8.9 or 7 in & storage Please share thoughts experiences

3100 Views 35 Replies 15 Participants Last post by TraceyC/FL, Jan 20, 2013

lvnknit

Discussion Starter · Jan 13, 2013

Okay - i went to three different stores to compare the 7in HD and 8.9 HD.....
the first the 7 in was out of commission... so I could only get a size comparison.

the second they models were not side by side....and we realized upon leaving the the 7in was even in the store.

This morning it was a similar situation. Not side by side - to do a comparison. the original fire was beside the 8.9. BUT the smaller version wasn't connected and the clerk was not much help.

My husband thinks the 8.9 is the best option.... but he doesn't quite get that I would still like an ipad down the road & they are two different items...
my initial inclination after reading here and seeing them was to go with the 7 in 32 gb.... I think the cost for 8.9 at 32 is rather steep as I would like an ipad at some point.....

now it is the storage that has me wondering. Should I compromise and get the 8.9 with 16?

I want to browse the web, read magazines and plan a few games....BUT I would like to have it with me most of the time, in school bag (read to students) , knitting bag, etc.!!! I have my paperwhite for dedicated reading

Am I making this harder than it should be to decide?

1 - 20 of 36 Posts

Seleya

· #2 · Jan 13, 2013

I have a 7-in, -32 GB Fire HD and I use it much as you plan to: web-browsing, e-mail, games, music and some reading (image-heavy books).

I love it: is light enough that I can bring it with me anywhere, I have plenty of storage left and I don't feel the need for a larger screen at all, actually I use it much more than I ever used hubby's Ipad.

There are rumors that Amazon is planning to introduce the 8.9 inches over here too, I will not upgrade.

lvnknit

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 13, 2013

thanks - you don't find it bothersome to have to "zoom" in to read some items? (magazines, web browsing).

It seems like the 7 in/32 gb is more "bang for the buck" --

this is a bit overwhelming....as I don't see myself with an extensive collections of devices! LOL!

I am open to all thoughts and opinions....

redshift1

· #4 · Jan 13, 2013

I have:

First iteration Kindle

Xoom 10.1 screen size.

Kindle Fire HD 7

The Xoom is big and heavy (few ounces make a big difference) and somewhat awkward to handle but great for PDF's and great for surfing the web.

The KF-HD 7 is much easier to handle and perfect for reading in bed.

If I had to have just one it would be the KF-HD 7, best clarity and easiest to maneuver, as far as memory you have the cloud. Must have accessories
are the rapid charger and the Amazon Case (you really need these two items).

.

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TraceyC/FL

· #5 · Jan 13, 2013

After messing with my kids 8gb nabi - but that has an SD slot (that can no longer be used for apps, thanks google), and having owned a 32gb iPad since their introduction.... I'd recommend going with the 32.

It has been a comfortable space. I don't worry when downloading apps, books or adding movies and music. No juggling required (as long as I DON'T add all my music! LOL!!), and that is just nice.

Now, if you think you won't keep it about 2 years then I would say the 16 might be ok.... but I can say that stretching myself and my daughter to the 32gb iPads was the best thing I did back then!

Betsy the Quilter

· #6 · Jan 13, 2013

My co-mod Ann has both a 7 HD and an 8.9 and may be able to give you more info. I have an 8.9 and an original iPad. I had an original Fire, and found it complemented my iPad quite well and was very nice for videos and games. I used my iPad for magazines.

Betsy

Ann in Arlington

· #7 · Jan 13, 2013

Yes, I have both sizes. Also a Xoom.

I use the HD7 mostly for games and occasionally reading. I have watched tv shows on it via Amazon Prime and the screen is perfectly acceptable for that.

I more often watch video on the 8.9 -- which I honestly only got as a splurge item. Totally didn't need it. But I'm a KindleBoards mod so I gotta know about these things, you know? ::)

::)

I also use it for email and web browsing. . .the bigger screen means less zooming and such needed. I got the Chrome browser from 1Mobile and prefer it to the installed Silk browser.

I also use it for magazines as apps. . . .like TV guide, occasionally Time Magazine. How well that works is really down to the app -- Newsweek's app, for instance, is pretty bad.

