Review of Kindle HD Fire 7

12 Replies

This review is of the Kindle Fire HD 7: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-HD-Display-Wi-Fi-Black/dp/B00JXOXLP0
The Kindle Fire HD 7 allows the user to do far more than merely read books. The Fire also acts as a music player, enables the user to send and receive email, offers the ability to surf the web using Amazon’s Silk browser and perform many other tasks.
As a registered blind person I use the Fire’s text-to-speech facility which is of a very high quality. I do own an earlier version of the Kindle, however although this has a text to speech facility I am only able to read books with it (i.e. I cannot shop in the Amazon store or perform tasks other than reading). Consequently the Kindle Fire HD 7 is a good buy for people who are visually impaired, as they can shop Amazon on the device, (prior to me receiving the Kindle Fire as a Christmas present I had no option other than to purchase books and other items from Amazon using my computer, so the ability to shop using the device makes life much easier).
Although the device is very accessible, I do not like the on-screen keyboard as a light touch will activate a character meaning I, as a blind person cannot use it. I use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard which works well with the device.
Unfortunately Amazon’s Silk browser is only partially accessible to people with little or no vision. Amazon are aware of this and are looking into the issue.
My Kindle was purchased in John Lewis who offer an automatic 2 year guarantee with the Kindle, while Amazon’s guarantee is, I understand, only for 1 year. Consequently I would recommend that anyone thinking of purchasing a Kindle Fire HD 7 in the UK consider buying from John Lewis rather than Amazon.
I would recommend the Kindle HD 7.

12 thoughts on “Review of Kindle HD Fire 7”

  2. franklinswritingcorner's avatarfranklinswritingcorner

    I didn’t know you was legally blind my friend. It does appear this tool is good for people who share your disability. I think my mother in law could benefit from this, but she needs to put in her hearing aid as her hearing is quickly going.

    Reply ↓
    1. K Morris Poet's avatardrewdog2060drewdog2060 Post author

      Thanks for your comment. I hope the Kindle Fire is of use to your Mother-In-Law. It is perhaps worth her looking at one in a department store to ascertain whether it would be of assistance. All the best. Kevin

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      2. K Morris Poet's avatardrewdog2060drewdog2060 Post author

        Glad you had a good new year. Mine was good also. I went for a few drinks but didn’t stay out until midnight as Trigger is frightened of fireworks and at around 12 am they go off with a vengence to celebrate the new year. I hope to resolve the IT issues over the weekend. Kevin

  4. Chris The Story Reading Ape's avatarThe Story Reading Ape

    I had a 7″ Kindle Fire for a year and only changed to an 8.9″ version to make it easier for my poor eyes to read easier – I must look into this text to voice facility!
    I am also able to reblog most articles and deal with blog comments, etc using it at night (as I am now).
    I agree with your comments regarding the touch keypad (and the darned autocorrect that gets me into more trouble than enough lol)
    But overall, compared to the Nook HD that I also have, the Kindle is MUCH more flexible 🙂

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    1. K Morris Poet's avatardrewdog2060drewdog2060 Post author

      The text to speech facility on the Kindle Fire HD7 is more human-like than that of the earlier Kindle which sounds rather robotic. Having said that, once you get used to the robotic voice the earlier version is OK. I should have mentioned that you can increase magnification, in Accessibility Menu which would, from what you say be useful in your case. I have tried posting with the Kindle on WordPress, thus far unsuccessfully. I have looked in the Amazon Shop but there does not appear to be an app for WordPress which surprises me. Thanks for your comment. Kevin

      Reply ↓

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