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Pros |
Cons |
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● Updated hardware and software
● Amazing range of apps designed specifically for those who love to read and/or watch movies
● Good selection of tablet options [7”(HD) and 8.9”(4G and HD+4G)
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● Android features and performance needs to be evaluated due to the heavy customisation.
● Some claims are yet to be verified
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Specs
As the title suggests, this is strickly a Gadget Preview and currently the Amazon Kindle Fire HD is only available for pre-order. Also note, that I am focusing on the 7” tablet. The 8.9” version is slightly different in terms of hardware, which you might want to take into account if you are seriously considering buying this.
The Kindle Fire HD boasts a pretty decent 1280x800 HD LCD touchscreen. Moreover the device features an advanced true wide polarizing filter and ‘omni-directional’, full spectrum colour make it possible to view the screen in different angles without compromising quality. Amazon also claims that such a filter reduces glare by up to 25%. This is probably included to emphasise Amazon’s default urge to specifically reach out to those who do a lot of reading via their Kindles.
The Kindle also has a very minimalistic design with extensive use of soft keys, as opposed to physical buttons. The overall dimensions of the tablet are quite impressive: 7.6" x 5.4" x 0.4". This easily puts it in the same league as more high end tablets.
Underneath the hood, the Kindle Fire HD features a 1.5GHz OMAP4470 processor. The storage options depend on the device and the 7” version comes in two different variants -16GB or 32GB - but does not feature an external memory capacity.
In addition, users get access to the Amazon Cloud for more storage capacity. The battery is said to provide 11 hours of continuous use but this figure has not been verified independently and lots of manufacturers generally tend to overstate these things. The Kindle Fire HD also features a front facing HD camera.
In terms of additional systems, Amazon is keen to emphasise on the fact that the Kindle Fire HD features dual-Dolby speakers. It also points out that it has the fastest Wi-Fi of any tablet, easily beating out the iPad and the Nexus 7 by 41% and 54% respectively. It also comes loaded with Bluetooth but there is no sign of GPS.
Amazon is using a customised version of Android and one if its greatest strengths lies in the variety of apps that it has rolled out to enhance the experience of users, especially while reading or watching movies. Three notable features are Whispersync, Immersive Reading, and X-Ray. The former integrates with books, movies, games and other apps and constantly records your progress and updates the cloud. Therefore, you can seamlessly change your routine without constantly having to change the settings of your Kindle Fire HD.
For instance, users can seamlessly switch to an audiobook while running or commuting and then get back to the Kindle book without a problem. Immersive Reading, on the other hand, synchronizes the Kindle Text with a companion audiobook to really enhance the experience. X-Ray also deserves attention, this allows users to get all the information they need about their favourite movies or books while reading or watching a particular scene. The integration makes it seem almost effortless.
Verdict
Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD, in my opinion, is severely underrated and that is probably because it has been designed heavily for the American market but recently I have noticed that it has started to catch up here, albeit very slowly.
If you are looking for an affordable tablet, customised for your inner-bibliophile, this is certainly something you should consider.
If you have the chance to buy it while travelling to the US or get it sent down by a relative or friend, then you should really consider this tablet.
By Navam Niles
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