Kindle Fire Review and Comparison
Written by Quinn M. Redfield
So you're a book lover, or maybe a student, and you're tired of carrying around the extra weight. Or maybe you're book shelves are already exploding, but you just aren't sure you want to drop a ton of money on what amounts to a stripped down lap top at nearly the same price. Well the Kindle Fire could be just the balanced your looking for.
This 14.6oz, 7-inch tablet brings you everything from television and movies to music, books, games, and apps. Essentially it's an all in one media player with internet access. Everything is controlled via touch screen - even the volume. The user interface is simply, making it quick and easy to access books, news, music, and other frequently used functions. The Kindle Fire can be turned and used in portrait or landscape mode. The battery lasts for about 8 hours of reading or 7 hours when using audio or video.
Features:
Typing on a touch screen definitely requires some getting used to. Not only will your fingers have to adjust to the slightly different angle, but also the lack of give or any kind of contact to guide them. Even the best typists will likely find themselves staring at their fingers like a beginner at least at first. Typing in landscape can be especially challenging, as it makes the keyboard very broad.
The Kindle Fire does very well with books and music. Finding media is quick and easy, and The display is muted, similar to other e-readers, making it more like a real book. The lack of bright back lighting makes it easier on the eyes during long reading sessions.
It doesn't do so well when it comes to playing videos. While its color reproduction and view angles are excellent (thanks to the LCD IPS display), the lower ppi (pixels per inch) can leave things looking blurry or blocky. Glare can also be a problem under bright lights.
The small size makes the Kindle Fire an easy hold when reading. The smaller screen can make it a less than ideal web browser. It is possible to force the page to display at normal size though, instead of the shrunken version meant for phones, at which point it's a matter of scrolling. Magazines and apps are well formatted to the Kindle Fire and feel perfectly natural.
Pros
Cons
Kindle Fire vs. iPad
In my opinion, the Kindle Fire's greatest disadvantage is the small amount of storage space available, which limits how much you can pack around with you. If you're planning to use the table mostly around the house, however, this shouldn't be a big issue. For those looking for a portable, all-in-one media store house there is the free cloud storage, but otherwise the iPad might be a better deal. Unless you're content to wait and hope Amazon will up give future versions a major memory upgrade.
The Kindle Fire offers fewer premium features than the iPad, half the memory, and a smaller screen with not quite half the ppi (pixels per inch). However, it has the same processor, almost equal battery life, and weighs almost half as much. The Kindle Fire also boasts stereo (instead of mono) speakers, flash support, and more versatility when syncing to other devices.
For Amazon Prime members, the tablet also offers instant video streaming and a virtual library from which to borrow books at no extra cost. Though, this does mean you have to get a membership. In the end, it's possible to do most of the same activities on a Kindle Fire as you would on an iPad, but at half or even one third of the cost.
Summary
For those of you looking for more than just simple media, the Kindle Fire may be lacking. If all you want is a reader, media player, and internet browser though, why pay more than twice the price for features you won't really use? For what you do get, the Kindle Fire is definitely worth it's price tag.
So you're a book lover, or maybe a student, and you're tired of carrying around the extra weight. Or maybe you're book shelves are already exploding, but you just aren't sure you want to drop a ton of money on what amounts to a stripped down lap top at nearly the same price. Well the Kindle Fire could be just the balanced your looking for.
This 14.6oz, 7-inch tablet brings you everything from television and movies to music, books, games, and apps. Essentially it's an all in one media player with internet access. Everything is controlled via touch screen - even the volume. The user interface is simply, making it quick and easy to access books, news, music, and other frequently used functions. The Kindle Fire can be turned and used in portrait or landscape mode. The battery lasts for about 8 hours of reading or 7 hours when using audio or video.
