[nynaevelan]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

There are other options. To get the look and feel of a standard Android tablet, you could add a launcher (ADW Launcher) without having to root. This will get you folders for better organization. You don't lose any of the stock Fire features. Switching back and forth is as easy as hitting the home button or the ADW app. I have this on my Fire HD 7.1 and love it. Instructions can be found here:

• ADW Launcher Replaces the Kindle Fire HD Home Screen

To get access to non-Google apps that Amazon doesn't carry (Nook, Kobo, 3M Cloud Library), you can sideload the APKs or install third party appstores (like 1Mobile Market). I find it easier to use other appstores. Instructions here:

• Install Alternative App Stores for Kindle Fire HD

To get some Google specific apps without having to root, follow these instructions:

• Google Apps without rooting
• How to Install Google Apps (Gmail, Google Reader, etc)

Thanks Tubemonkey: I already use two of these alternatives, what I was looking for was a way to add the google play store so that I can get some of my Google apps directly on the Fire from my account. But I guess that is not possible without first losing Amazon features, which I do not want to do.