There just seem to be more decisions everyday when it comes to choosing that next mobile business device.
Up until now, the e-reader and the tablet have not been synonymous. But for entrepreneurs between the office and that next meeting or traveling, both have been helpful to stay productive.
Now there’s buzz in tech circles that by this fall a couple of new devices could completely blur those lines.
New Kindle Fire HDs being reported by several sources could be more connective with more processing speed and more memory like a tablet. But they could feature the lower price tag that has made e-readers so popular.
A Look At the New Kindles
New photos posted by TheVerge.com show familiar looking Kindle Fire HD devices in 7-inch and 8.9 inch formats.
Specs for the new Kindle Fire HD devices reported by BGR include:
- High resolution screens (1,920 x 1,200-pixel display for the 7-inch, 2,560 x 1,600-pixel for the 8.9 inch)
- Higher processing speed than the Nexus 7
- Cellular connectivity in addition to the WiFi available in earlier Kindle Fire devices (meaning the new devices can use cellular service independent of a local wireless connection or hotspot)
- Availability of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage (as opposed to simply having storage space on Amazon’s cloud service)
Reports aren’t clear about the probable price of these new devices. But with the iPad priced at $499, the new Nexus 7 starting at $229 and the current Kindle Fire at $199, the new Kindles could be very competitive, industry experts predict.
Image: Amazon, Existing Kindle Fire
It’s about time that they redesign their device to keep up with what’s out there. Although I love Kindle, it lacks the multitasking factor that other tablets have. Maybe they should consider adding more features as well.
Aira,
In the end, everything converges and soon people won’t be able to tell whether a mobile device is a smartphone, a tablet or a reader. Just look at Samsung – at least size-wise, it’s very confusing to choose the one suit your needs best.
I agree with Ivan, everything is merging all it’s features into this table devices. If every tablet can do what every tablet can do what really separates them?
Mike
I’m very surprised this didn’t come sooner. Having one device strictly as an e-reader is not a very 2013 concept. Everything now let’s you do everything at once.
Jan
Anyway, tablet cannot replace e-reader as far tablet’s display is completely different and much worse for reading than Kindle’s e-ink paper.
Martin
I do like many of Amazon goodies and without their devices Android would not be where it is in tablets. I would not buy a Kindle for me, but for a less tech savvy person not a bad option. I also would not turn one down if it where given to me, just would prefer other options.
Joshua Sophy
Agreed, the Kindle may not be the best business tablet on the market but if you need to do something, you can. I’m a Kindle owner and I find that you just need to “outsmart” it, if you will.
I have linked multiple documents to it for my curling club board meetings and it’s a lot more convenient than spending the whole time fumbling through your papers.
Then there is the entertainment factor, which I think is what Kindle is best suited for. It has turned into a great bedside TV, for sure. As long as the prices stay low, they’ll always have a dedicated customer.