The Kindle Fire is finally available today so those who pre-ordered the device, expect that your Kindle Fire is on its way.  Since the Kindle Fire was first unveiled, it’s received mixed reviews – some people love it while others hate it.  People keep comparing it to the iPad and I think that’s the main issue.  In order to really appreciate the Kindle Fire, you have to remember that it’s a $200 product, so expect that you won’t get the same specs as the iPad.  Honestly, get real people!  But yes, it does have its flaws that are quite unforgivable, even for a $200 tablet.

Pros

• It weighs less than a pound at 14.6 ounces
• The screen measure seven inches diagonally so it’s smaller and more portable than most tablets
• Runs Google Android 2.3 software
• Multi-touch capable
• Velvety, rubbery texture of the back which makes it easy to hold
• Simple design with only one button, the power/sleep button
• Access to Amazon Appstore which makes purchasing books, movies etc. quite fast

Cons

• It only has 8GB of storage which can’t be expanded because it doesn’t have a slot for SD cards.
• No camera and Microphone
• Only 8 hours or reading time
• Everything you purchase on Amazon’s Appstore can only be used on your Kindle Fire.
• The small storage space is compensated by the fact that you can store everything on your locker, cloud based, but if you do not have a Wi-Fi connection, you can’t access anything on your locker
• Reading comics and magazines isn’t really a treat as it loses the real-life feel of reading magazines

Apps

We already stated that it has it’s own app store via Amazon and it doesn’t have direct access to the Android Market, which means you won’t have access to the hundreds of thousands of apps in there, so what if you don’t like anything on Amazon Appstore?  Are you stuck with a useless tablet?  Not necessarily, Amazon has no problems with sideloading apps to the Kindle Fire, so all you need is an Android phone, a micro SD, a USB cable, laptop or computer.  PC Mag offers a step-by-step procedure on how to sideload your Kindle Fire, to see it, click here.

Here are a few helpful and useful apps that are available in the Amazon Appstore:

LogMeIn Ignition, LogMeIn’s top productivity app is coming to Kindle Fire.  It’s available at Amazon’s Appstore for a one-time-fee of $29.99.

“Amazon’s entry into the tablet race opens up the opportunity for LogMeIn Ignition to address a new audience who can benefit from connecting their tablet to the PC or Mac,” said Andrew Burton, SVP Products at LogMeIn. “Having Ignition available on day one allows us to attract early buyers who will be exploring how the Kindle Fire can be used for home and work.”

Zillow, the real estate marketplace, launched a free real estate app optimized for Kindle Fire.  Zillow’s app allows home shoppers to search for, share and save information on more than 100 million for-sale and for-rent homes.

“We’re excited to offer a Zillow App that is optimized for Kindle Fire with the launch of the device. The Kindle Fire gives home shoppers a new way to access information and we are thrilled to be part of that,” said Spencer Rascoff, Zillow CEO. “Real estate is inherently mobile and this announcement extends our goal of providing people with important real estate information whenever and wherever they need it.”

One of the biggest issues for the Kindle Fire is that it’s Wi-Fi only, but TruConnect Mobile changes that.  For a minimum monthly fee, TruConnect Mobile can turn your Kindle Fire into a true 3G mobile tablet.   The 3G service is delivered via a MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot that costs just 3.9 cents per megabyte, plus a $4.99 monthly service access fee.  Unlike traditional carriers, TruConnect Mobile doesn’t have a contract, no cancellation fees, no wasted bandwidth and no overage charges.  Consumers pay for only the data they use, for as long as they want the service.

“The Kindle Fire is so rich in features, but to take full advantage of the mobile Internet, users will need to add 3G connectivity,” said Kevin Hamilton, president and CEO of TruConnect. “TruConnect is the perfect solution because it allows users to maximize their Kindle Fire experience at a price point that they control.”

I’m not trying persuade you into buying a Kindle Fire, I just want to clear that up.  Buying a tablet is a matter of personal choice and satisfaction, so if and when you do buy any tablet, don’t blame anyone if you’re not satisfied with the product you bought.  So before buying, try the device out, consider the price and the features, analyze its worth, and don’t rely too much on reviews, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  Just think before you spend so you won’t end up regretting anything.