They Lie: Size Does Matter!

For all those out there who say size isn’t a factor, they’ve obviously never used a Kindle Fire. Amazon’s new 7-inch tablet is no longer strictly a reading device; instead, it is a consumer-friendly entertainment program that allows users access to books, gaming, movies, and music. Amazon has advanced in the world of portable technology and created something that users can take with them everywhere.

The Kindle Fire is the next generation of technology. Similar to the iPad, it offers users mobile contact with several programs. However, the major difference that separates the Kindle Fire from the iPad is the one-hand usage. The iPad is a bit too large to operate with strictly one hand. The Kindle Fire does not have that problem. Users can perform several tasks with in a wide variety of locations: subway, restaurant, Laundromat, etc. Additionally, Christina Bonnington notes that, unlike the iPad, which is attempting the bridge the computer/gadget divide, the Kindle Fire is sticking to the mobile e-reader design.

What does all this mean? Simply, it means that our society is facing another change in devices. The Kindle (which I own and enjoy to an extent) and Nook were new, revolutionary gadgets that gave our society a will to read again. The iPad was the first big mobile computer that did not run like a laptop or smartphone. We are so busy gearing up for the next big thing, we often forget about what is right in front of us.

There was a commercial on television last night during Friends, and it featured a young lady who was discussing “the next generation.” She said she did not want her parents to get lost in a world based on technology, so she was adamant about them signing up for Facebook. At that point, they were up to 19 friends. The commercial then split to the parents, who were out mountain biking with another couple. They were laughing, smiling, and appeared to be having a good time. The daughter sat inside, on her computer, and made comments about a person’s profile.

Let’s get real: The parents are not connected to our most modern technology, but should they be? Do any of us really want to see adults on Facebook? Not really. It's not their thing -- it just doesn't make sense. And yet, for many of us, the danger of all these new devices is a co-dependence. How many of us can go a day without our cell phone? Computer? Kindle Fire? Is it possible to resist texting for a weekend? I have a friend who shut off her phone for the weekend to get some work done. For me, when I could suddenly not get a hold of her, I panicked. We are so used to the technology around us, we are not sure how to cope when it’s no longer there.

The Kindle Fire may be the next thing to come out in the world of digital communication. Yes, it probably has all the top features and can run for X.X hours and has Y.Y memory. Honestly, I would rather be like the parents in the commercial, who were OUT making Memories and lasting for their Own number of hours. That is what our world is supposed to be? Technology should assist us not control us.