Tuesday, December 06, 2011

The Technophobe Meets the Kindle

A couple of months ago, I was looking for something-or-other on Amazon when I noticed some big brouhaha about the new Kindle Fire.

I am notoriously un-tech-savvy. I didn't get an iPod until 2006 (but note, when I did, I loved it as much as the next person and now can't live with out it, especially when running). I still use a desktop computer, because the flat laptop keyboards drive me insane. My cell phone is not smart. It's average. According to some of my previous students, it was a "cool" phone, but I wouldn't know (it's an LG Shine. I just liked it 'cause unlike my last phone, it doesn't randomly dial numbers in my pocket). I've broken the battery compartments on not one but two Nikon Coolpix cameras this year (but that's more clumsiness than not being tech-savvy).

I am just not the lady with the latest toys. Until today.

Like I mentioned...I noticed the ads for the new Kindle Fire and I thought it looked kinda cool. "Hmm," I thought to myself, sticking the gadget on my Wish List, "Maybe I can swing $199 for one of those puppies in a few months."

A week or two ago, Mom and Dad were talking about them, and asked if I might like to have one as a Christmas present. I said, "Sure!" and we left it at that. Then today, Mom and Dad went grocery shopping. Grocery shopping! They came home with two new Kindle Fires, one for Mom, one for me.

The verdict?

I flippin' LOVE it. It's so easy to use (though we had some angst getting it connected to our Wi-Fi because Dad couldn't find the password but it's all good now) and I've already bought a book and some apps. I will never give up paper books completely--I can't see myself curling up with the Kindle at bedtime, really--but for trips it will be awesome because I can read, watch TV shows and movies I've streamed off of Amazon, and play around on the Internet, even. Seriously, I will never again painstakingly update my Facebook status from my intrepid little LG Shine, because my Kindle makes that so much easier.

For once, this technophobe has the COOL toy!

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