Fire tablet vs Laptop

Tablets are great....but not the Amazon Fire's.

i bought one about three years ago and was very disappointed. I could only get apps from the Amazon store and not through the Google Store. It didn't have bluetooth. They are really designed for people to use Amazon services.

If you use an Apple phone then look at Apple tablets as they work seemlessly together.

If you have an Android phone, I suggest the smaller Samsung tablets although there are many others.

It's hard to believe your library can limit access to only Amazon tablets. I use Libby and as long as you can get the app, it doesn't matter what device you use.

I agree with Frank, I have the Libby app on my iPad and it downloads into my kindle library easily. I know the iPad is more $ but it is so easy to use for internet browsing and emails and texting. I love my iPad at home and for travel.

I bought one a couple years ago for long flights, and as an Android user have had some challenges. For example, I found a workaround to wrestle my Google Play ebooks/audiobooks but can't save where I left off ... it's clearly meant to work best with Amazon products! I only use it for travel.
But it works great to download shows from Netflix. It holds its charge a long time.
It has annoying ads but works fine for Internet access and email.
It's so much smaller than a laptop and fits neatly in the inner pocket of my underseat bag. Lastly, I appreciate that it has a wired earphone jack, unlike my Pixel phone. (I don't like wireless earbuds.)

I agree with Frank II and Lyndash. I had an earlier version of the Fire and it did not come close to an iPad. I much prefer my iPad, and use the Libby app on it to read books and magazines from my local library.

I have a Samsung tablet I travel with for an extended period every summer. It's fine for browsing the internet. I haven't tried to download books from my library, but I wouldn't expect problems there. What I really dislike is having to use a touch keyboard that is a lot smaller than a regular computer keyboard. However, it is a lot easier (for me) than typing on a phone. I don't want the hassle or the weight of a separate Bluetooth keyboard (and I guess also a mouse) and don't know how well those work. I've been musing about switching to a light laptop, but I imagine the lightest ones would still be noticeably heavier than a tablet and leave me with a small keyboard.

"...but I imagine the lightest ones would still be noticeably heavier than a tablet and leave me with a small keyboard."

The Microsoft Surface Go is a tablet with detachable keyboard(full sized?). It is a full Windows computer. Finding a used one might not be too hard. There is a Pro version for more power but wouldn't be needed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Surface

I have a Kindle Fire HD 8 and have had many prior iterations.

Pros: easy access to e-guidebooks, Kindle reads, Libby, movies/shows, access to emails
Cons: internet is SLOW, relatively heavy, limited access to apps, screen glare when reading, not as easy to type on as a phone

I am admittedly an Amazon-heavy person so the content side of things works for me. But on my last trip I realized that I really don't pleasure read much while I'm traveling and lugging around a device that basically sits unused is a bit silly, plus I carry a bluetooth keyboard as I find it difficult to type on a tablet compared to a phone. Since I can also access my Kindle content on my phone (e.g. e-guidebooks), I may skip packing it on my next trip.

That said, it's a pretty inexpensive device when on sale, so testing one out doesn't break the bank. Amazon has a trade in program if you decide you don't like it - the value goes to another Amazon device though. I may consider getting a Paperwhite - just for reading books, use my phone for internet and email etc.

"I also want to be able to use Libby for reading and the Fire is the only tablet supported by my library's access"

Vote #3 for using an iPad Mini, the Libby app and the Kindle app. Your profile doesn't reveal where you live and I am not an expert in Library Science but I'd guess here in N. Idaho our libraries are always a bit behind the curve regarding technology.

Years ago when I was looking to replace my Kindle, one of my criteria was for it to be light enough to hold to read in bed and then not break my nose if I went to sleep with it in my hand, hahaha. The forum talked me into an iPad Mini and I haven't looked back. I love it.

I have traveled with a Fire HD tablet for years and love it. I can download lots of movies and TV shows to it from the streaming sites, my bluetooth ear buds are synced to work with it, all my books are on it, and it's easier checking emails on it than on my phone. I love it for watching my downloaded movies, etc on the planes and trains - the only streaming service I can't get an app for is Apple TV+. The low cost of the Kindle makes my preferred electronic for travel since it's way cheaper than a laptop (or most ipads) in case anything happens to it, and then I'm not traveling with something that has all my personal info on it like a laptop would. Just make sure you get one with enough internal storage (I believe mine is 64 GB which is plenty).

Wow! Thank you for all the speedy, helpful replies. Maybe I'm wrong about the Libby access and I'm doing a bit more research on that. I live in Indiana and we're pretty archaic with library tech. I've also never made the jump to Apple products but maybe I need to reconsider that. I appreciate all the great advice!

IF you do go with Apple, their products are available at Costco and sometimes you will see a sale of ~$200 off. BUT I would buy at an Apple Store.

