The Kindle Fire software, which is a heavily customized version of Android 4.0, has changed little since its inception on the original Amazon tablet. Otherwise, the base model does not include GPS or WWAN functionalities. An 8.9-inch 4G LTE variant is available with AT&T too, though this will cost users a heftier $500 (or more without the lock screen advertisements). The basic wireless connectivity features are available in the form of a dual-band 2x2 wireless-n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0. Note that the tablet will automatically mirror its contents to the external sans the rotation, so it is impossible to perform independent activities in spite of having two displays. Widescreen videos do stretch to reduce most of the black pillars and sound is transmitted as well should the external solution support it. Unfortunately, large borders exist on all four sides despite having the same native resolution as the tablet. We experienced smooth HDMI performance when outputted to our external 1920x1200 display. Interestingly, the microphone has been moved from its original top location and now sits on the opposite edge in between the micro HDMI and micro-USB ports. USB on-the-go also remains unsupported as the device was unable to recognize any plug-and-play flash drives, keyboards, or mice. Since the HD 8.9 is 44 percent heavier than the HD 7, comfortably holding the device with one hand for extended periods (such as for eBooks or movies) is much more difficult.Īs with its smaller counterpart, users can still output to an external monitor via micro HDMI and charge/transfer files via the micro-USB 2.0 port on the HD 8.9. The iPad Mini is still one of the thinnest and lightest tablets available at 7.2 mm and 0.31 kg, respectively. 10.3 mm), thinner than the Apple iPad 4and about equally as thick and heavy as the 9.4-inch Sony Xperia Tablet S. In fact, it is actually thinner than its 7-inch counterpart (8.8 mm vs. When compared to other tablets, the HD 8.9 is neither noticeably thicker nor heavier than most other Android tablets of similar size. The plastic strip that covers the speakers extends to the edges and can feel like buttons as well, which makes locating the actual buttons by hand more difficult than it should be. The texture of both buttons are not differentiated very noticeably and can result in accidental and undesired inputs. The same drawbacks have carried over, however, in this case the volume rocker and power button. When considering the prices, we’re impressed by the strong build quality that Amazon has been offering to all of its Kindle Fire lineups so far. Twisting is minimal and only very small amounts of warping can be observed when applying pressure on either side of the tablet. In terms of durability, the casing has translated well from the 7-inch HD 7 to the larger 8.9-inch version. Nonetheless, the matte back and glossy Gorilla Glass front are still fingerprint magnets and can be difficult to wipe completely clean. The design loses the boring and boxy shape of the original with more rounded and modern looks. This includes the slightly rubberized, but all-plastic back casing with hard plastic edges and corners. Do those extra two inches and higher resolutions make the 8.9-inch tablet a worthwhile purchase?Īs expected, the chassis of the HD 8.9 takes on the same materials and style as found on the HD 7. This review will focus on the 16 GB Fire HD 8.9 and any differences it may have to the HD 7 and original 7. Amazon demands an additional $15 and $70 to remove the sponsored ads and for 32 GB of internal storage, respectively. The downside to the $300 model is the built-in randomized advertisements that appear on the lock screen. The new Fire commands a price premium of at least an additional $100 over the base $200 MSRP of the Fire HD 7. The HD 8.9 still shares almost all of its characteristics with its smaller sibling, so additional information and details on the hardware and software can be seen in our full review of the Kindle Fire HD 7. Unlike a number of other tablets that come in various sizes, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab series, the larger Kindle Fire is more than just an increase in display size as it now incorporates a full HD 16:10 (1920x1200) screen. Together with the Kindle Fire HD 7, the 8.9-inch variant makes up the second generation of Amazon’s successful Kindle Fire series of tablets.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |