still no, but it gets a bit more drawn out and possibly boring to sum up why. Still here? OK, you've been warned.
Technically, aside from downloadable video, the three forms of Amazon media (books, streaming video, and music) can indeed be accessed; however, aside from the Amazon Cloud Music app, the Android alternatives (Kindle book app, the slap-dash-y Prime access) pale in comparison.
As I said in my review of the Tab 2 7.0, there's something to be said about convenience and the more I used both interfaces, back-to-back, attempting the same tasks, the more I appreciated the Kindle Fire and its simple, but effective interface.
So, no. When it comes to consuming Amazon music, books, and video, the Tab 2 7.0 is no Kindle Fire. But for some, the extras the Samsung offers (expandable storage, dual cameras, GPS, full Android Market) will be a worthwhile alternative to the Fire, and well worth the $50 premium.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Review – $249 Android Tablet

Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab represents a welcome shift in the company’s attitude toward the tablet market. Most of the Galaxy Tab line aims for premium designs and components, but they come at a premium price. The Nook Tablet and Kindle Fire prove that consumers are willing to settle when the price hits their kink.
Samsung is splitting the difference with the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. This device offers the full tablet experience with the newest Android operating system, Bluetooth, cameras, and a few other extras Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s tablets don’t offer. All for $249.
No, you won’t get a premium tablet for this price. Anyone looking for a Super AMOLED display, quad-core processor, or HD mirroring should ease on down the road. (Check out the Galaxy Tab 7.7, instead.)
At this price point, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is one of the best tablets available right now. Read on to find out why.

Pros Affordable price Attractive, comfortable design Access to multimedia content Good performance

Cons Screen gets dirty easily Wi-Fi isn’t very strong Disappointing camera

Design Design-wise, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 isn’t much of a departure from the Tab 7.0 Plus, which came out last year. At 7.6 x 4.8 x 0.41 inches it’s almost exactly the same size and maintains the 12.2 ounce weight. This, combined with the comfortably curved edges, makes the tablet very holdable.
It doesn’t feel cheap, but also doesn’t feel like a premium product the same way the Galaxy Tab 7.7 does. Considering the price, the Tab 2 strikes a good balance.

The microSD card slot sits flush with the left edge, keeping the profile smooth.

This model includes a microSD card slot that takes cards up to 32GB. Media lovers will need this expansion option since the Tab 2 only comes with 8GB of internal memory.

Power, Volume, and the IR blaster sit on the right edge

Compared to the Kindle Fire, the Galaxy Tab 2 is more comfortable to hold and is 2 ounces lighter, which makes a difference during long gaming or reading sessions. The color scheme and curved edges are similar to the Nook Tablet, though that device is taller (8.1 x 5.0 x 0.48 inches) and 2 ounces heavier still.

Samsung's proprietary 30-pin connector port sits on the bottom flanked by small stereo speakers

Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Display

The 7.0-inch, 1024 x 600 screen features nice color depth and wide viewing angles despite not being a top-of-the-line AMOLED display. With the brightness turned all the way up it’s sunlight-readable, but not something I’d take to the beach.
The resolution is the same as the Fire and the Nook and will serve most basic consumers’ needs. Users can play video up to 1080p, though they won’t see that many pixels. For surfing the web, playing casual games and reading books, this pixel density is satisfactory.

Unfortunately, the surface of the screen gets much dirtier faster than other Galaxy Tabs I’ve used. I ended up cleaning it at least two or three times a day since I used it so heavily. This exacerbated a problem I noticed with tap precision.
I made far more mistakes when typing on the Tab 2 than I normally do. Even when I switched to my preferred keyboard, Swiftkey Tablet X, I still experienced many mis-tapped keys. And every now and then I noted that taps didn’t register right away. Keeping the screen clean helped.

Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Performance and Hardware

Aside from the screen’s issues, the Galaxy Tab 2 performs well thanks to the 1GHz dual-core processor inside. Apps open swiftly, I didn’t notice any system-wide lag, games played smoothly with the framerates I expect, and video playback is good.
Audio output via the speakers on the bottom is surprisingly loud and has some depth to it. Quality through the headphone jack is pretty good — a little rounder than the iPad 3rd gen both on the bottom and top of the aural range. The tablet’s Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity means that it can transmit good stereo sound without a huge drain on the battery.