Features:
- 169 ppi & more than 16 million colors
- Stereo speakers
- Wi-Fi capabilities
- E-mail and cloud-accelerated web browser
- Notes, highlights, and “furthest page read”
- 1GHz dual core CPU
- Up to 7.5 hours of video playback (wireless)
Typing on a touch screen definitely requires some getting used to. Not only will your fingers have to adjust to the slightly different angle, but also the lack of give or any kind of contact to guide them. Even the best typists will likely find themselves staring at their fingers like a beginner at least at first. Typing in landscape can be especially challenging, as it makes the keyboard very broad.
The Kindle Fire does very well with books and music. Finding media is quick and easy, and The display is muted, similar to other e-readers, making it more like a real book. The lack of bright back lighting makes it easier on the eyes during long reading sessions.
It doesn't do so well when it comes to playing videos. While its color reproduction and view angles are excellent (thanks to the LCD IPS display), the lower ppi (pixels per inch) can leave things looking blurry or blocky. Glare can also be a problem under bright lights.
The small size makes the Kindle Fire an easy hold when reading. The smaller screen can make it a less than ideal web browser. It is possible to force the page to display at normal size though, instead of the shrunken version meant for phones, at which point it's a matter of scrolling. Magazines and apps are well formatted to the Kindle Fire and feel perfectly natural.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Highly portable
- Music, video, book, and magazine services
- Has most big name apps
- Syncs with most other devices
- Free cloud storage
- Accelerated web browser
Cons
- No premium features (3G wireless, cameras, microphone, or GPS)
- Only 8GB of storage
- No expansion slot
- No Bluetooth
- Limited parental controls
- Some features require Amazon Prime subscription
Kindle Fire vs. iPad
In my opinion, the Kindle Fire's greatest disadvantage is the small amount of storage space available, which limits how much you can pack around with you. If you're planning to use the table mostly around the house, however, this shouldn't be a big issue. For those looking for a portable, all-in-one media store house there is the free cloud storage, but otherwise the iPad might be a better deal. Unless you're content to wait and hope Amazon will up give future versions a major memory upgrade.
The Kindle Fire offers fewer premium features than the iPad, half the memory, and a smaller screen with not quite half the ppi (pixels per inch). However, it has the same processor, almost equal battery life, and weighs almost half as much. The Kindle Fire also boasts stereo (instead of mono) speakers, flash support, and more versatility when syncing to other devices.
For Amazon Prime members, the tablet also offers instant video streaming and a virtual library from which to borrow books at no extra cost. Though, this does mean you have to get a membership. In the end, it's possible to do most of the same activities on a Kindle Fire as you would on an iPad, but at half or even one third of the cost.
Summary
For those of you looking for more than just simple media, the Kindle Fire may be lacking. If all you want is a reader, media player, and internet browser though, why pay more than twice the price for features you won't really use? For what you do get, the Kindle Fire is definitely worth it's price tag.
Invicta Reserve Akula (0625) Review
Written by Quinn M. Redfield
With its durable build the Invicta Reserve Akula (0625) makes an excellent out door companion for active men who prefer a large watch face and subtle by stylish look.
The Invicta Reserve is a Large Watch at 50mm in Diameter and 18mm Thick.
The Invicta Reserve Akula (0625) has a retail price of $1,295.00 normally, but don’t let that scare you off. The timepiece can be found online for closer to $300.00 and, depending on the retailer and special offers or sale, can be snatched up for as little as $119.00. I recommend checking sites such as TheWatchery.com, Amazon.com, Sharkstores.com, and NextDayWatches.com for deals.
Features:
- Date Function
- GMT Function
- Water Resistant
- Quartz Movement
The Invicta Reserve Akula GMT (0625) has a brushed and polished stainless steel case which measures 50mm in diameter and 18mm thick. It is framed with a stainless steel bezel and grey, hardened polyurethane cover for added durability. This matches the grey polyurethane strap which is cut to the standard men’s length and sits boldly on your wrist at 31mm wide. The strap is secured by a stainless steel buckle clasp and reinforced by stainless steel inserts to ensure a strong hold. White, luminous dashes frame the round, sunray dial while luminous hour markers – in gunmetal grey and white – and a white second hand indicate the time. The color scheme picks up on the grey polyurethane and stainless steel used elsewhere in the watch’s construction. Collectively, this gives the watch a subdued by chic, silver-tone appearance.
