Touch screen reading 101

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Thanks, it is getting a little easier for me, but it's apparent (to me anyway) that the 'swipe' is vastly more consistent than the 'tap' for turning pages. Which is unfortunate for one-handed readers. Still... I'm keeping the device.

I tried to pay attention when I was reading on my Fire last night to how I tapped it. I touch the screen about maybe 1/2" in from the edge. Didn't seem to matter if it was middle, top or bottom. I use the 'pad' of my finger not the tip and didn't jab at the screen but a gentle press. My finger was actually almost flat on the screen. When I read in bed I prop up the Fire on a pillow and rest my hand along side on the pillow. Can't wait to get my Coyl Cushion for Christmas.

[jswinden]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Thanks, it is getting a little easier for me, but it's apparent (to me anyway) that the 'swipe' is vastly more consistent than the 'tap' for turning pages. Which is unfortunate for one-handed readers. Still... I'm keeping the device.

I tend to tap more than swipe, but I have developed a technique where I use my thumb to do the swiping. I hold the Fire in my left hand which means my thumb can only extend a little bit onto the left side of the screen, but that is enough to do a 1/2" or so swipe in either the left or right direction. In other words, a right to left swipe of about 1/2" can turn the page forward even if the swipe occurs on the far left side of the screen. A swipe is effective almost anywhere on the screen and it doesn't have to be a long swipe.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by GeckoFriend

This illustrates how different we all are. For me, tapping is much easier and consistent than swiping.

Oh, by all means, I find the tapping motion much easier than swiping. It's just that my device just doesn't seem to respond at all to the taps, at times.

Perhaps my device is faulty? Sometimes, I can be typing along fine on the keyboard, and suddenly, the taps stop registering. Anywhere. Then after waiting a while, it starts responding again. Let me ask this: does anyone else have to leave their HD powered off for a while before restarting? If I power down and restart immediately, my touch screen won't work. Can't even unlock the slider. But if I turn it off and leave it off for a bit before powering back up, everything is fine.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Oh, by all means, I find the tapping motion much easier than swiping. It's just that my device just doesn't seem to respond at all to the taps, at times.

Perhaps my device is faulty? Sometimes, I can be typing along fine on the keyboard, and suddenly, the taps stop registering. Anywhere. Then after waiting a while, it starts responding again. Let me ask this: does anyone else have to leave their HD powered off for a while before restarting? If I power down and restart immediately, my touch screen won't work. Can't even unlock the slider. But if I turn it off and leave it off for a bit before powering back up, everything is fine.

You got a defective one from the sound of it...time to call Kindle Support for a exchange.

[jswinden]

I agree with Blossom--it sounds like you got a bad one. It seems like Amazon's QC has been terrible this year!

[DiapDealer]

Damn. That's what I was afraid of. But at least I know I'm not crazy! It's truly my first touch device, so it's nice to know touch screens don't universally suck this bad.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Damn. That's what I was afraid of. But at least I know I'm not crazy! It's truly my first touch device, so it's nice to know touch screens don't universally suck this bad.

My first Kindle Fire was less responsive but I didn't know it was defective till it died and my replacement is near perfect even after a year of heavy use.

[sparklemotion]

A friend of mine had the exact same problem with theirs. They exchanged it and their next one was fine. Good luck, DiapDealer. I'm sure your next one will be perfect.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

You see... I hate touch screen interfaces. Yes hate. But I've also come to accept the fact that my hatred of touch screen interfaces isn't going to bring buttons back into vogue on mobile devices (much to my stodgy, old fart chagrin) anytime soon. So I'm grudgingly willing to learn

Quitter.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by ApK

Quitter.

Hey, I didn't give up on buttons ... buttons gave up on me.

Anyway. Replacement is on the way. Got right through to CS and had a pleasant little chat. We even chuckled a time or two. First time I've ever had to return anything to them. Quite painless actually.

[DiapDealer]

Just got my replacement. I can tell already that there's a w o r l d of difference. Much more responsive to touch input. Now to pack the old one off before they charge me for another!

Thanks for all the input and diagnoses.

[sparklemotion]

Yay I'm so glad to hear it. Enjoy.

[jswinden]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Just got my replacement. I can tell already that there's a w o r l d of difference. Much more responsive to touch input. Now to pack the old one off before they charge me for another!

Thanks for all the input and diagnoses.

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Just got my replacement. I can tell already that there's a w o r l d of difference. Much more responsive to touch input. Now to pack the old one off before they charge me for another!

Thanks for all the input and diagnoses.

Glad you got it straightened out.

[booklover6]

You should have 30 days before you are charged.