The 3.5mm headphone sits on the top

The only sluggishness I noted came from the Wi-Fi connection. On each wireless router I connected it to I noticed that it didn’t record as strong a signal as I expected. When connected to my router at home the Tab 2 didn’t always show full bars even when sitting less than 10 feet from it.
When opening web pages or downloading apps the Tab 2 took a bit longer than my Android phone and Tab 7.7 on Wi-Fi.
The 4,000mAh battery lasted over 12 hours with on and off use with Wi-Fi connected for half of that time.

Software, Apps and Multimedia Content

The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface on top. This isn’t a “pure” Android slate, though I like TouchWiz because it smooths some of operating system’s rough edges. It also tweaks the theme somewhat so it doesn’t look so Tron-esque.

Ice Cream Sandwich runs just fine with this hardware. The only minor issue is that the screen resolution makes some elements look cramped.
The Tab 2 has access to the full Google Play Store (formerly known as the Android Market) and will allow users to sideload apps, so you can add a third-party app store, like Amazon’s, as well.

Apps that come pre-loaded (except the last four on the right)

Samsung pre-loaded their branded apps, most notably the Samsung Hubs: Music, Media, Games and Reading. Between the offerings in the Media Hub and Google Movies users can find most new movies from major studios. Media Hub also includes TV episodes from shows like Glee, Ringer, Real Housewives and more.
Other media apps include Netflix, Amazon Kindle, the Smart Remote (which works with the IR blaster), Photo Editor and a Video Maker.
Read: Using The Galaxy Tab 2 With Your TV
The Tab 2 also has productivity chops and comes pre-loaded with Polaris Office plus Samsung’s S Planner calendar app and a Memo app. The company partnered with DropBox to offer Galaxy Tab 2 owners 50GB of online storage for free for one year.

Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Cameras

The 3MP rear-facing camera lacks a flash

The 3MP camera on the rear is best for outside shots. There’s no flash to back you up when light is low, and even when the light is good indoor pictures and video are plagued by noticeable noise.

Indoor shot with fl;ourescent lighting

Indoor shot with plenty of natural light from the window

Ourdoor shot

The camera app is the same found on the Tab 7.7 and Galaxy Note, so you can fiddle around with settings to get a better picture. It offers scene mode, white balance, exposure, metering and more.

The front-facing camera is good enough for profile pictures and video chats, though the image is grainy and sometimes dark.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Worth It?

Like I sad in the intro, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has most of the things tablet buyers are looking for at a very attractive price. The Kindle Fire and Nook tablet 8GB cost $50 less, but both of those tablets have far fewer features and a far more limitations.
The advantage the Nook and Kindle have is that the user interfaces are simpler and they are overall easier to understand for people uncomfortable with technology.

Samsung’s offering is also a better choice than the $199 Lenovo IdeaPad A1 thanks to the dual-core processor, latest Android operating system and pre-loaded media repositories.
The bottom line is if you’re looking for a 7-inch tablet under $300 and don’t want to sacrifice the full Android experience, the Galaxy tab 2 7.0 is your best choice right now. We’re sure to see more low-cost, full experience tablets on the market soon, but they’ll have to work pretty hard to match what Samsung pulled off.
The Tab 2 7.0 goes on sale April 22nd at online and brick & mortar electronics retailers. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, April 12.

Gallery

The 3.5mm headphone sits on the top

Power, Volume, and the IR blaster sit on the right edge

Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Specs

OS	Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Display (size/res)	7.0 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels
CPU	1GHz dual-core
Internal Storage	8GB
Expansion	microSD slot (up to 32GB)
Ports	30-pin proprietary (USB 2.0 Host), headphone
Cameras	3MP (rear), VGA (front)
Wireless	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 3.0; WiFi Direct; DLNA (AllShare)
Battery	4,000mAh Li-Polymer
Size	7.6 x 4.8 x 0.41 inches
Weight	12.2 ounces

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Kindle Fire vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0)

With the introduction of the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Samsung has entered the low-cost tablet space with an excellent entrant. Priced at $249, it’s only $50 more than the $199 Kindle Fire from Amazon.
The price alone is enough to tempt many users, but $50 is a significant gap when budgets are tight. Is the Galaxy Tab 2 worth the $50 premium?
For many consumers the answer is yes, but price isn’t the only aspect you should consider. There’s also ease of use, access to content, available apps, and how you want to use the device. Comparing the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and the Kindle Fire round by round reveals key differences that will help you decide which is better for your needs.