If I could only afford 1, I'd probably stick with the 7 inch. I'd get as much memory as I could afford though, unless you plan to download a lot of movies, 16GB is probably enough. And if you think you're eventually going to get an iPad anyway go with whatever size is NOT the size iPad you're getting.

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Jesslyn

· #8 · Jan 13, 2013

Betsy the Quilter said:
My co-mod Ann has both a 7 HD and an 8.9 and may be able to give you more info. I have an 8.9 and an original iPad. I had an original Fire, and found it complemented my iPad quite well and was very nice for videos and games. I used my iPad for magazines.

Betsy

I am an 8.9 advocate, having found the 7 a bit too small for dedicated (vs casual) movie watching and video podcasts. I also have 4 magazines that I read exclusively on my Fire and find that the larger screen really makes a difference. Last but not least, I regularly play games on it.

I stopped using it for website browsing--finding the Silk browser way too slow, buggy and prone to crashes.

If you're like me and will need on device storage, I recommend getting 32GB in whatever size you use. My tablet experience started with the first ipad 16GB since, then I upgraded to Galaxy Tab also in 16GB. With the latter, the numerous movies I had made me get a 32GB for my current Fire.

I know a lot of people have multiple devices and are comfortable moving between 10 inch and smaller devices, but I found that once I got the smaller device--the ipad felt way too big for me.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Ann in Arlington

· #9 · Jan 13, 2013

Regarding storage capacity -- the 8.9 actually has a version that comes with 64GB.

TraceyC/FL

· #10 · Jan 13, 2013

Ann in Arlington said:
Regarding storage capacity -- the 8.9 actually has a version that comes with 64GB.

I can honestly say that I, the storage junky (I have two computers with, um, 3 1-2 TB disks on them, plus a network 2TB and a network 500gb) have never wished I had 64gb on my iPad, iPod Touches or phone. I thought that I would - but the 32 has been the sweet spot for me for the last 3 years. If I could swing it, and knew that I wouldn't be on the yearly "upgrade wagon" I might get the 64 just for future proofing.

Or if I traveled and didn't want to carry anything but the tablet (the iPad has ways of downloading pictures from a camera card - that would make the 64 needed with today's cameras!).

Or if I had a lot of large PDFs to lug around and read.

The only thing to consider is that apps are only going to get bigger - especially with the HD screens, so the size will make it more of a space management game as developers pack more images into apps to accommodate growing screen densities. UGH.

I would get the 32 of whatever today without second guessing myself, and go with the 64 if it was doable....

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lvnknit

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 13, 2013

thanks all I feel so silly asking all these questions,

MAYBE me questions now should be,

If budget was not a consideration I should go with a ______________________. AND

If I would only have one Fire HD ever... no questions asked, it should be the _____________________.

: )

I know much is the transporting, comfort while using is personal preference, BUT if really appreciate the thoughts of others. I LOVE the size of the 7 inch, but have such a nagging feeling that I will have regrets. I mean I do have my laptop that is lugged back and forth each day. and I do carry big enough bags to accommodate the 8.9....ß

Seleya

· #12 · Jan 13, 2013

lvnknit said:
thanks - you don't find it bothersome to have to "zoom" in to read some items? (magazines, web browsing).

It doesn't bother me enough to wish for a bigger screen at the expense of portability, of course it's a wholly personal preference.

ireadbooks

· #13 · Jan 13, 2013

^^^

And don't forget about Reading View, which allows you to blow up an article without the ads. This feature works on personal blogs, too. And then there's options like Readability, Pocket, etc.

Although it sounds like you're leaning toward the larger Fire, I agree with Ann. Since you already plan to purchase an iPad, why not get the smaller sized Fire?

runtmms

· #14 · Jan 13, 2013

I had the original fire, and at Thanksgiving upgraded to the 8.9". I have trouble imagining when I'd want to go back to the 7", especially since I just got a Nexus 4 smartphone. In my mind the 7" is an odd in-between size. If I have to be scrolling and zooming anyways (like with the 7") then the nearly 5" smartphone does about as well. If I want to actually do something on the tablet I greatly prefer the larger size.

If money were no object I'd consider the Nexus 10. As it was, I couldn't justify the price jump, and I have Amazon prime which integrate video streaming beautifully with the Fire. Also, I actually think I prefer the ~9 to the ~10. Unless you have prime and want to stream video, I think the Nexus 7 is the better 7" choice. At the 9-10" range it's a tougher decision in my mind.