The stationary bezel is marked with white, Arabic numerals from 1 to 24. The gunmetal grey GMT hand moves at half the speed of the standard 12 hour hand, thereby indicating the time in a 24 hour format as well as the standard 12 hour configuration. Additionally, the Reserve has a date display, which can be found at the 3 o’clock position. The date is depicted by black, Arabic numerals on a white back ground. This high-contrast color scheme makes the date easily viewable despite the otherwise small size of the display.
The Invicta Reserve Akula (0625) has a Polyurethane Strap Secured by a Stainless Steel Buckle Clasp.
Pros:
- Durable
- Subtle Style
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Low Visibility
- Too Large for Some
Invicta designed this watch to read precisely and accurately, using quartz movement to ensure precision. Besides being water proof down to 100 meters (330 feet), Invicta’s signature flame-fusion crystal makes the Reserve Akula more impact resistant than other watches. The polyurethane strap gives the Reserve a durable but comfortable fit. Polyurethane can be a little stiff at first, but once broken in it flexes with you nicely. Best of all, the material can take a beating and it stands up well to a variety of weather conditions. This makes the Reserve a highly durable watch perfect for the active man.
Unfortunately, the lack of a high contrast color scheme can impact visibility, especially under bright or direct light. The lack of numbers (except for the ring of 24 for the GMT function) also make the time less than obvious. The gunmetal-grey GMT hand can be difficult to pick out against the matching grey dial. Furthermore, the GMT numbers are quite small. At least they’re set in black against a white background though, helping them stand out clearly from the rest of the dial. The large size of the dial does help make up for these drawbacks however, and most people won’t find the watch too difficult to read. Additionally, the luminous markers and hands make the Reserve easy to read in low-light conditions.
Summary:
Overall, the Invicta Reserve Akula (0625) would make a fine outdoor companion. While $1,295 seems a little steep for what is essentially a sports watch, the durable design and subtly chic look make it a good choice for active men who want more than a boring, plastic time piece. If you’re shopping online, you can find the timepiece for very reasonable prices – anything under $300 is well worth it. Just be sure the large size of this dial won’t look overwhelming on your wrist before you order.
Links to Other Reviews
Invicta Men's Russian Diver (1434) Review
Men's Invicta II Chronograph (1875) Review
Invicta Men's Russian Diver Chronograph (1800) Review
Invicta Elite Chronograph (1716) Review
Invicta Women's Angel (1618) Review
Invicta Women's Angel (1613) Review
Invicta Men's Specialty (11423) Review
Men's Invicta II (1431) Review
Invicta Angel (1295) Review
All of the reviews above appeared on Invictaonsale.com
Men's Invicta II Chronograph (1875) Review
Invicta Men's Russian Diver Chronograph (1800) Review
Invicta Elite Chronograph (1716) Review
Invicta Women's Angel (1618) Review
Invicta Women's Angel (1613) Review
Invicta Men's Specialty (11423) Review
Men's Invicta II (1431) Review
Invicta Angel (1295) Review
All of the reviews above appeared on Invictaonsale.com
Activity Trackers Comparison Article
I wrote a product comparison article highlighting the differences between five different activity trackers and concluding with commentary on which would suit a given lifestyle or the fill the needs and preferences of specific customers. This was written with an eye towards informing customers and guiding them through the selection process. Below is approximately half of that article.
Fit Living and Easy Tracking
Today's demands push us into unhealthy lifestyles. We find ourselves glued to desks at work or school and even with the best intentions, it can be difficult to know how well we're sticking to our diets or workout routines. Many people have turned to activity trackers to help them log and modify their routines.
While all of these fitness trackers offer sleep tracking, silent alarms, and other options to motivate you towards healthier living, some offer more ways to track calories or even e-mails while others are better suited to the gym. Let's take a look, starting with the most basic trackers.