Software and Interface

Both the Galaxy Tab 2 and the Kindle Fire run on Android, though with the latter you wouldn’t know it by looking. Each represents a different experience that can be a big factor in your decision of which to buy.

The Tab 2 runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with a interface/skin over it called TouchWiz. TouchWiz changes the look of Android a little and makes it a bit easier to use by tweaking features and functions. However, the experience you get is pretty much the same as with most Android devices.

You’ll also get the benefits of the newest Android operating system — one that’s made specifically to work on large displays. Samsung doesn’t place any extra limitations on the apps you can download or sideload.
The Kindle Fire runs Android 2.3 with a heavily modified, simpler user interface. This makes it much friendlier to consumers who aren’t tech-savvy and aren’t familiar with Android.

It also means the tablet is restricted in many ways. Amazon’s own apps and media are privileged, of course, and the only official source of apps is the Amazon App Store. Users can’t easily access all of the settings available in Android and sideloading your content isn’t always easy.
There are ways to get around some of these restrictions, some of which don’t involve rooting the device, but the bottom line is that these are hacks and Amazon can cut them off at any time if they wanted with a software update. Plus, it’s a lot of hassle to do something that’s inherent on the Galaxy Tab 2.

Hardware and Design

Going along with the concept of the Kindle Fire as a simpler tablet experience, Amazon left off some hardware components found on other tablets. There are no cameras, no Bluetooth connectivity, no microSD slot. This is part of the reason why the bookseller is able to price the Fire at $199.
The camera isn’t a necessary spec. Even tablets that include them seem to assume that users are’t all that interested. However, a microSD slot for expansion and the ability to stream audio to Bluetooth accessories makes sense for a media-focused tablet. Plus, the Fire’s single USB port doesn’t support USB Host, which is a technical way of saying that you can’t connect external peripherals like a keyboard.

The Galaxy Tab 2 doesn’t have top-of-the-line specs, though it does have all of the components consumers expect out of tablets. You get front and rear-facing cameras, a microSD slot for expansion, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity, plus the ability to connect to Samsung accessories via the port on the bottom.

On the inside both tablets have similar components. They each have 8GB of internal storage and dual-core processors, which indicates speedy performance. However, the Tab 2 has 1GB of RAM — twice as much as the Kindle Fire. That means better multitasking.
I’ve never been much impressed by the Kindle Fire’s display. Like the Galaxy Tab 2 the resolution is 1024 x 600, but Samsung’s tablet offers better colors and quality plus wider viewing angles.
Overall, the Tab 2 is just a better piece of hardware, even if you don’t need the extra stuff.

Multimedia and Content

This is where things get interesting. Because for all the Kindle Fire’s limitations, customers flocked to it because it pulls together all the different bits of the Amazon ecosystem into one device. People don’t just want the ability to watch video or play music, they want good selection at their fingertips that’s easy to purchase and begin watching. The Fire offers that.
The Galaxy Tab 2 offers that as well, though Samsung doesn’t yet have the brand recognition that Amazon does on the content side. Owners can purchase or rent movies and TV shows via the Samsung Media Hub and the latest album releases via the Music Hub. Google also has video and music stores via the Play Store. And there are dozens of media streaming apps available from Netflix to HBO Go to Pandora to Spotify.

Media Hub TV Selection

Music Hub

Google Play Movies

One big omission: Amazon Instant Video. Currently, the Fire is the only tablet with access to that video content via an app. Since the Tab 2 supports Flash you can watch via the browser, but that experience isn’t optimal.
Amazon MP3 and Kindle eBooks are available on the Tab 2, though.
Due to the superior display and better speakers, the Tab 2 is also better for playing media as well. The tablet’s ability to act as a remote and integrate with Samsung TVs is another bonus.
(Read: Using The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 With Your TV)
For customers deeply tied to Amazon’s ecosystem, the Kindle Fire makes sense. Especially if you’re a Prime member with access to streaming movies and TV episodes. But that’s really the only advantage the Fire has over the Galaxy Tab 2. In every other respect Samsung’s tablet is a better choice, even when it comes to content.

