Many people complain that their e-book readers cannot be used for browsing the Internet or checking email.
Others are happy with their tablet but claim it lets them down in terms of raw reading experience.
As the saying goes, you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
These two types of devices are designed for two very different purposes. Understanding which device does what is key. We’re not here to insult your intelligence but to clear up any confusion so read on to find out more about the differences between Kindle and Kindle Fire…
The word Kindle
Amazon initially named both their e-readers and tablets Kindle, although that has changed now. After the first 2 generations of Kindle Fire, Fire lost the Kindle prefix as it gained in other areas.
Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Voyage and the original Kindle are all e-book readers.
Kindle Fire HD, Fire HD6, Fire HD 7 or Fire HD Kids Edition are multipurpose tablets.
Today’s article will help you determine which to pick according to your needs without getting overwhelmed.
Without further ado, we’ll explore some of the key differences between Kindle (an exclusive e-book reader) and Fire (a tablet you can use for multimedia as well as reading…
Core Purpose
An e-book reader like the pure Kindle range is expressly designed to give you the most pleasurable and convenient way of enjoying your books. Its basic functionality is to enhance your reading experience.
You can browse for books, magazines or comics, and download them to enjoy later. Almost all features on an e-reader help enhance the reading experience. Whether it’s explaining terms or streamlining search, everything is done with reading in mind. Some e-book readers now also pack audio capability if you prefer being read to. As an added bonus, you can carry your whole library with you at all times.
A tablet
So…
It’s straight up reading on an e-reader versus reading and a raft of other functionality with a tablet.
Size and Weight
E-readers are generally slimmer and lighter than tablets
Most e-book readers have 6-inch screens and are highly portable. E-readers are as light as a paper-book so you can use them for prolonged periods in one position and with one hand without fatigue setting in.
A tablet, on the other hand, is normally bigger and heavier. The larger display makes watching movies or playing games more pleasurable.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can always opt for a smaller tablet. There’s always some degree of compromise involved but this allows you to get the advantages of an e-reader’s size without sacrificing that extra functionality.
Battery Life
The battery life on an e-book reader is measured in weeks rather than hours like most of our tablets, phones, and computers. For pure and extended reading without charging, an e-reader wins out.
The battery on a tablet drains more rapidly depending on how many apps you run in the background or what else you are doing. That said, tablets can generally get through the day without sending you scurrying for your charger.
Price
Since an e-book reader is focused primarily on reading with little or no additional features, it’s not surprising they are cheaper.
With Amazon tablets, the cheapest entry-level model is the Fire HD 6
For Kindle e-readers, the basic Kindle or Kindle Touch
Screen
This is one of the key differences between an e-book reader and a tablet.
The screen of the e-book reader is developed using E Ink technology. Reading on an E Ink screen is the closest you can get to reading on paper without hurting your eyes. You can also read it in broad sunlight without any glare.
Tablets have LCD screens. These sharp, color filled, and back-lit. That said, they are also highly reflective meaning they don’t’ work effectively outside. This niggle aside, the screen on a tablet is much more responsive to touch.
How To Decide Which One Works Best
It all boils down to one question…
How much reading will you really be doing?
If you really want to cultivate the habit of reading without any distraction from emails, push notifications, or the Internet in general, go for the exclusive e-book reader.
If you want to squeeze some reading in between watching movies, listening to music, gaming and browsing, a tablet
Whatever you decide works best, a Kindle e-reader
Come back soon for more reading-related news and reviews.
Thank you! Was considering replacing a lost Kindle e Reader with a Fire table and your article clearly states the differences.