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[Somnid]

With the launch of the 7" in two days and the reviews rolling in I though we could use an OT.

Kindle Fire HD 7"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GGCAVM/?tag=neogaf0e-20

CPU: 1.2 GHz TI OMAP 4460
RAM: 1GB
Resolution: 1280x800
DPI: 216
Battery life: 11hrs
Price: $200 (16 GB), $250 (32 GB)

Features:

• Dual Wifi Antennas with 5GHz support and MIMO
• Dolby HD Audio
• Anti-glare screen with wider viewing angles
• HDMI out
• Bluetooth

Reviews:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/amazon-kindle-fire-hd-review-7-inch/
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/kindle-fire-hd-review-improved-not-evolved-993484
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409504,00.asp
http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/11/3317586/kindle-fire-hd-review-7-inch
http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/11/the-kindle-fire-hd-is-amazons-lean-mean-content-selling-machine/
http://gizmodo.com/5942283/kindle-fire-hd-review-everything-a-tablet-should-beand-not-much-more
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/kindle-fire-hd-review-amazons-tablet-beat-nexus/story?id=17208196
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/t...-fire-hd-state-of-the-art.html?pagewanted=all

Kindle Fire HD 8.9"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GFRB9E/?tag=neogaf0e-20

CPU: 1.8GHz TI OMAP 4470
RAM: 1GB
Resolution: 1920x1200
DPI: 254 (Retina)
Battery Life: unknown
Price: $300 (16GB), $370 (32GB)

Features:

• Dual Wifi Antennas with 5GHz support and MIMO
• Dolby HD Audio
• Anti-glare screen with wider viewing angles
• HDMI out
• Bluetooth

Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G LTE
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GFRBBW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

CPU: 1.8GHz TI OMAP 4470
RAM: 1GB
Resolution: 1920x1200
DPI: 254 (Retina)
Battery Life: unknown
Price: $500 (32GB), $600 (64GB)

Features:

• Dual Wifi Antennas with 5GHz support and MIMO
• Dolby HD Audio
• Anti-glare screen with wider viewing angles
• HDMI out
• Bluetooth
• 10 band 4G LTE modem (provides assisted GPS)
• Magnetometer (Compass)
• Exclusive 1 year data plan 250MB a month for $50 a year ($4.16 a month).

The New Kindle Fire:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083Q04IQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20

CPU: 1.2 GHz TI OMAP 4430
RAM: 1GB
Resolution: 1024x600
DPI: 169
Battery Life: 9hrs
Price: $169 (8 GB)

The new Kindle Fire comes with a 40% faster processor and twice the RAM of the original. Users will also have access to the latest Kindle Fire software.

FAQ
Q: What's this I hear about ads?
A: The ads are full screen advertisements that appear on the lock screen for things like new movies, books, or exclusive offers like $5 worth of Amazon MP3 credit.

Q: Can I remove ads?
A: Yes, for a one time fee of $15.

Q: What OS does it run?
A: The new Kindle Fire OS is based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While this is meaningful for apps the entire UI is custom.

Q: Can I access the Google Play Store?
A: No, only the Amazon App Store. You can however side load apps via USB and a free APK loader found in the Amazon App Store.

Q: Does it come with a charger?
A: No, it comes with a USB cable which you can use with any USB port or charger you may own. You may also choose to buy the Powerfast charger (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006GWO5WK/?tag=neogaf0e-20) which will cost $10 when purchased with a Kindle Fire.

Q: Does it have GPS?
A: No, The Kindle Fire uses location services (Wifi estimation). The 4G LTE version uses assisted GPS (cell tower triangulation).

Q: Who provides the service for the 4G model?
A: AT&T. Notably the LTE modem is 10 band so it could potentially be used on other networks in the future.

Q: Does the $50 4G data package last more than one year?
A: No, after the first year users will need to select a standard 4G package from AT&T.

Q: Will my old Kindle Fire get the new software?
A: Currently unknown.

Q: Will the Kindle Fire be available outside the US?
A: Yes, the 7" Kindle HD will be available outside the US. It will release in Europe on October 25th for £159/199Euro (16GB), £199/249Euro (32GB) and as well as the new Kindle Fire for £129/159Euro. These will be available in UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Q: Why should I buy this over a Nexus 7?
A: The Kindle Fire HD is first an foremost a media consumption device. All of it's specs are geared toward that including a better screen, better audio and speakers, better wifi, HDMI out, bigger storage space and a very content-centric interface as well as Amazon's superior media store and Prime streaming. Users wanting a tablet for media consumption should definitely look into the Fire HD. Users wanting more productivity oriented application may opt for a Nexus 7 which features NFC, GPS and a larger store of apps.