Apps

Google Play Apps

Just going by the numbers, it’s easy to see which tablet wins this round. The Amazon App Store has almost 17,000 apps available for the Kindle Fire. The Google Play Store has over 40,000 apps. Granted, not all of these apps are made for tablet screens or work correctly. Amazon at least tests each app to ensure it runs correctly and looks good on the Fire. But in terms of choice, the Tab 2 offers more.
Of the top 10 free and paid (non-Google) apps available in the Play Store, only four are available in the Amazon App Store. Of the top 10 games, Amazon only has half.
Since the Tab 2 runs on Android 4.0, apps made for this operating system are designed to scale up and down since ICS is for both small and large devices. Down the line the app compatibility issue will hopefully shrink down to non-existent.

Kindle Fire Apps

Still, this issue highlights the core advantage of the Kindle Fire: simplicity. With Amazon’s tablet you don’t have to worry about incompatibility or question whether an app will work. They will. And you’re less likely to encounter apps will ill-intentions as is possible on the Tab 2.
However, with this simplicity comes limitation. Not a problem on the Galaxy Tab. If an app exists for Android, you can probably load it on this tablet.

The Bottom Line

Consumers looking for a full-fledged Android tablet with all the features and specs one expects plus full access to Google Play apps and experience will be happy with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. It more than justifies its $50 premium over the Fire both on the hardware and software fronts.
Consumers deeply tied into Amazon’s ecosystem or who need a simplified tablet experience will be happy with the Kindle Fire. It’s a capable device and a better choice for less tech-savvy users





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Review: Amazon Kindle Fire-A Nice Small Flame

The Amazon Kindle Fire is already and will continue to be a much talked about device. My Kindle Fire arrived early and due to a busy schedule I have not had as much time as I would like to play with the device. But, I’ve had enough time in a hectic schedule to discover that I think this device is going to be a real keeper for me. I also think that Amazon has been extremely smart about how it has built, marketed and hyped the device. This is going to be a popular device with many. And there are going to be (there already are) a bunch of reviews that ache to compare it to Apple’s iPad or label it a competitor. Let’s deal with that right away.
First and foremost, if you read what I scribble on the pages here at GBM there’s no mistaking me for anything other than an iPad guy when it comes to Tablets. I’ve tried Android Tablets and I’ve tried the HP Touchpad. Nothing yet comes close to being a real Tablet competitor to the iPad or the iPad 2. (Side note: Save the Android fan boy rebukes. None of them are original anymore and in all candor, I’m really happy that you are really happy with your Android Tablet. As long as it works for you and does what you want and need it to I think that’s fantastic. I’m not trying to change your mind about your preference. You aren’t going to change my mind. Google might some day. But that day has yet to come. ) But what about the Kindle Fire? While the Kindle Fire and the iPad 2 generically belong to the same family of devices we’re really talking apples and oranges. The Kindle Fire is the orange and the iPad 2 is, well… complete the analogy for yourself. These are two different devices aimed at different segments of multiple markets and while bloggers and gadget reviewers might want to shortcut their analysis by comparing them, in my opinion, they are selling both devices short by doing so.
Don’t get me wrong. There will be some consumers who will make a choice between an iPad (or some other Tablet) and a Kindle Fire. Saying that the two devices are going to compete for consumer attention is as obvious a statement as saying that fire burns or water is wet. I’m guessing there will be quite a few folks who will choose a Kindle Fire instead of an iPad 2. That’s only natural and it is largely due to Amazon nailing perhaps the most important feature in today’s world of collapsing economies: price point. At $200 Amazon nailed this most important feature. Most folks only have so much money to spend. In truth depending on how you plan to use one of these devices, you can get much of the same functionality on either device. Forget specs, forget form factor, forget OS wars, if a consumer is looking at a gadget this Christmas, I think the Kindle Fire will be very alluring. That said, Apple is going to sell a lot of iPad 2s as well. So, those who count the coffers at Amazon and Apple will be both happy and busy this holiday season.
The iPad and iPad 2 have been criticized for being a consumption only device. That’s last week’s as well as weak criticism because developers and users have shown that you can create on that platform. The Kindle Fire is first and foremost a consumption device and Amazon makes no pretensions about that fact. Amazon wants to use the Kindle Fire to sell you stuff. The design and form factor make this readily apparent. Those looking for HDMI connections, USB ports, etc… are coming at the Kindle Fire all wrong. At least for version 1 of the device.
So, bottom line, comparing the Kindle Fire to the iPad 2 is much like comparing a film classic to Reality TV. While the Kindle Fire does indeed contain some Tablet functionality, calling it a Tablet not only is wrong in my opinion, I think Amazon agrees with that perspective. That’s why you hear the world Tablet mentioned in relation to the Kindle Fire only by none Amazonians.  I’ve already read some interesting criticism of the Kindle Fire that seems to start from the perspective that the Kindle Fire should be a Tablet, and I think that’s the wrong way to start. Amazon with the Kindle Fire, like Apple with the iPad has created a window on its own world. Both world’s are about consuming media, both world’s are about purchasing. But there the similarities end. Apple’s world is also about creation and a vision that may or may not pan out of a post-PC world. Amazon is content for you to enter its store, spend money on things, and if you can enjoy those things on a Kindle Fire, so much the better. Note also that Amazon doesn’t care if you spend money in its stores on other Tablets and devices either.
So, why do I think that the Kindle Fire is going to be a keeper for me? Well, it solves a few things that the 2nd Gen Kindle I owned didn’t. It also removes one thing that I liked. It also solves an issue or two I have with consuming Amazon content on other devices.
The biggest issue solved by the Kindle Fire is that I no longer have to a book light or leave a light on when I’m reading at night. Coupled this with the fact that I find it easier to hold the Kindle Fire rather than the iPad 2 when I’m reading laying down or propped up on pillows, this is a big win. The bright, backlit screen alleviates the need for a light. I enjoyed reading on the e-Ink screen in most other circumstances except in bed. That said, the non e-Ink screen means that the Kindle Fire won’t be as readable in daylight, so there’s a trade off there. But in my life, I spend more time reading at night than I do out on a beach, so that’s a fair trade off for me.
Second: While the Kindle Fire is a heavier device, I enjoy the feel of it in my hands. It is smaller than the iPad 2, which I have been using for reading, so if my early reaction holds, this will become my reading device of choice. There are some issues here that I’ll talk about later though.
Third: This may sound contradictory to what I’ve said earlier but bear with me, the fact that I can easily check email and do some other Tablet like functionality on this device is a real plus. It’s not that I expect to use this as a Tablet, I don’t. But I do like the option available to do other things if they become necessary.
Fourth: Like it or not, Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft and others are in a battle where they want us to choose their respective ecosystem. Yes, devices matter. But, this is really all about us choosing a place to shop and spend our money. Just like I enjoy the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem, I also enjoy the benefits of Amazon’s and have been doing so for some time. Amazon got me like it did many others via books. It has gotten me hooked in so many other categories that I often find if I can’t purchase something on Amazon, then I just don’t purchase it. So, in many respects, I’m the guy Amazon is after with the Kindle Fire.
Below are some thoughts on the Kindle Fire.

