Kindle Fire HDX Hardware and Software
The latest Kindle, the Kindle Fire HDX, is Amazon's 3rd generation tablet device. The 7" model comes with superb hardware including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor allowing users to browse at rapid speed.Each Kindle Fire HDX comes with Fire OS 3.0. The software is based on Android, minus all the apps and services typically provided by Google. This unfortunately means the Kindle comes without popular Google apps like Maps, YouTube, and Gmail.
This also means Amazon's tablet does not have access to the traditional Android App Store. However the Kindle Fire HDX does come with the Amazon App Store, providing users with a selection of about 85,000 apps.
iPad Mini with Retina Display Hardware and Software
However the Kindle wasn't the only tiny tablet updated this year. Apple recently introduced the iPad Mini with Retina Display. This 7.9" tablet is slightly bigger than the Kindle, but also packs a stronger punch. This powerful device comes with a stunningly sharp display, the ultra-powerful A7 processor, and remarkably fast Wi-Fi and cellular data connectivity.Each iPad Mini comes with Apple's latest operating system, iOS 7. Apple's improved operating system sports many new features, including AirDrop, a feature that allows the sharing of media with other iOS users near them. This also means users have access to the vast Apple App Store, containing over 475,000 apps, including popular Google services. The Verge gave it 9.3 score out of 10.
Who Should Buy Them
While both Apple and Amazon have their loyal followers, the choice may not be so easy for some. The right tablet is determined by the type of consumer.The price-conscious buyer - The Kindle Fire HDX is priced to sell, starting at $229 with special offers. For post-holiday deals you can browse this site for promo codes from Verizon Wireless. Amazon even allows customers to pay for their Kindle over 4 quarterly payments, interest-free. However this does come at a price. Kindle owners are often provided with suggestions of similar books, apps, TV shows, etc. for purchase.
The not-so-tech-savvy user - Mobile devices can be confusing. While the iPad mini comes with the easy-to-use iOS 7, it can still leave users in the dark. Perhaps the most notable addition to the Kindle Fire HDX is the "Mayday" button.
This allows users to instantly connect with a customer service representative through a one-way video chat (the rep can't see the user). After account verification, representatives will appear in a pop-up window ready to deliver assistance, even assuming control of the tablet if needed.
The power user - While the Kindle Fire HDX delivers a lot of bang for its buck, the iPad Mini comes equipped for top-notch performance. The new retina display delivers a striking 2048 x 1526 pixel resolution, much sharper than the Kindle's 1920 x 1200 resolution.
The new iPad Mini also comes with a better camera (5 megapixels as compared to the Kindle's 1.2) and a model with 128 gigabytes of storage, an option not offered by Amazon. But this best-in-class performance comes at a price. The iPad Mini with Retina Display starts at $399 ranging up to $829 for a 128GB model with cellular data enabled.
Conclusion
Both devices have respectable hardware and software designs. So it really comes down to the types of user. If you are budget-minded the Kindle HDX is the one that saves you a lot of money without compromising too much on specs. If you are hungry for top-notch design and premium look the iPad Mini with Retina Display is the one you should go for.
Andy GriffinAbout the Author:
Andy Griffin writes for a number of coupon and gadget blogs. He loves to share shopping tips on smartphones and tablets.
