Hello All, I am thinking of getting a Kindle Fire to use while in Europe this summer. My primary purpose would be to use for communication (e-mail mostly). I would also use it for audio, internet, and reading. I am very interested in hearing about your experiences using the Kindle Fire, particularly for e-mail communication and internet. Any information related to the following would be really helpful: 1. Using the on-screen keyboard for typing, particularly for 1-2 paragraph e-mails; 2. Ease of using the Wi-Fi feature, especially using in the U.S. versus Europe; 3. Experience accessing e-mail, including reading/writing and sending/receiving; 4. Using the internet browser, mostly for reading web pages and other navigation; 5. Additional positive experiences using the Kindle Fire for travel; 6. Additional negative experiences using the Kindle Fire for travel. 7. Other recommendations for using (or not using) the Kindle Fire for travel. Any feedback is very much appreciated. Thank you kindly.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
We use an iPod Touch for about the same thing you want to do, and its much smaller and lighter.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4408 posts
My Fire is great... when it works. Let's say it's quite glitchy (grrrrrr). For me, the keyboard is still a hunt-and-peck-with-my-pointer-finger type of affair like my iTouch, so it's not what I would call a 'keyboard', but others may disagree. I can read books just fine on my Touch (prefer my regular Kindle, not my Kindle Fire, for reading), and I use email and the internet lots, too. It's definitely much smaller and lighter, too. I also watch videos (travel related, movies, etc) and watch/listen to audio guides, too. In fact, I'm using my Touch right now! I would definitely bring my Touch over my Fire.
Posted by
Hays
104 posts
I use a Kindle Keyboard when I travel. If you get the 3G version, you have free 3G access to any website wherever you go in Europenot the case with later models with 3G, where this access has been blocked. You have a physical keyboard, too, although other navigation is a little tedious. It's been the one reliable way I could email people from absolutely anywhere on three trips to Europe over the past two years. The e-ink screen also means much longer battery life, although with the tradeoff that you need an external light to read (no backlight). Personally, I've not found this much of a problem, but YMMV. At any rate, with any Kindle you have 30 days to decide that you love it or that you want to send it back. If you can manage the upfront cost, try both out and see how it goes for you.