The Device and Form Factor

I did not expect to like the device when I first picked it up. We all know that it is extremely similar to the RIM Playbook, and I wasn’t that enamored of that device when I played around with it. The 7-inch form factor doesn’t really suit my needs for Tablet computing, so that was another expectation. That said, when I took the device out of the box, I really enjoyed how it felt in my hand. It felt solid, it felt good to hold. It felt like it was worth more than $200. When I pick up a new gadget for the first time there’s usually an intangible, visceral reaction to it that is either positive or negative. Picking up the Kindle Fire for the first time it was very positive.
The form factor offers very little to explore. An on/off button on the bottom, next to a mini-usb connector for charging, next to an audio jack. On the top are two speaker slots. The rest is all case and screen. The ratio of screen to bezel is nicely proportioned. And interesting note about that location of the On/Off button. I’ve put the Kindle Fire in the hands of five friends. All of them looked for the On/Off button on the top. When the located it on the bottom all comments were in the realm of “that’s odd.”
Some might find the device a tad on the heavy side. I do as well, but I don’t think that’s a defeating factor. Your tastes may be different.
When you turn on the device, the screen is bright and crisp and, this is an intangible, just feels like you would expect it to look.
This is not a device to slip into a pants pocket. At least none of the pants with pockets that I own. But a case around it and it will also difficult to get it into some jacket or blazer pockets.

