Boone, why did you decide on the Kindle Fire? I've been thinking about a tablet, so just now starting to research these devices. To me they seem like nothing more than a big smart phone.
I am just curious why you or others purchased the tablet they did.
Truthfully, the only thing that initially appealed to me was the ability to download books in moments (and yes - the Kindle uses 'cloud' storage, so you can download to the device, or just access your content without downloading - no memory issues). Had I not had an Amazon gift card sitting at home, I probably wouldn't have purchased because I am a laptop go through and through.
The Kindle Fire is about the size of a paperback book (probably by design). So I can travel with it and not have to lug a laptop around if I don't want to, but still have access to the web, email, books, my ITunes library, TV, Movies - it's a pretty amazing little device.
And yes, phones can do a lot these days, but even responding to an email on a smart phone is, in my mind, a pain in the ass.
I've been impressed with the Kindle.
My favorite app so far - Old Time Radio, where I can listen to the entire decade of CBS Radio Mystery Theater if i want.