When the Kindle Fire was announced I was tempted to get one just for the heck of it. If I’d been in the USA at the time I probably would have slipped one in my luggage. After all, $199 is a steal, even if all you want to do is read books. Since my enthusiasm for adventure has waned and I now doubt that I will buy one when the device is launched in Europe. For many people, the Fire is all they want or need. But for those of us who are used to a tablet such as the iPad, the Fire has serious shortcomings. Joe Wikert bought a Fire and it is interesting to read his experiences and conclusions.