Now that I've played with it for a week, it still largely feels hobbled as a tablet, and not the eReader I'd use. One of these days I'll get a Kindle with the eInk screen-- so much easier on the eyes for "books".
The inability to access the Google app store is a pain, but I've found most of what I've wanted on apktop.com, like Google Maps, YouTube, and the Dolphin browser--since I don't like Amazon being in the middle of all my browsing. Notable exceptions, the apps I'd like, and/or better webapps --
- Facebook. Though the mobile webapp works pretty well, except for photos.
- Gmail. Again mobile webapp works ok
- Twitter. Did download Uber Social though
I actually don't mind the 7" screen now-- it's often handy to cup the whole thing with one hand, which you can't do with a 10" tablet. Watching PPV movies and shows from Amazon works well-- easier than Amazon on the Roku and the web. A nice alternative when our TV is tied up. I think they're onto something with making money from videos on these. Not sure about music; I haven't used it for music at all. The reported Amazon phone seems a better fit for that.
The device survived a dropping onto the pavement, with barely noticeable scratches. Probably lucky how it fell, but a good sign that the screen didn't crack.
A couple nits: The power button on the bottom is awkward-- I'm always turning off the screen by mistake. Second, the screen does not go dim enough for me. Finally, you can not save browser bookmarks to the desktop/homescreen, which really bugs me. E.g. I want to save a bookmark to access mobile.nytimes.com with one click, but can't. Seems like they want to discourage the web in favor of buying/apps and subscriptions.
Despite the shortcomings, it has proved useful/fun. Perhaps I'm more sold now on using a tablet than on this device in particular.
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