Q: Can I root a Kindle Fire HD and install something else?
A: Currently, yes due to a bug in ICS: http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/09/17/amazon-kindle-fire-hd-7-already-rooted-heres-how-to-do-it/

 

[iNvid02]

Q: What's this I hear about ads?
A: The ads are full screens advertisements for things like new movies, books, or exclusive offers like $5 worth of Amazon MP3 credit.

Q: Can I remove ads?
A: Yes, for a one time fee of $15.

 

[Krogan]

Not really a fan of how thick the border is.

 

[Lasthope106]

Since I refuse to give my money to Apple, I'm more than happy to buy a the upgraded, bigger Kindle.

 

[beelzebozo]

where are these produced

 

[kehs]

Not really a fan of how thick the border is.

Borders are deceiving because the devices are a lot smaller than they appear. People bitched about the bezel on the n7 but its a little small if anything.

 

[neojubei]

where are these produced

I am wondering the same thing. Wonder if it is foxconn or some other similar company.

 

[Somnid]

where are these produced

Foxconn.

 

[Rendition]

Anyone actually order one? If you did has your release shipping date changed?

 

[Dead Prince]

i'm waiting for the 8.9" HD. hopefully they improve the OS and really reconsider the carousel lol. those mismatched sizes lol.

 

[maxxpower]

No micro sd slot correct?

 

[renitou]

Not really a fan of how thick the border is.

Small bezels look nice in production shots. In the real world, you appreciate the extra purchase and ability to hold your device without accidentally activating the touch screen.

No micro sd slot correct?

Assuming "no" to this question for all major "mainstream" tablets and phones going forward is a safe bet.

 

[Somnid]

Anyone actually order one? If you did has your release shipping date changed?

My 8.9" changed from delivery on the 28th to delivery on the 26th it looks like.

 

[Dead Prince]

My 8.9" changed from delivery on the 28th to delivery on the 26th it looks like.

21st for me.

 

[Rendition]

Did you guys order day 1?

 

[Somnid]

Did you guys order day 1?

Yup but later in the day with Amazon Prime so assuming they didn't sell out the first shipment (which seems to still be the case with the 8.9") the date probably isn't accurate.

 

[BFIB]

The 7" model is on sale today (16GB), anyone put their order in?

I know my wife wants the new model, but I think I'm going to hold out and get her the 8.9" version.

 

[planar1280]

How is the Processor compared to Nexus 7 and iPad 3

 

[Somnid]

How is the Processor compared to Nexus 7 and iPad 3

Very big difference between the 7" and the 8.9".

7" versus the Nexus 7, the Nexus 7 is a bit faster in both CPU and GPU. 8.9 is more similar to an A5 and should be quite a bit faster than a Tegra 3.

8.9" versus iPad 3 the CPUs are comparable but the iPad would have better graphical performance due to a better GPU but is also pushing more pixels on screen.

 

[GavinGT]

Dat bezel.....

 

[jvm]

I'm in. Ordered the non-4G 8.9" HD a couple of hours after the announcement.

 

[joelseph]

The only thing holding me back from a tablet is lack of Magic Online. MODO please.

 

[dwebo]

stupid charger isn't even 10w. 10% slower charging! pre-ordered an 8.9" just now, hopefully some reviews come out before it ships

How is the Processor compared to Nexus 7 and iPad 3

processor was already used in an archos tablet, which anandtech reviewed:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6158/the-archos-101-xs-review/3

 

[DietRob]

As mentioned in the other Kindle thread I rooted my OG fire to run Jelly Bean today.


Super smooth it's like using a new device.

I have no doubt that within a few months we'll have JB roms for the new lineup.

I'm getting a 8.9 for sure.

 

[jvm]

Forgot about the cheap ($3.99) one-day shipping, so I changed my shipping method. Now expected 21 November, up from 26 November.

 

[Gannd]

I originally pre-ordered the 8.9" model but I canceled and picked up the 7". I don't really need the 8.9", I think it will be too big and heavy to hold for long periods of time. The sound on the Fire HD is fantastic. Finally, I do not need to struggle to hear something out of a tablet.

 

[Rendition]

Not really a fan of how thick the border is.

Yeah that bezel thickness on the Kindle Fire HD is pretty heinous.

 

[Somnid]

One of the bigger Play store exclusives, Minecraft, is now on the Amazon App store: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00992CF6W/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[shawnlreed]

What really turns me off of this device is the everpresent purchasing recommendation list that appears at the bottom of the device.
That was not present on the original Kindle Fire, and is something I seriously do not want on my tablet device.
I'm not sure if the $15 ad "opt-out" will remove these recommendations, or just remove the lock screen ads. If it doesn't remove both, I will not buy a Kindle Fire.
Constant ads/recommendations for other products Amazon wants to sell me just seems gross.

