Two years ago I purchased an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8″ HD display, 32GB (2020 release) to see how well it might work for AAC. It was “okay” for basic text-based AAC but sometimes lagged when using symbol-based AAC or visual scenes. Likely due to the processor not being fast enough.
So I recently traded that in for an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1″, 64GB, with lock screen ads (2023 release, 13th generation).
Amazon had it on sale for $84.99 (regular price $179.99). I got a total of $42.00 in incentives (20% off my new tablet = $17 + $25 gift card). A couple of days later I paid $15 to remove the ads. So I only ended up paying $57.99 for this brand new tablet with double the memory, a much better processor and larger screen.
Note: I purposefully did NOT buy an Amazon Fire tablet designed for kids that includes a case because it comes preloaded with lots of content that I don’t want and might not have had the option to uninstall. I can see the appeal of their Amazon Kids warranty but I’m very careful with my tech, always have it in a protective case and have never had any issues.
I bought this case with a rotating ring stand for $14.99 on Amazon. I need cases that can be used in both Landscape and Portrait orientation. This case is similar to a Pepkoo but the foam isn’t quite as thick and the ring stand doesn’t feel quite as durable. I’ll update this post if I have any issues with durability.
I sent a message to Pepkoo on their Amazon store to specifically ask whether or not they have any plans to eventually offer their thick foam kids case for this specific model of Amazon Fire tablet and/or an iPad 10th gen.
See my video comparing these two cases:
A sound and size comparison of iPad 9th gen, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023, 13th gen):
A peek at the AAC apps I have loaded on my Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 release, 13th generation) tablet – some apps from the Amazon Appstore + lots of Android AAC apps side loaded from the Google Play Store:
How to Install the Google Play Store on an Amazon Fire Tablet: https://www.howtogeek.com/232726/how-to-install-the-google-play-store-on-your-amazon-fire-tablet/ (I like that he keeps that post updated. Pay close attention to the instructions for your exact model of tablet & follow the precise instructions)
Tips: If you are using an Android tablet & an Amazon Fire Tablet with the Google Play App Store side loaded, be sure to toggle on Family Sharing before making app purchases & make the purchases from the Google Play App Store on your Amazon Fire Tablet. Those have been recognized by Google Play on my Android tablet. The reverse was hit and miss (likely due to the side loading).
Related Resources:
* Feature Matching Chart for Robust Android AAC Apps (Google Play & Amazon Fire): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feature-Matching-Chart-for-Robust-Android-AAC-Apps-Google-Play-Amazon-Fire-8400299
* Basic Feature Chart for Affordable and Free AAC apps & AAC-Related Apps (Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon & Windows + a few Web-Based options): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Basic-Feature-Chart-for-Affordable-and-Free-AAC-apps-AAC-Related-Apps-8327157
Blog posts:
* AAC Feature Matching Resources (comparing features in AAC apps) + several videos comparing AAC apps across platforms (iPad, Android, Amazon Fire, Windows, Chromebook & Web-Based): https://bit.ly/5aacFeatureMatchingResources
* Affordable AAC: Amazon Fire vs. Android vs. iPad: https://bit.ly/AffordableAAC-AmazonFire-Android-iPad
* In-depth post about the Pepkoo case: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2021/04/30/pepkoo-ipad-8th-gen-case-features/
Looking for more AAC resources? Check out the Resource Links page here on my blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links
Have a question? The best way to reach me is via Facebook messaging over on my OMazing Kids page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/
Disclaimer: I am not implying that an Amazon Fire tablet is your best option for AAC. I am sharing this info for those who have asked about the most affordable option. Not everyone has a funding source and sadly gatekeeping of AAC is a real barrier.
If you are a parent or caregiver having to DIY your own AAC, please read this post on my blog for additional tips and resources: https://bit.ly/ParentAAC
Please consider individual needs for access, hardware and software as part of the feature matching process.
I am not liable for any purchasing decisions, results of loading or side loading apps, durability of tech or cases, etc. and am not making any recommendations for AAC for individuals.
Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC, OMazing Kids AAC Consulting
• Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Omazing-Kids-Aac-Consulting
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/amoorad1
• Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/omazingkidsaac
• OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsAAC/
• AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
• GoTalk Now AAC & GoVisual Visual Scene Apps – Ideas and Sharing Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/GoTalkNowAACappGroup
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omazingkidsaac
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/amoorad1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamooradomazingkidsaac
• Blog: https://omazingkidsllc.com / Resource Links page: https://omazingkidsllc.com/omazing-kids-aac-resource-links
OMazing Kids AAC Consulting 