If the standard 7” Kindle Fire HDX (http://goo.gl/KkEQ0U) is Amazon’s iPad Mini Killer, it stands to reason that the Mini’s big brother would be in the crosshairs too. So Amazon is unleashing the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX (http://goo.gl/bG5n9T). It’s positioned as a rival to Apple’s iPad Air. It offers features comparable to (and even better than) the iPad, at a more affordable price.
Games for grandkids! The new HDX has a beefed up graphic processor for smoother games and movies. You may not give a rip about games, but your grandkids certainly do! (Click the pic for more info.)
In addition to a larger screen, the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX (I really wish they would shorten their branding) contains a few bells and whistles not present in the 7-inch model.
Of primary importance is the 8-megapixel rear camera and flash for photography. The 7-inch model only contains a front facing camera (presumably for video chat) while the 8.9-inch includes two. Do you really care about taking photos with your tablet? Some people do. I’ve been surprised by the number of people we see at national park who are using a tablet for photography. But if it works for you – why not?
The Kindle Fire HDX is at its best when watching movies. The new screen display is awesome, but it may not improve The Hobbit. (Click the pic for more info.)
With the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon is now producing a top tier tablet. It’s loaded with a beefy quad core processor and a gorgeous “retina” display (it’s beyond HD, with 2560 x 1600 resolution and a pixel density of 339 pixels per inch). It’s got robust audio with stereo speakers. It’s got the new “Mayday” customer support button – free live customer support at the touh of a button.
Perhaps most impressive is the weight – the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX tips the scales at a mere 13.2 ounces for the wifi model. That’s lighter than an iPad Air! Of course the lighter weight means it’s generally more pleasant to hold and use.
You can surf the Web all you want on the Amazon Silk browser. (Click the pic for more info.)
As with all Kindle devices, you get the most from the Kindle Fire HDX with an Amazon Prime membership. Amazon is doing great business with Amazon Prime. Once you join it, you tend to use Amazon more than ever, because you get your stuff faster than ever. And you get access to a huge library of Amazon Prime video content as part of the deal Click here learn more about Amazon Prime.
Apparently Amazon now has its own currency - who knew? Next Amazon will issue its own flag, borders, and passport. (Click the pic for more info.)
Is the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX the right tablet for you? That may depend on your expected usage of the device. If you enjoy the Amazon ecosystem (Kindle reading library, Amazon Prime, etc.) and like watching TV and movies on a tablet, then the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX is an excellent choice. Its hardware specs no longer take a backseat to any other tablet. For many people this will be a great tablet to take RV camping, or anywhere you want to go.