New tablet on the block
What you need to know before you buy
September 30, 2011
After all the hype and the breathless “will they or won’t they?” speculation at the heart of their media campaign, Amazon’s new tablet has hit the market. They went big and bold, getting right in the market leader’s face.
Don't ask me how, but I was able to get hold of one of these new tablets. After having a few days to play with it, I can say for certain that this tablet takes the industry in a whole new direction.
Don't ask me how, but I was able to get hold of one of these new tablets. After having a few days to play with it, I can say for certain that this tablet takes the industry in a whole new direction.
The basics
The Cunie Op was a surprise choice
One of the biggest surprises is their choice of the aging Cuneiform operating system. Sure, it does the job, but there are plenty of better alternatives, like the newer, faster Phoenician system. Or even the intriguing new upstart, Proto-Canaanite. They’ve given it a cute name - “Cunie Op” - but that just doesn’t make up for clunky slowness in the OS.
With tablets, of course, portability is the Holy Grail. By switching from granite to clay on this model, they’ve lowered the weight dramatically. That said, you’ll want to avoid dropping this one in a puddle. Not only does it void your warranty, but the tablet itself can dissolve to nothing in minutes. That's a lesson you'll only have to learn once.
With tablets, of course, portability is the Holy Grail. By switching from granite to clay on this model, they’ve lowered the weight dramatically. That said, you’ll want to avoid dropping this one in a puddle. Not only does it void your warranty, but the tablet itself can dissolve to nothing in minutes. That's a lesson you'll only have to learn once.
Clearly, the designers didn’t learn anything from Apple’s bone-headed decision to put the better camera on the back of the iPad, making it difficult to take pictures of yourself. (What part of the “i” generation do they not understand?) On this new tablet, there’s only one camera and it’s on the back too. What’s more, you’ll have to hire a professional engraver and sit for several hours while he carves the image.
Return of the stylus?
Tablet cover sold separately
If you think the stylus disappeared with the Palm Pilot, you'll probably be surprised to learn Palm is still selling its products. There’s been a lot of discussion about the decision to bring back the stylus with this tablet. While, yes, it does cut down on smudgy fingerprints on the screen, you’re not going to be happy when you’re trying to Google the address of that hot new nightspot and discover you left the stylus at home. I tried out small tree branches and some pointy bits of rock as alternatives, but the results were never satisfactory.
Ultimately, I think a lot of us have been surprised to learn that the Amazons know how to read, much less that they know how to make fire. Just goes to show what happens when you underestimate the competition.
Ultimately, I think a lot of us have been surprised to learn that the Amazons know how to read, much less that they know how to make fire. Just goes to show what happens when you underestimate the competition.
Bottom line:
Pros
Pros
- Never needs to be recharged!
- Works without a wireless connection
- Rugged construction will take a beating and then some
- Lighter than previous models, but still quite heavy
- Limited accessories
- May be the only tablet with fewer apps than an Android
Anything else? Add your comments here.
Ben says:
"I like the low glare on this tablet screen. I can use it outside, in full sun, whenever!"
Melissa says:
"Ha-ha. Very funny. Not."
Bronwyn says:
"I'd like to see you try it. No, seriously. Write your review of this tablet."
Katie says:
"Hahahaha! Funny and I learned a new word for the day.
Shannon says:
"Like!"
Heather says:
" :) "
Barbara says:
"This tablet makes my 2nd generation Kindle feel uninspired."
Amado says:
"At least you can take it camping and use it to shade your head."
Ben says:
"I like the low glare on this tablet screen. I can use it outside, in full sun, whenever!"
Melissa says:
"Ha-ha. Very funny. Not."
Bronwyn says:
"I'd like to see you try it. No, seriously. Write your review of this tablet."
Katie says:
"Hahahaha! Funny and I learned a new word for the day.
Shannon says:
"Like!"
Heather says:
" :) "
Barbara says:
"This tablet makes my 2nd generation Kindle feel uninspired."
Amado says:
"At least you can take it camping and use it to shade your head."