One other thing to keep in mind is the resale value of these items on ebay is quite high. It can the upgrade path much more affordable.

As far as storage goes, I've never had a problem, and that includes my original 8 GB fire. I'm just mindful about deleting stuff when I'm done with it and utilizing services like dropbox.

The bottom line is it all comes down to personal preference.

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lvnknit

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 13, 2013

Hmmm... I want to be happy with the 7in..... as i said about worrying about regrets....Husband went with me to look and he planted this seed about bumping up. I would be happy with 7 in @ 32, especially if it isn't cumbersome to view the screen. Can this reading view be used say, on Yahoo for examply?! Sorry I am not a savvy as I would like to be?!

tell me more about the reading view.....I am going to look it up now.

thanks for me thoughts and opinions!!!!

I should note that I do have Amazon Prime....

runtmms

· #16 · Jan 13, 2013

While I prefer the larger one now, I was happy with the 7" when I had it. My husband was the one really pushing to go to the larger size.

If you want to be happy with the 7" I think you will be, especially if you aren't comparing them side by side Don't worry too much about regrets - get and enjoy your new toy!

lvnknit

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 13, 2013

You are all so kind.....

It takes me back to my original kindle, wasn't sure if I would like an e reader, period. Read all the reviews. Lots of negative-especially about unwanted page turns & slow page turns. I started with a refurb. and loved it for four years... She is still with me, but is not longer interested in added content- in fact, she will not allow it, LOL

So my paperwhite joined the family... Again, I LOVE this!....thought I would never be interested in Fire. But I am and as a result, all the questions!

Thinking i will be able among other things to eliminate the clutter of magazines, have a "friend" to spend time with on bike at gym, fun color books for my students, and a web browsing on the go, beyond my iPhone....

And of course reading -Will i be able to switch between paperwhite and fire, while reading - will the book mark show accurately between the two?

ireadbooks

· #18 · Jan 13, 2013

2

lvnknit said:
Can this reading view be used say, on Yahoo for examply?!

Absolutely.

Most web sites (and all the ones I frequent) have mobile versions anyway that are compatible for smaller screens. The first image below is the mobile version of a Yahoo article. The second is the same piece in Reading View. (Notice the picture and ad are gone.)

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ireadbooks

· #19 · Jan 13, 2013

^^^ Wowsers, that's huge

Sorry...I'm posting directly from my Fire. I'll alter it when I get to my laptop...

fixed it...Betsy

kwajkat

· #20 · Jan 14, 2013

Having all the models you are referring to as well as ipads, I will throw my three cents in the ring. When I do presentations on tablets and ereaders I stress looking at the fine details such as capabilities of each device and compare to what you want the device to do for you. Look at price last after you have figured out what you want your device to do. Always go for the largest capacity storage you can. On these toys one can never have enough space, if you want to play games, watch movies and have music more storage is necessary. If you are planning on toting it around with you then you need to look at the weight of the device and also figure in the case. One GB of space will hold about 1,000 books so books are not your biggest storage worry. Games, videos, music are the worse offenders when it comes to storage hogging!

While I use all of my devices almost every day, which includes the nook hd 7inch, kindle fire 8.9 and both the regular size and the ipad mini, my favorite one of all of them is the ipad mini. Yes it may run more however for what you can do with it compared to other devices, it is worth it especially if you are looking for one device. If you are wanting an ipad, it would be worth it in the long run to bite the bullet and go with an ipad vs a fire. You already have a paperwhite so that takes care of any issues with glare, etc you may encounter during the summer etc.

Here is why: . It is lightweight even with a case much lighter than either the kindle fire 7 or 8.9 inch. It is thinner than either kindle so it does fit into a pocket, purse or bag. What I like with the ipad over the kindle is you are not totally tied to the Amazon eco system. Not that that is a bad thing but you have no restrictions with the ipad that you do have with the fire or nooks. I do like being able to have different formats of books available on a single device. You can also do abit more with it than you can a fire. While the fires do alot, the ipad is closest to a laptop replacement than the fire or other devices.

Don't get me wrong I like my kindles but because lightweight and more portable and I can do more with my ipad it is my go to device.

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