The OS

We all should know by now that Amazon has taken Android 2.3 and made that OS its own. This is a wise move and shows that Amazon understands the market it is aiming for. To be honest, the guts of the OS could be anything that could power the user experience that Amazon has created. But Amazon has gone all in with Android, deciding that this will be the place its Apps come from for all but the hacker crowd.  When you delve into settings you’ll see Android touches, but they are largely irrelevant to the user experience. You’ll also see Android notifications at the top of the screen, the familiar home button and different buttons along the bottom of the screen depending on the context of what you’re viewing. If you’ve never used an Android device before, none of this screams Android at you, and that’s just the way Amazon wants it. I’m sure those who enjoy hacking will enjoying rooting this device as well. Be on notice though. Word is going around that if you root the Kindle Fire and you’re a Prime member, you’ll lose free video viewing through Amazon Prime.

The User Experience

So, let’s talk about that user experience. It greets you right up front after you get the device setup. If you’ve been reading Kindle Books you’ll see those titles on an easy to scroll top part of the screen with a few Apps (Amazon’s store being one) on a shelf below that. That lower shelf is your favorites. You can move books, Apps, etc.. to this shef and the one below it for quick access without scrolling through the tiles at the top of the screen. Open an App, bookmark a webpage, and they appear in the scrollable tiles here. Essentially this is a list of what you’re working with at any given point.
Tap a tile and you’re taken to that App, or book, or whatever the tile represents. Across the top of these colorful tiles is a bar that lists Newsstand, Books, Music, Video, Docs, Apps, and the Web. Tap one of those categories and you’re taken to a different set of shelves with just that categories contents viewable. Except for the Web button, which takes you to the browser. More on that in a second. There’s also a search box that allows you to search your device or the web.
I’m guessing most consumers Amazon is targeting will never delve much deeper than a level or two beyond these easily navigable screens or the Apps that might get installed. But if you do, everything is easily scrollable or swipeable to get to what you’re looking for.
Here also is where hardware design, OS, and user experience metaphor don’t jive that well. Some things are easy to touch and scroll. Some times a tap doesn’t register and there’s no indicator that you haven’t registered a strong enough tap. Sometimes things scroll too quickly as the touch and scroll are not perfectly optimized. The what I call “sloppy touch” implementation is probably a vestige of using Android. I would hope Amazon addresses this in the future, but I wouldn’t call the touch experience optimal by any means. I’ve never been a fan of Android touch implementation and I’d like to see Amazon find a way to take this to a better level in the future.

Video

I’m an Amazon Prime member and so viewing what video Amazon offers for free on this device promises to be a plus. In bringing up a movie I’m generally pleased in early testing. It takes a while for the content to buffer but once it does thinks play nicely. The speakers are nothing to write home about, but then I would imagine most users are going to be using some sort of earbuds anyway. Netflix loaded up content in much the same way as Amazon videos and played crisply after buffering, but I haven’t watched a film all the way through yet.

Reading

Since I’m looking at this as a device to read my Kindle content this is obviously important. I’m mentioned that I like the look and feel of the device and that I like the backlit screen. Pages turn quickly enough and the functions I use when reading (changing type size, bookmarking) are there and work as I would expect them to.

Music

I have a portion of my music collection already in Amazon’s cloud because I purchase a lot of my music through Amazon. It then gets moved over to iTunes. I don’t see myself changing the way I do that. But I can see myself playing some Amazon purchased music while reading on the Kindle.

Web Browsing

Amazon trumpeted its Silk browser and the technology that is supposed to make web pages render quicker. That technology caches things on Amazon’s end and then pushes it all at once to the browser on your Kindle. I’m not seeing much of a difference in every day use in terms of speed. And frankly, I don’t see myself using the web browser much on this device.

The Keyboard

I haven’t used a keyboard that I’ve found this frustrating since the HP TouchPad. It is too easy to make an errant key press. I don’t care for this keyboard at all. I never used an Android 2.3 keyboard, but if this is what Amazon is using here, they should ditch it and start over. This is a huge weakness of the device.
All in all I’m impressed with what I see with the Kindle Fire. It is not a great device. It is a good device. I’ll obviously know more about it down the road, but I can see it becoming a fixture in my gadget bag. It won’t replace the iPad 2. But again, I don’t think it is supposed to. I know I’m unusual and that many would be very happy with and either or choice here and that’s just great.
I also have to say that I think Amazon is just getting started here. I’m anxious to see where Amazon will take the Kindle Fire in the future. My hope would be that Amazon would retain its current focus and not try to branch out into the broader range of Tablet computing. But then, who knows.

