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I really hope they come to some kind of agreement with Google. The Fire is decent enough for the price, but no Google apps is frustrating. My Android phone is a more capable device for less money in part due to the Google apps.

Also, some more data input would help a lot - a microphone and camera for skype type usage, for instance.

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It may be a more capable device, but I seriously doubt it's cheaper. Kindle Fire is $199 no strings attached. Android phones costing less than that up-front tend to come with 2-year voice+data contracts at $50+ per month, or at least $1200.

Cheap Samsung comes in at $140, unlocked: http://amzn.to/A2G57R

And yes, it does a lot more than the Fire: Gmail, maps, Google app market (including free The Economist app for print subscription subscribers, which I can't get with the Fire) takes pictures, microphone, 3g, etc...

The battery life isn't very good, and obviously the screen is smaller, but generally I find the phone more useful.

Hear!! Hear!!

I would only buy one if I can install a stock version of Android and get access to the Android Market.

You can. Many people do. At least with the 7" Kindle.

But you see, Amazon has no particular interest in selling you a Fire if you don't want to use it for the intended purpose- a vector to deliver Amazon content.

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