When Amazon announced the new Kindle Fire tablet at $199, I wondered if this device wouldn’t replace the iPad for construction inspections. Over at my personal blog, I wrote about it:
In terms of usability, the iPad’s screen size seems to be just about perfect for construction inspections. Slightly smaller than a letter-size piece of paper, the device remains lightweight, despite the large screen. The Kindle Fire weighs about 1/3 less than the iPad, and has a 7-inch screen. Looking at floor plans or construction details on a 7-inch screen is going to be taxing for some of my colleagues with less than 20/20 eyesight.
I encourage you to read the full post entitled, Why the new Amazon Kindle Fire isn’t ideal for construction inspections. The conclusion I reached is that the device is geared much more towards content consumption as opposed to content creation than the iPad. In fact, none of the promotional pictures on Amazon’s page for the Kindle Fire even show the keyboard. The device is smaller and more durable than the iPad, but for filling in checklists, reviewing plans (and marking them up), and connecting wirelessly, the Kindle Fire isn’t the best choice.
Link: Why the new Amazon Kindle Fire isn’t ideal for construction inspections
Image courtesy Amazon.com
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