Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9' Review

Lisa Gade reviews the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9" tablet. The Fire HD 8.9" has an excellent 1920 x 1200 IPS display and stereo speakers with Dolby mobile sound. It runs on a 1.5GHz dual core OMAP 4470 CPU, which is slightly faster than the CPU in the Kindle Fire HD 7. Otherwise, it's simply a larger version of the 7" Kindle HD with the same software and features. It starts at $299 for the 16 gig and there's an LTE version for $499. Larger storage capacities are available. It weighs 1.25 lbs. and is 0.35" thick.

[mobiletechreview]

Yes, the features of the 8.9 are identical to the Kindle Fire HD 7" model.

[mrneil]

So awesome you show all the size differences. I mainly want the HD for reading and you helped me reach the decision of going with the 7". Thanks! Great review!

[TheKlh]

Thanks Lisa, for clarifying what the kindle is for. I'm so glad you stated that comparing the kindle to the nexus, ipad mini, or any other tablet is unfair since it's purpose is not the same. I've read and watched many, many reviews and you are the first person to say what everyone else has alluded to but won't put into words! I did decide to get a kindle hd 8.9 since my goals are mainly books and videos.
thanks for giving good info!

[mobiletechreview]

No, you only need an Internet connection to download new books (or you could use USB to get books on the tablet).

[JohnnyZenith]

That is a lot of help thank you. I've read about the poorer speakers of the 8.9, and problems with upscaling but it seems the best choice. Thanks.

[avcrk]

Thanks Lisa for the review, as always, you are so well prepared and informed.
Do you think there might be a comparison with the new Nook HD+ in the works ?

[MelvinSF]

I really hope this will see a release outside of the US, preferably before the holidays.. As far as tablets go, the screen and pricing are my main deciding factors, so this seems like my best option.

[StLounatic]

Great review, as always. Have one in hand for the wife this Christmas. She'll love it!

[BenMJay]

Hi Lisa! Can you believe the Nexus 10"?!! My jaw dropped! Higher res than the iPad Retina, awesome processor, and $399! Plz get one and review! :D

[mobiletechreview]

We have the latest $250 Samsung Chromebook in house and will be doing a review soon.

[mobiletechreview]

It works fine with my Mac. Just install Android for Mac (a free download from Google).

[mobiletechreview]

Same browser but a little peppier thanks to the faster CPU.

[TheNnnnnnnnnnkkkkkkk]

ok, thanks so much for replying! can't wait to watch it

[Ultradudeo]

It's not officially supported but you could always side-load it onto it, many of my apps for the 7-inch are side-loaded. If you don't know how to side load there are many tutorials floating around the internet.

[Ultradudeo]

I'm not Lisa but from owning the 7 inch and trying the 8.9 inch, the size difference is definitely worth the price even if you're not going to use the special internet plans, if money is tight though the 7 inch is still a fantastic device that, software wise, is identical. Hope It Helps!

[GQLewis]

You may want to point out that it does not have drivers for the Mac. Nor does it have a rear facing camera, which is very important to some people.

[kyokushin]

Wow u play nova 3 pretty well for a person like ur self u have my full respect

[Mouthmusician]

Thanks 4 the review Amazon's silk on top of android looks great plus the higher res as well, my thing is I wish they would go larger on the storage for the kindle fire, and also flesh out the buttons more. If Microsoft's surface don't come down a size with higher res some time early next year I might get a kindle despite not heavy on the android apps and web speed, anyway good times.

[carolhousel]

Fantastic review! You covered everything I wanted to know.

[DRFILMREVIEWS]

Hi,
GREAT VIDEO! Will the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 be released in the UK? I'm looking to buy a kindle as was looking at your review on the Kindle Fire HD then saw this as was thinking should I wait out or buy the Kindle Fire HD ?
Thanks