 

[BFIB]

What really turns me off of this device is the everpresent purchasing recommendation list that appears at the bottom of the device.
That was not present on the original Kindle Fire, and is something I seriously do not want on my tablet device.
I'm not sure if the $15 ad "opt-out" will remove these recommendations, or just remove the lock screen ads. If it doesn't remove both, I will not buy a Kindle Fire.
Constant ads/recommendations for other products Amazon wants to sell me just seems gross.

The $15 will buy out the ads, but the recommendations will remain. I have a feeling this will be an option to turn off in the future also.

 

[Nevasleep]

Bezels are useful, although that looks wider than an iPads?

 

[Hoo-doo]

Not really a fan of how thick the border is.

Seriously. It looks fucking weird.

 

[maquiladora]

Idris Elba is the next generation of hollywood stars?

The dude is 40.

 

[Dead Prince]

Idris Elba is the next generation of hollywood stars?

The dude is 40.

that's why they said next generation. Old is the new new.

 

[kehs]

This thing is locked down. Welcome to the appliance revolution.

The technique is apparently similar to the Nook Tablet’s encryption, and while that device quickly received a workaround at the hands of the development community the Kindle Fire might be a lot more tricky. You see, the Nook Tablet’s workaround used an exploit that used the external SD card as an alternate boot device.

http://phandroid.com/2012/09/17/lat...-bootloader-workaround-methods-may-be-tricky/

 

[Izick]

Who in their right mind would buy this over a Nexus 7 or iPad?

 

[Chuckl3s]

So read this today...

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/13/tech/mobile/kindle-fire-hd-cheap/index.html

is the fire a sub par tablet? Izick might be right. Why would you buy this over a nexus or ipad?

 

[shawnlreed]

So read this today...

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/13/tech/mobile/kindle-fire-hd-cheap/index.html

is the fire a sub par tablet? Izick might be right. Why would you buy this over a nexus or ipad?

That article perfectly summarizes my problem with the Kindle Fire:
"When you buy a Kindle Fire HD, it doesn't feel like your tablet. It feels like Amazon's."

And that's why I won't be getting one.

 

[jvm]

Basically the new eMachines free PC from back in the 1990s, but this time it's a tablet and the company behind it isn't some schmuck dot com.

 

[Somnid]

http://www.androidcentral.com/got-new-kindle-fire-hd-7-keep-eye-offers-5-worth-free-music

Awful, truly terrible these things are.

Spoiler

Savvy people know that you can actually get a lot out of the special offers program.

Also:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/09/17/amazon-kindle-fire-hd-7-already-rooted-heres-how-to-do-it/

Kindle Fire HDs are rootable due somewhat ironically to a security bug in ICS.

 

[The Faceless Master]

$5 coupons and rooted? OH MY!

special offers sound nice hope there's a bootloader unlock by the time the 8.9" drops

 

[Somnid]

Here's something interesting: The Kindle Fire HD's wireless chip actually supports both GPS and FM radio, presumably it's either locked or lacking the antennas.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Kindle-Fire-HD-Teardown/10457/2
http://www.broadcom.com/products/GPS/GPS-Silicon-Solutions/BCM2076

 

[dwebo]

was just coming here to post that

it's also got a wolfson chip in there (http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/products/codecs/WM8962/), which should please audiophiles

 

[DietRob]

Kindle Fire HDs are rootable due somewhat ironically to a security bug in ICS.

Nice. I'm going to keep an eye on the mod scene and as soon as a stable JB rom is available I'll bite on a 8.9 inch.

 

[zephervack]

Nice. I'm going to keep an eye on the mod scene and as soon as a stable JB rom is available I'll bite on a 8.9 inch.

Why? at that price point you might as well buy something like the Transformer Prime Infinity which has official support for JB and ICS.

What am I missing?

 

[DietRob]

Why? at that price point you might as well buy something like the Transformer Prime Infinity which has official support for JB and ICS.

What am I missing?

$299 ≠ $599

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

My wife just got one of these as a birthday present. She loves it.

 

[zephervack]

$299 ≠ $599

Oh, its only the 4G version that costs $500, I see, yeah at $300 I also want a ICS tablet with those specs

 

[The Faceless Master]

Here's something interesting: The Kindle Fire HD's wireless chip actually supports both GPS and FM radio, presumably it's either locked or lacking the antennas.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Kindle-Fire-HD-Teardown/10457/2
http://www.broadcom.com/products/GPS/GPS-Silicon-Solutions/BCM2076

if they manage to unlock the bootloader, the 8.9" 32GB is looking pretty sweet

and i really hope the GPS is wired even if it's disabled... or why even bother with an Amazon maps API? having it be just for the 4G version would suck.

 

[DietRob]

if they manage to unlock the bootloader, the 8.9" 32GB is looking pretty sweet

When, just when. It will happen.