Fitbit One
The Fitbit One measures daily fitness basics from steps and distance traveled to stairs climbed and calories burned. Logs allow you to track your eating habits and workout routines. Data is sent to your computer or Bluetooth device through a wireless connection. Its rechargeable battery lasts for about two weeks, but it is not water resistant enough to wear in the shower or swimming.
Features
...
Garmin Vivosmart
Lifestyle tracking rises to a new level with the Garmin Vivosmart which monitors calls, texts, e-mails and other notifications on top of the standard steps, calories burned, and distance traveled. All these features come with a week long battery life and water proof design, so you rarely have to take it off.
Features
...
Lifestyle Fits
From simple activity logs to social and dietary organizers, there are features for every lifestyle.
For casual wear, opt for the Fitbit One or Fitbit Flex. The Flex is a little cheaper and is more comfortable for all day, week long wear. The Jawbone UP 24 offers more ways to track calorie intake and nutrients though with equal comfort. These do not keep up at the gym as well as the Fitbit Charge or Fitbit Flex though. The Flex works especially well for those who listen to music as they run, walk, or workout. Programmable alerts and updates slip between songs seamlessly.
Busy professionals and anyone looking to keep track of their social lives in addition to their fitness will prefer the Garmin Vivosmart. It inspires more activity but also offers mobile notifications and meeting notifications.
The Garmin Vivosmart reminds you to move every hour, while the Jawbone lets you set your own intervals for Idle Alerts. The Fitbits (One, Flex, and Charge) do not have inactivity alarms, but they do track and tell you how active you've been each minute, so if you keep any eye on the display, you can remind yourself to move more throughout the day.
Fit Living and Easy Tracking
Today's demands push us into unhealthy lifestyles. We find ourselves glued to desks at work or school and even with the best intentions, it can be difficult to know how well we're sticking to our diets or workout routines. Many people have turned to activity trackers to help them log and modify their routines.
While all of these fitness trackers offer sleep tracking, silent alarms, and other options to motivate you towards healthier living, some offer more ways to track calories or even e-mails while others are better suited to the gym. Let's take a look, starting with the most basic trackers.
Fitbit One
The Fitbit One measures daily fitness basics from steps and distance traveled to stairs climbed and calories burned. Logs allow you to track your eating habits and workout routines. Data is sent to your computer or Bluetooth device through a wireless connection. Its rechargeable battery lasts for about two weeks, but it is not water resistant enough to wear in the shower or swimming.
Features
- Tracks Calories Burned
- Food and Workout logs
- Sleep tracker & Silent alarm
- Wireless Bluetooth Connection
...
Garmin Vivosmart
Lifestyle tracking rises to a new level with the Garmin Vivosmart which monitors calls, texts, e-mails and other notifications on top of the standard steps, calories burned, and distance traveled. All these features come with a week long battery life and water proof design, so you rarely have to take it off.
Features
- Sleep Tracker & Silent Alarm
- Touch Screen
- Inactivity Alert
- Mobile Notifications
- Syncs to any Bluetooth Device
- Water Resistant
...
Lifestyle Fits
From simple activity logs to social and dietary organizers, there are features for every lifestyle.
For casual wear, opt for the Fitbit One or Fitbit Flex. The Flex is a little cheaper and is more comfortable for all day, week long wear. The Jawbone UP 24 offers more ways to track calorie intake and nutrients though with equal comfort. These do not keep up at the gym as well as the Fitbit Charge or Fitbit Flex though. The Flex works especially well for those who listen to music as they run, walk, or workout. Programmable alerts and updates slip between songs seamlessly.
Busy professionals and anyone looking to keep track of their social lives in addition to their fitness will prefer the Garmin Vivosmart. It inspires more activity but also offers mobile notifications and meeting notifications.
The Garmin Vivosmart reminds you to move every hour, while the Jawbone lets you set your own intervals for Idle Alerts. The Fitbits (One, Flex, and Charge) do not have inactivity alarms, but they do track and tell you how active you've been each minute, so if you keep any eye on the display, you can remind yourself to move more throughout the day.