gottabemobile.com

Watch out Kindle Fire. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 2…better and cheaper (Review)

I’ve been playing with Samsung’s newest 7 inch tablet, the Galaxy Tab 2, for the past week and can report that Samsung is making some progress on the 7-inch form factor.  In fact if it weren’t for Samsung’s own Tab 7.7 with Super AMOLED+ display (which Verizon has cornered the market on in the US), I’d say it is the best small form factor tablet you can get your hands on.  And for $249, why wouldn’t you? Here’s why:

Samsung has responded to the $199 Kindle and $249 Nook by dropping the price of its 7-inch device to $249.  To get there, Samsung is using some more inexpensive parts that it has on higher end products.  The most notable cost savings is on the display which is a TFT LCD rather than Samsung’s higher end SuperAMOLED (as in the 7.7).  It also appears a little weaker in the Wifi department than its Galaxy Tab 7 predecessor which got a signal at my desk about 20 yards from my router.  This device wouldn’t work at my desk and required a few more paces toward the wifi router.
As far as hardware is concerned, that’s where the disappointments end.  In fact, it is an big improvement in many areas. Tab 2 is significantly thinner than the Tab 7 but about the same as the Tab Plus) and feels better in hand than the square cornered Amazon Kindle.  It also feels more sturdy.  The speakers are some of the best I’ve heard on a 7-inch tablet, certainly better than Amazon’s effort.
Where the Samsung moves away from the eBook Tablets like Kindle and Nook however are the cameras.  These are both solid for video chatting and the backside is medium-high grade for a phone.  These are very much the same solid grade 3 Megapixel as the previous Galaxy Tabs but unlike the previous model, this one doesn’t have a flash (and the pictures are not great in low light. Samsung includes adequate photo and video editors as well.
Under the hood, Samsung has the same dual core processor but they feel faster than its predecessor or those color eBook readers.  This might have more to do with optimized Android 4.0 with a now familiar heavy Touchwiz overlay.
The one hardware area where this thing jumps over the competition is the IR blaster, which, when coupled with an optimized Peel remote app brings a great living room experience to bear.
Setting up Peel is easy with a wizard that asks you your Brand of TV and knows your location and uses it to help figure out your cable plan.  Once set up you have an interactive TV guide at your fingertips.  This feature alone pushes the Tab 2 above the expensive Harmony remotes you get from Logitech.
Samsung throws in some other bonuses including games like Angry Birds and a free 1 year 50GB Drop box subscription (normally $100).  Year 2 and on are on you however.
As far as apps, Hulu is not yet ready for this Tab (even though it works fine on the Kindle with the exact same screen) but Netflix is working reasonably well (scrolling is a bit jerky but w.e.).
Battery life is great and the system doesn’t use much power when not in use.  I’ve used this tablet for about an hour or two a day for four days straight.  My Kindle or older Galaxy Tabs would have died long ago.  This one is just starting to warn me of power issues.
Conclusion:
This is a nice evolution on the 7-inch tablet.  Ice Cream Sandwich, although heavily overlaid with Touchwiz, makes this a leading tablet contender on top of tried and true two year Galaxy Tab lineage.  If you are thinking Kindle but want some better hardware and cameras, along with this great IR blaster Peel remote functionality, the $50 is easily justifiable in my book.

9to5google.com

Galaxy tab 2 7.0 vs Kindle Fire

The Galaxy tab 2 7.0 has price about 250 USD a bit higher than the Amazon Kindle Fire tablet (200 USD). It is cost for camera and the latest Android operation system (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 (left) have the same 7 inch as Kindle Fire but  lighter about 70 g. Their display are both 1.024 x 768 pixel resolution.

  Amazon tablet had a better support for ebook's reading by display based on IPS (like in iPad) and a lot of customize option for ebook's reading.

Kindle Fire can play musics, hire and view live video from Amazon store. Galaxy Tab 2 integrated enternal microSD slot can expand up to 40 GBs.

Galaxy Tab chạy

New Android operation system  4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) mealwhile Kindle Fire has an old android  2.3.

Tablet Samsung  built-in 2 cameras for capture photo, video chat and Bluetooth. Amazon Kindle fire are lacked of these features.

Cnet