I bought a MAC at Costco last year. Was totally frustrated and couldn't get anything to save, bookmark, etc. After a month I made an appointment with the tech department at the Apple Store that's 30 miles away. He ran a scan, didn't know what was wrong so wound up wiping it clean (I hadn't been able to bookmark or save anything so it was no problem!), reinstalled the whole OS and presto, it WASN'T me, lol! Anyway, I had the feeling that the product from Costco might have had an older OS or something so if you are going to spend the money, go to the Apple Store even if it's a drive.

I use an iPad Air and purchased a very nice keyboard case from Logitech. It does feel different from typing on a typical laptop but gets the job done. It does work with the Libby app, but I prefer to use my kindle e-reader (not a Fire Tablet) to read books. Easier on my eyes than the bright iPad screen. I read a lot, so it’s worth it for me to bring both devices.

Apple's iPad Mini is the single greatest travel device ever invented since the airplane. I've been using iPads for as long as I can remember, and would never dream of going anywhere without one. It's the perfect size, at least for me. Light, big bright screen, works with pretty much everything (everything I'll ever want to use), easy and extremely useful. Yes, a few bucks more than what Amazon sells, but Amazon is all about pinching every last penny, to the exclusion of any other consideration. Pry it from my cold, dead hands, etc.

The Fire tablets are modified by Amazon to be Amazon-centric; it's a bit of a tradeoff
between the friendly price point of Fire vs Ipads or Samsung tablets that have better
specs and performance.

I would look at 11" tablets before buying an 8" one, just to be sure you won't have buyer's
remorse for a bigger screen. This probably matters more if you want to watch movies on
the tablet.

Another consideration is whether there is a card slot on the tablet for additional storage.
If all you do is stream or read a few downloaded books, it's probably not a big deal, but
if you want to store movies, pictures, or music on the device, you will run out of space
sooner than you think. I don't believe Ipads have a card slot; not a big deal at home,
but a bit more of one on a plane.

There are ways to remove the Amazon-centric software from a Fire tablet, but they
require a non-trivial modicum of tech experience.

Chromebooks are laptops that run on Android, not Windows. They are usually
lighter than a standard laptop, but have the same question about amount of
storage that a tablet does. If a Chromebook has a card slot in it, then you
can get a 14"-15" screen for not too much more $ than a Ipad or Android tablet. This
is probably the middle ground between a full-blown Windows laptop and a 8" tablet.

If you want to synch all your devices, it makes sense to stay in the same manufacturer/
OS family.

I'm a big Samsung fan. I moved away from Apple years ago, replacing my old iPad for Samsung's TabS2 and never looked back. It integrates with my phone, watch, TV etc. It runs on Android so isn't tied down to Apple's apps or constricted by Apple's third party policies. I travel with it everywhere and wouldn't go abroad without it.

I did own a Fire HD once. I actually still have it but it's languishing in a drawer somewhere. I found it too clunky, too Amazon focused and a speed and screen that was seriously lacking in comparison to the Samsung.

Another Android/Samsung user here. I use my Samsung tablet for most things, only occasionally needing my computer. It integrates perfectly with my android phone and the TV. And Play Store has an android version of Libby available for download. My tablet goes on all my trips and easily holds a couple weeks worth of movies. Internet speeds are as good as that provided by wherever I'm at at the time. So I'd likely go with a tablet that integrates with whatever kind of phone you are using.

I'm an Android guy (Samsung phones), but I got an Amazon Fire 8" tablet at a yard sale for $10. It was just the right size to hold in one hand, good battery life, took a micro SD memory card, fast enough for simple things. BUT it was limited to what apps Amazon provided. I did find a non-Amazon book reader called e-Library Manager Basic, that worked well, and as mentioned, I downloaded Libby (and it came with Kindle). I put all my books on the memory card, figured how to load them into my ebook reader, and I used for reading on trips for a couple of years. It worked well for that. But I wanted to do all the things I do with my Android phone. Best deal I found was on Walmart's website, a TCL 8SE tablet. 8" screen, memory card slot, fast processor, ran Android 13 (pretty new). It was only $68 as an open box item, normal price was $99. AND it had an unlocked cellphone radio! So I put in a $3/month Ultramobile sim card, and now I can even communicate with it. Since it's Android, I just downloaded all the same apps that are on my phone, and I can really do everything on both devices. I use my "normal" web browser, email program, "contacts" app, Google Voice, Organic Maps, etc...

Added note: I replaced the sim card with an esim adapter card from 5Ber ($25), downloaded their Android esim app, and now I use inexpensive esims on the TCL tablet.

If you are an Apple person, maybe best to stay in the Apple world, but I'm real happy with my TCL tablet for reading and traveling.

Amazing, travelerguy. I'll look around.

edit: I've heard Android is based on a Linux kernel. If so, there should be similar stories for Linux tablets. Will look.

