On Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:26:25 -0800 (PST), Tim wrote:

I know nothing about them, but my wife want's one [and I get to pay
for it]. What are the advantages [or not] over a Xume, iPhone, and a
host of other lightning technology talkie gadgets out there?

What a silly question.

If your wife says she wants one, then they're obviously better than anything else.

Now, just find a good deal on one and go for it.

Here...I learned a lot...

http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/a...e-fire-review/

Now, get out the $199 and buy one from Amazon.