I received a Kindle Fire as a gift over the holidays, and while I’m new to this eformat technology–at least as a user–so far, I LOVE this machine. I think it will be a wonderful tool, both for work and for pleasure!
First, let me say that I wondered if it would be too small, wondered if (what I perceived would be) the smaller page and the amount of text-at-a-glance would be limiting, and thus, slow me down. Not the case. The screen/page on the Kindle Fire is about the same size as that of a paperback.
Here are some of the things I really like about it, and some of the great features:
It gives me the option of buying ebooks…and I love that. Options are good. 
The back-lighting is a great feature. I read a lot.
It’s very easy to set up and to use.
There are highlighting and comments/notes functions that allow the reader to easily highlight text and add comments. And…Kindle Fire assembles all those notes and comments in one place for you, under the heading, “My Notes and Marks,” for each separate book. Easy reference.
I can send my own documents to the Kindle.
The New Oxford American Dictionary, a text that was part of the package, gives the reader an instant reference to word meanings, etc., with just a touch to the screen–the short or long version. The longer version can be more than two pages–for those who love words.
The lighting, size of text, line spacing and margins can be changed.
Navigation is very easy.
And so far, customer support has been excellent.
You can also download music, videos, magazines, newspapers, blog feeds, and Apps.
When I received it, there were touchscreen icons available for 12 webpages, which are listed under the “Web” menu: Amazon, Twitter, FB, Google, Yahoo, YouTube, Wikipedia, Craigslist, LinkedIn, ESPN and IMDb.
The touchscreen keyboard appears and disappears as needed.
And I’m sure there are more great features yet to be discovered…
What a great machine. I think I’m in love. Will see if it’s an infatuation … or something more lasting. But if this is foreplay, Kindle Fire, then it was so easy to turn you on and Fire you up… with great books. I’m so seduced.
Anyone like to share their experiences with the Kindle or Nook? Or share other great functions that I haven’t mentioned here?
Tags: editor, publishing, Reading, writing life
Janice,
I have one warning–be very careful!
A Kindle is like crack–it is just soooo easy to download book after book with one click of your finger.
I have over a hundred books already, and have only had my Kindle for a partial year.
Now if Josh Lanyon and my other favorite authors would just stop publishing, I could get more writing done.
Happy New Year, and enjoy your new reading tool,
Cathryn
Hi Janice,
I too got the Fire as a gift this Christmas. I LOVE it! I still need to learn how to download music – I don’t listen to much because I like quiet, but I want to give it a try