Kindle Fire HDX and other tablets?

[Catrin]

This is an interesting discussion. My huge desktop (a very large all in one unit) is showing signs it may not be long for this world. I've learned I can indeed get the kind of mobile connection I need for work via Android...While I don't need to make up my mind now I am starting to lean toward something like the Nook HD+, a Nexus or something like that rather than a traditional laptop or desktop. My home computing needs have really changed over the years.

My phone is large but still isn't comfortable for serious browsing. Thanks to NY Biker for starting this thread!

[Irulan]

For those of you looking to "work" on a tablet, really do some research into this. Even with an add on keyboard, many apps don't even come close to the functionality of software for ease of use and features. I know more than a few people that thought they'd be able to work off a tablet (lawyers, realtors to name a few) and you just can't do it. For writing the the occasional email sure why not but any serious word processing, spreadsheets, document editing or similar, forget it.

[Catrin]

For those of you looking to "work" on a tablet, really do some research into this. Even with an add on keyboard, many apps don't even come close to the functionality of software for ease of use and features. I know more than a few people that thought they'd be able to work off a tablet (lawyers, realtors to name a few) and you just can't do it. For writing the the occasional email sure why not but any serious word processing, spreadsheets, document editing or similar, forget it.

Good point here! If I do this, it would be mainly for reading books, magazines, checking forums and light browsing. The only real work would be to log into my computer at work and check on the status of a model run and start the next (just click a couple of buttons). Thankfully I've time to decide, at least I hope so. I've been thinking about this since last summer.

[ny biker]

The Kindle Fire HDX comes with a version of Microsoft Office, and I briefly played around with Excel and Word while I was at the store the other day. It would not be fast and easy to edit documents on that tablet. I could see the convenience of being able to view documents, though, and I think you'd be able to print them to a wireless printer.

So I agree with Irulan. Judging from the laptops that some of my coworkers are using, it's possible to get a very small, light laptop these days, and for many people they would be better suited for portable work devices than a tablet would be. Though for my job, I prefer a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad and a much larger screen.

For me, the Kindle would be for fun, not for work.

[Crankin]

Yes, Oak, and this is why the old Kindle just for reading is fine for me. I just don't do a lot of searching or work, except on my lap top or a desktop at work. I occasionally used to have to look up something for a client, when I was going to their homes, and I would use my phone. Basically, the only sites I go to on my phone are TE and Facebook. I do buy all of my clothes on line, but I reserve that for the real laptop. The day I start ordering from Banana Republic and Athleta on my phone is the day I need an intervention! I have a subscription to Peloton Mag which goes to DH's I Pad. I absolutely hate reading it on that format, because the photography is just awesome; it's bike porn. I want to see it in print. I do get Momentum in print, as well as digital updates on line. I don't mind reading words on line, but the pictures/graphics, I don't like so much. So far, I have resisted getting a tablet, as I don't think I'll need one. We'll see. I use DH's to read the paper, as our paper delivery is horrible. It rarely arrives before 8:30. Plus, in the winter, I end up driving down the driveway to get it... bad.

[rebeccaC]

The Kindle Fire HDX comes with a version of Microsoft Office, and I briefly played around with Excel and Word while I was at the store the other day. It would not be fast and easy to edit documents on that tablet. I could see the convenience of being able to view documents, though, and I think you'd be able to print them to a wireless printer.

While there’s not the level of multitasking compared to my laptop, with my Ipad air with 128gb flash storage and CloudOn (a free IOS app) I can connect to my office and create, review and edit files using Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint or with iWork's Pages, Numbers and Keynote....and yes wirelessly print, even to my Epson photo printer. My first fully optioned Macbook air 11 had basically the same power, storage and memory as my now iPad air. Technology just keeps getting faster with more usability. The Ipads/tablets will too. Even though they differently aren’t a full work replacement now for a lap/desk top they can be used for a lot more now than just a few years ago including business tasks. As I wrote earlier in this thread my iPad air is mostly for photography though.

