Lenovo IdeaPad A1 vs. Amazon Kindle Fire: Budget Android Tablet Battle Discussion

[Vince Font]

You really have to hand it to a company like Lenovo for daring to take the stage at a time when a heavyweight hitter like the Amazon Kindle Fire is still a relatively fresh face on the block. Does this speak volumes about the tablet manufacturer’s confidence in its ability to deliver a superlative product, or is it something more akin to foolhardy bravado? We’ll find out by pitting the Lenovo IdeaPad A1 tablet head-to-head with the Amazon Kindle Fire to see which of the two emerges victorious.

Read the full content of this Article: Lenovo IdeaPad A1 vs. Amazon Kindle Fire: Budget Android Tablet Battle

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• Lenovo IdeaPad A1 Tablet Review: Kindle Fire Killer?
• Amazon Kindle Fire Review: A True Consumption Tablet
• What is the Best eReader, A New Kindle or NOOK?
• Amazon Kindle Fire Second Look Review: Features and Content

[bloodycape]

I would say in some ways the Fire wins the spec battle as it does have a better dual core cpu. However, from what I have seen there are many single core android devices that are smoother than their dual core variants for whatever reason that is. I would have also thrown in the BB playbook as it seems you can get the 16gb variant also for around $200 new. Or around 220 for a refurb 32gb variant.

[Jamison Cush]

Good point on the PlayBook -- I happen to think it's a steal at $200. But it's a different kind of tablet -- one much more suited to professionals looking for a high-powered PDA with great office apps, and it lacks many content offerings (no Netflix, no Amazon Prime Streaming, no Hulu, very few games, etc.).

Regarding the Fire specs, another good point on the processor. But the fact that it lacks Bluetooth support and cameras really kill it. I could excuse that if it were 2009, but there is no excuse now. Access to quick and easy video chat is a major and often-used tablet feature. Any device that lacks the capability is severely crippled.

[bloodycape]

Well I think that depends on your needs. Some rather just read, watch videos, browse the web and I think the dual core in the Fire is a bit more optimized for that, while not everyone is willing/know how to video chat, or even use the A1 built in GPS.

As for the Playbook, doesn't that come with a ubs port, or host mode, which could be nice for people who want to transfer files from their camera. Plus, with Android app support I am sure at some point Netflix and Prime will fully work on it. BTW does the Playbook come with built in gps like the A1?

This thread actually has me thinking about getting either the A1, Playbook, or maybe even the Flyer(as refurbs are around $200, but sadly not with the pen or in the nicer black in the Evo View). I have a 32gb Touchpad I bought during the firesale and have Android loaded on it, but the lack of USB host, or a SD card slot of any sort limits it a bit for me. Would be nice to transfer photos on to it when on vacation, allowing me to leave the notebook at home.

Lastly I think my only suggestion would be to have a section comparing speaker and viewing angles as those are important on a media consumption device.

[jpisini]

I have never tried the playbook but I have used the Kindle and I own the A1. I like the A1 overall it is a nice little tablet the performance is very good. I have rooted mine and put CM7 on it (you can do that on the Fire as well) it is a good little tablet for the price. I picked it over the Fire because of storage. I use my tablet most of the time on the train or in places with no connectivity and having 16gb of storage built in and another 16gb addon card (expandable to 32gb) makes the device for me. I have thousands of songs, movies, books, comics, and magazines and still have plenty of free space for more.

[bloodycape]

I can't say much about the A1, but I have their Android Thinkpad tablet and customer support was pretty damn impressive. I sent it in for a broken power and volume switch on a Wednesday morning, and got back fixed and cleaned Friday morning the same week. Phone support was also solid for me, as I got someone in a call center in Atlanta(or at least that what they were claiming).

[bloodycape]

I dunno I had good experience so far with my Thinkpad support, thought the button going out was a bummer. On the other hand if I was looking at 7in tablets(which I sort of was before going thinkpad route), I would be taking at the Galaxy Tab 7.0 2, which is better spec'd than A1, and Fire, though you are paying $20-40(depending on where you look) more for it. If you want pen support the HTC Flyer/Evo View, can be had for around $200 also, though the specs are closer to the A1 than the Fire, but it does have better build and screen.