Amazon Kindle Fire (2GB + 64GB) Review | 168 Data compared

In a November 2011 review, Business Insider described the original Kindle Fire as a "nice try" by Amazon, positioning it as a specialized media consumption tool rather than a full iPad competitor. Priced at $199, the device was praised for its "gorgeous" 7-inch screen and solid battery life, making it a compelling, affordable entry point for the Amazon ecosystem. However, the tablet was criticized for significant cons, including the lack of a physical home button, a large bezel, and the absence of a camera or microphone. While user setup was considered simple, performance was inconsistent, with Business Insider reporting "awful" lag and a "jagged" experience with the Silk browser. Despite these flaws, the review concluded the device offered great value for reading and video consumption, though it lacked the refinement of more expensive competitors.

In the 2011 IGN review, the Amazon Kindle Fire is identified as a compact, budget-friendly $200 tablet that succeeds as a media-focused, Amazon-centric device but feels limited by its cost. Key advantages include a high-quality 7-inch IPS display, great brightness, and seamless integration into the Amazon ecosystem. However, significant drawbacks include sluggish performance, a non-functional browser, lack of physical volume buttons, and missing camera. While deemed a good choice for casual users, the device suffers from performance issues, lacking features like expandable storage.

The original 2011 Amazon Kindle Fire (8GB) is a media-focused 7-inch tablet with a sharp screen, simple user interface, and tight integration with the Amazon ecosystem for video and shopping. Key pros include its high-quality display for media consumption and a very attractive price point, according to the CNET review. However, notable cons include very limited 8GB storage, a lack of camera, microphone, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a heavy, "ho-hum" design. Performance is mixed, with the Silk browser experiencing sluggishness and the app store having a limited selection compared to competitors. Overall, CNET suggests the device is a strong, budget-friendly option for casual users aimed solely at content consumption within the Amazon ecosystem.

The 2011 Popzara review describes the Amazon Kindle Fire as a robust, affordable, 7-inch media-focused tablet optimized for holding in landscape mode, despite having a "squished" feel in portrait orientation. It acts as a gateway to Amazon's content ecosystem, offering a responsive touchscreen, wide viewing angles, and a user-friendly interface suited for beginners. However, significant drawbacks (cons) include the lack of a search option within the Instant Video service, a confusing mix of free and paid content, and only average, "ho-hum" performance compared to higher-end tablets. For more details, visit Popzara.

The CNET review describes the original Amazon Kindle Fire as a $199 "media consumption" powerhouse that sacrifices high-end hardware for an aggressive price point, offering an excellent, budget-friendly entry into Amazon's digital ecosystem. Key pros include a high-quality 7-inch IPS display and a cohesive, user-friendly interface designed for accessing movies, books, and apps. Conversely, significant cons involve the lack of a camera, microphone, Bluetooth, and GPS, along with limited two-finger multitouch support, slower browser performance, and a heavier, less comfortable design for reading compared to e-ink models. Ultimately, the review defines the device as a specialized tool for accessing Amazon content, not a versatile, full-featured tablet, which succeeds based on its value proposition.