I'm on my second Samsung Android tablet and wouldn't travel without one. I read library books downloaded to Libby without issue. Right now Costco has the Samsung A9 on sale for $149 - through 11/30 - you won't find an iPad anywhere near that price, and the primary difference between an Android and Apple tablet is the substantial margin you pay for the Apple name.

If you have Chrome and Google Maps on both phone and tablet, and stay logged in to your Google account, your bookmarks and saved data in Maps will sync across both devices. So when traveling, the plans you map out and save on your tablet the night before will be on your phone when you're out and about.

I've heard Android is based on a Linux kernel. If so, there should be similar stories for Linux tablets. Will look.

There isn't a decent, practical Linux on tablets or phones afaik. There isn't any compatibility between Android and GNU Linux. Android may use the Linux kernel, but it's a million miles away from a Linux distribution in the traditional sense.

Regarding a possible Linux tablet, or any other, the big thing is "does it work with the Google Play Store?". If it's compatible enough, and Google approves it, then no problem downloading all those apps you want. If not able to work with the Google Play store, then you have the problem like with the Amazon Fire tablet.

Note to the geeky folks: It is possible to download some Android apps from a few websites like APKPure, or APKMirror, copy them to the Fire Tablet, and then load them with a file manager app. This is known as "side-loading". It may or may not work with the app you want, and there would be no updates to the app, which could eventually be a problem. And there is a possible security issue with doing that, as Google is not guaranteeing that the app is safe..

I've had several (4, I think) of Amazon Fire tablets over the years.

The only negative for us is it doesn't have a GPS, so it doesn't work for navigation.

It does have Bluetooth, and you can get apps other than the ones from Amazon (I do have to google how whenever I want to do it).

I love being able to load it up with movies/shows when we travel.

Libby works great on my device, and browsing works great.

And, the price is great (especially during Black Friday sales!)

iPad...hands down. I prefer the regular and not the mini. I have never taken a laptop and have spent more than 200 days overseas and the iPad works very well.

Unfortunately the occasional deals for Fire tablets are the only times when they are even remotely worth getting, because that's all they are worth. I've had at least two, and their utility is low.

If I need something more than a mobile phone on the road I take an iPad mini and a bluetooth keyboard, but not the ones specifically for iPad mini, more like the cult favorite Nulaxy KM12, which was a homerun when it came out a long time back. I haven't checked to see if there's a better new one b/c it is nearly perfect.

I used to travel with a thin laptop because it let me do some work and take longer trips. It and the charger weighed "only" 6 lbs. but now that I've retired I feel like a literal weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I find screen keyboards infuriating as they constantly fail to register my keystrokes, being that I am a lifelong very fast typist with a light touch, so I dislike tablets. Tbh I find my enjoyment of travel is in inverse proportion to the amount of tech I carry with me, so I've taken happily to just bringing a phone. YMMV of course.

FWIW, I have this foldable bluetooth keyboard that works with my tablet, phone, and even my home computer: https://a.co/d/eNugJRT It is rechargeable and the keyboard feels like a regular keyboard. I write a travel blog so it's nice to use it for that (and emails, too)

iPad Min I user here... I just upgraded from a 1 to a 10. Simply Excellent all around... But I live in Apple World. Bye-Bye paper guidebooks too.

For all the reasons above, skip the Fire. I tried one last year, picked up during Black Friday sales, and returned it within 2 days. I was an iPad mini user, but upgraded to the larger iPad after the Fire debacle and have never been happier. I'm an android phone user, so in addition to the obvious benefits, it also allows me to use AirTags when we travel.

Thank you to everyone for the extremely helpful information. I appreciate all of the experiences you shared and decided to buy a Samsung Tab A9+ and a detachable keyboard (with a light case). Even though mini ipads are a favorite, this is the best economical choice for me at this point. I’m really blown away by how helpful everyone is on this forum. Many thanks!

I take my Amazon Fire tablet and my husband takes his iPad mini. We use mine most of the time. I load books,aps, and everything I need on it. My husband admits it is better for traveling than his mini ipad. Take what you feel comfortable with. L

. I appreciate all of the experiences you shared and decided to buy a Samsung Tab A9+ and a detachable keyboard (with a light case).

My husband just bought one of these yesterday!

I'd love to hear how you like the keyboard. I had a generic one for my Fire, but it didn't last long. I can type so fast on a regular keyboard, that I usually use my laptop to respond to anyone. (I hate texting on my phone - it takes me too much time).

Those of you who type a lot, either emails, texts, or whatever, you might consider trying voice recognition. With the much faster processors nowadays, voice typing actually works quite well, although there's some learning curve to setting it up and using it. I have a recent Samsung phone, but i'm sure Apple will do that as well. Android allows me to install different "keyboards", which facilitate voice recognition.

Big problem might be finding a quiet, private place to talk into your phone, though.
And I doubt an Amazon Fire could support that sort of processor intensive software.