First Posted: Jan 08, 2014 08:52 PM EST
(Photo: The Verge (Youtube screenshot))
The Kindle Fire HDX 7 “tablet is Amazon’s answer to the Nexus July 2 and iPad Mini with Retina Display. The 7″ slate features the best of Amazon. With access to Kindle books and magazines, movies, games and more the HDX is clearly positioned as a media consumption device. Its heavily modified Android interface may strike fear in the heart’s of Android traditionalists, but it’s a pleasure to use. And at a starting price of just $ 229 it costs the same as the Nexus 7 February. The iPad Mini with Retina Display weighs in a $ 399. All begin with 16gb of storage.
Rather than opting for Android’s pre-installed Chrome web browser, Amazon created their own version called Silk. The Silk browser intelligently utilizes Amazon’s wide network of servers, or the cloud, to help the HDX’s CPU load web pages faster. This time-saving feature is unique to Amazon’s HDX line of tablet’s. The server-side processing can be turned off as well; not everybody likes to have all their activity tracked and delivered to Amazon’s algorithms.
Much like the iPad requires an Apple ID and the Nexus requires a Google Account, an Amazon account needs to be created in order to use the HDX 7. The nice thing about having the HDX tied into your Amazon account is that any media you purchase through Amazon.com will be available on both your computer and tablet. An Amazon account also provides the largest and cheapest selection of books on the web. So whether you’re a voracious reader with a gaming streak or a film both who likes to settle down with a good novel, the HDX will serve your needs well.
In terms of build quality the HDX 7 fares pretty well. Its taut, plastic build quality feels good in the hands and is markedly similar to the Nexus 7 February. Yet the inclusion of plastic means that it isn’t as pricey as the iPad’s aluminum enclosure. Nor is it as durable. However, if you slap on a case and avoid drops, spills, slips and falls with the tablet in tow you’ll be fine. The back of the device features a matte black finish with tapered edges on the bezel side to fit comfortably in your hand.
Compared to Nexus’ Google Play store and Apple App store, the HDX doesn’t feature as many apps, but you shouldn’t find the selection lacking. The HDX’s app selection also isn’t nearly as barren as a Windows 8.1 “RT tablet like the Surface. Popular productivity app Evernote made its way onto Amazon’s Appstore meaning that you can get a little work done with your HDX. Of course, Hulu and Netflix are available to install as well. Gaming is a thrill thanks to the Kindle HDX’s greater than high-definition (1920 by 1200) display and responsive touchscreen.
So overall you may think this HDX 7 is a slick tablet, but so what; the iPad Mini with Retina and Nexus 7 February aren’t too shabby themselves. How does Amazon manage to differentiate their offering from their California rivals? The answer is shipping. With 30 days of Amazon Prime, you get free standard shipping on Amazon merchandise as well as free access to Prime Instant Video. You get to test drive the service for free, with absolutely zero obligation to sign up after the trial period ends.
Are you an Amazon tablet owner? Share your experience with the tablet HDX 7 below.
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