Personally I feel my Macbook pro 15 isn’t that heavy or large to travel with if I have the workload while traveling to need it. The Macbook Air 11 can now be bought with 512gb flash storage and 8gb of memory for those who want a small, light laptop for working while traveling or even at home.

[Catrin]

Cool! I've a couple more questions about your experience. Given it's an Amazon device, have you noticed increased ads? Have you side loaded any apps from the Google Play Store? I've read it is easily done. Lastly, what is the thing you like least about the HDX?

[ny biker]

Cool! I've a couple more questions about your experience. Given it's an Amazon device, have you noticed increased ads? Have you side loaded any apps from the Google Play Store? I've read it is easily done. Lastly, what is the thing you like least about the HDX?

There are ads on the home page when I wake the device up. You can pay a bit extra to get rid of them, but they don't bother me. I tried to load Zinio (magazine app) from the Play Store but it downloaded to my smartphone instead. I didn't bother to try to reroute it to the Kindle because I was able to download it directly from Zinio's website to the Kindle.

The things I like least are the fact that I needed to get a new one due to the wifi problem, and the fact that Amazon requires One-Click with a stored credit card account to buy anything digital. I guess the app choices are limited; I've been able to find most of what I wanted, but I really haven't wanted very much. I've found that it can sometimes be difficult to move around an online map (like Mapquest, Bing Maps, Ridewithgps.com) using the touchscreen. I have a free version of the app that allows you to view Microsoft Office files, but have not bought the version that lets you create or edit files because I think that would be hard to do on the tablet.

Note that I haven't tried to stream any TV shows, movies or music yet, so I can't comment on that.

If you have a Best Buy near you, you can go and play around with one. I think you might also be able to try one out at Staples. I tried mine out at Best Buy first, and then bought it from them.

[OakLeaf]

FTR, I create maps on ridewithgps.com on my iPad all the time, and it works seamlessly. Mapping running routes is one of the biggest reasons I need (rather than just like) computing power on the road.

I don't think there's a way to send them to the GPS from any tablet though. That's strictly for routes that get either memorized or written on paper.

[Catrin]

NY Biker, here is one of many links about how to side load non-Amazon apps on the Kindle HDX in case you are interested or find that you need/want something that isn't in the Amazon walled off app-garden.

I do appreciate all of the information and am still uncertain which direction to go. I may, in the end, just decide to hold onto the money but we will see.

[ny biker]

Thanks for the link, Catrin.

FWIW, my issue with mapping sites like ridewithgps or mapquest is related to using them with the touchscreen of the Kindle vs with the laptop's mouse. I was able to plan a ride route using the Kindle this weekend, but I had to be more careful about where I touched the screen when I was moving it around and clicking on roads.

[Catrin]

Anything with a traditional backlit screen won't do well in the sun, traditional eReaders are the best in that environment but I don't know if there's an overheating problem too long in the sun. I lost my old Sony eReader by letting it get too cold.

[Catrin]

Just a note. Amazon sells both e-ink readers (the Paperwhite), and backlit tablets (Kindle Fire). The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 that B&N sells is a traditional tablet as well. I do really like my Galaxy Tab 4.

Unlike Amazon, B&N no longer locks you into thier interface and software store. It is pretty much just the regular tablet where you can have any software you desire, I've both kindle and nook software on mine. For fiction, or reading outside, I use my e-ink reader, tablets aren't good for that.

[Catrin]

Tab 4 is better than the Tab 3. Processor is better and thus is faster, among other things. Was also told they are no longer updating the Tab 3. I played with both before deciding and haven't regretted my choice.

[emily_in_nc]

ny_rider, My T100 was under $200. I got the one without the 500 Gb hard drive since it has a micro-SD slot. I use the SD card to store all my photos. It's certainly not a high-powered, fancy machine, but it works fine for everything I need to do. I love that it has a micro HDMI slot so I can pipe video to our flat-screen TV. It only has one USB port, but that's all I've found I need.

And, to keep this cycling-related, it came with a Crank Brothers sticker on the case! (Just kidding -- I added that).

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