8 Things to Consider When Shopping for Kindle Fire E-readers

Amazon Kindle was the original e-reader, and the Kindle lineup is still the most popular series of e-reader gadgets. But for those who like the idea of consolidating their technology into a more adaptable, multipurpose device, the Kindle Fire may be the best choice of all. As the saying goes, you can have your cake and eat it, too. With the Fire models you can have your e-reader and also have a highly portable and affordable device that gives you many of the functions typically found on a laptop or tablet computer. The Fire gadgets are, in fact, tablets – but they are also designed to be outstanding e-readers. So you may get the best of both worlds if that kind of hybrid sounds like a good fit for your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider if you decide to shop around for a Fire.

1. Models and Pricing

These devices currently come in several models. There is the base model called Fire (about $49), and then the next generation called HD Fire 6 (about $69 – which represents a high-definition model with a 6-inch screen. There is also a Fire HD 8 with an 8-inch screen (about $149), and the most recent offering, the Fire HD 10 (about $179) – which has the largest high-def screen and is the newest but most expensive Fire. Let’s not overlook the Fire Kid’s Edition (about $99), either – which is a 7-inch model with a built-in case that can tolerate lots of drops, bumps, and tumbles that children usually put their gadgets through. All of the Fire models have front and rear-facing cameras and video recorders, too.

2. Processing Speed

Speed rules when it comes to multitasking on a Wi-Fi device, streaming graphics-intensive movies, playing power-devouring games, and turning pages quickly while reading a novel that is a real page-turner. The amount of available computer memory on the hard drive or as surface memory has a lot to do with how fast – and how seamlessly – those tasks happen. But one of the biggest factors is processor speed. So if you want a more rewarding experience navigating your Fire, go for the highest gigahertz available. That choice is pretty easy, since only the bargain-priced basic Fire comes with 1.3 gigahertz, and all the others that are currently available new from Amazon – the HD 6, HD 8, and HD 10 – boast a slightly speedier processor that can be set to run at 1.5 gigahertz.

3. Storage Memory

That leaves the question, what about storage capacity or memory? That, too, is easy to answer. If you want the maximum possible, avoid the HD 6. Why? It is the only model that cannot be upgraded to the maximum of 128 gigs. All the others, as long you pay for an upgraded memory card, can be boosted to 128 gigabytes. Don’t want to do an upgrade? In that case, right out of the box the HD 10 offers versions with your choice of 16, 32, or 64 gigs of memory – whereas the basic Fire, HD 6, and HD 8 can be ordered with either 8 or 16 gigs, right out of the box.  But if you’re going to go for the big 128 gig upgrade, you don’t have to limit your choices to the top-of-the-line Fire HD 10, since 128 gigs can be possible with even the economy-priced basic Fire.

4. Screen Resolution

Another interesting tidbit of information for those who cannot decide between the HD 10 and the less expensive HD 8 is that both have the same number of pixels. That generally means that the clarity of the image on the screen will be equal. But keep in mind that the HD 10 screen is two inches bigger. The HD 8 has 189 pixels per inch, whereas the bigger HD 10 only has 149 pixels per inch. The number of pixels does not increase with the increase in screen size. That means that the image gets stretched across that larger screen without the benefit of those extra pixels to ensure optimum clarity of image and ultimate resolution.

5. Is Bigger Always Better?

That all adds up to the potential for the larger screen to have a subtly less vivid, crisp quality. You may not even notice the difference. Plus, with a larger screen the viewing experience is almost always more comfortable. But if you are thinking of paying the extra money in order to get the best possible graphic images, you might be just as content sticking with the 8-inch screen. What you lose in size you will make up for in high-resolution and cost savings. Here’s another interesting fact: the HD 6 has the smallest screen of all the Fire models, but it boasts the most pixels per inch at 252. Some could argue that because of that unique ratio of pixels to screen size the HD 6 has the best visual clarity of all – despite a smaller screen and considerably smaller price tag.

6. Comparisons of 3 Popular Models

Almost always, the most recent generation of an e-reader device will be the best, in terms of overall function, feel, and performance. You won’t go wrong investing in the top-of-the-line HD 10 if your main consideration is not price but quality. Almost everyone who has used the different Fire products gives the latest HD 10 high marks and very positive reviews. The screen is big, the speakers are loud and clear, and the battery life is decent – at up to eight hours, depending on how you use the device. Then again, some users are not going to need lots of lightening-fast processing because they are not going to use their Fire for intensive tasks like TV and movie watching. Those who just want a simple e-reader than also lets them do email or hop on the Internet from time to time – and who can tolerate a small screen – might be perfectly happy with the basic Fire. The fact that it costs only about $50 gives buyers a lot to be happy about. For those who want something faster and a little larger, they can invest an extra $20 and move up to the HD 6, which is extremely popular, very capable, yet still priced very affordably. With all Fire devices you also get special intro deals on Amazon Prime, for access to tons of books and other electronic content.

7. Keyboard Options

Another feature that many users like is a physical keyboard, because for some users it is easier to type on a small “real” keyboard, versus a touch-sensitive one that is only electronically displayed on the screen. If you like the feel of actual keys, or the larger area of a small keyboard, then you can choose one of the many after-market products that are made for use with Fire devices. Almost all of them work via Bluetooth. That gives you the option of using either the built-in touch screen keyboard or the small physical keyboard – without sacrificing much extra space or weight. There are also several that are cleverly designed into a protective cover that fits around the Fire gadget. You probably want a protective cover anyway to safeguard your device, so you can buy one that includes this kind of keyboard and get protection plus added flexibility.

8. Compatibility Considerations

Just make sure you check for compatibility. Many protective covers are specifically designed for only one version or generation of Fire, and they will not properly fit or work as intended with other models of Fire. So if you buy a cover for a Fire 10, it might not work with your Fire 8 – or if you have a Fire 6 then a cover designed exclusively for Fire 8 may not fit it. So be sure to check the manufacturer’s specs and inquire before you buy, to make sure you get what you want and need. If you use a Kindle Fire and want to share it with your children, the device does have parental controls that you can activate. There are even Web browsers you can download from reputable sources like Apple and Google, that are designed to be kid-friendly for another layer of parental oversight.