Like many people are feeling about this power button, I have the same issue with its location. It is easily and accidentally to press it and turn Kindle Fire off. It happened several times to me. Maybe because I used to using iPad home button. I press it as I press iPad home button.
This button is too close to mini USB and headphone. Guess this button was put here to easy access.
The location of speakers on Kindle Fire is very good. The sound quality is great for me.
