Amazon Kindle Fire HD Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Amazon Kindle Fire HD

Amazon Kindle Fire HD, released in September 2012, marked a significant step in the evolution of e-readers towards more versatile devices that offered rich multimedia experiences. A part of the Kindle series, this tablet was designed not just for reading e-books, but also for media consumption, apps, and internet browsing.

Design and Build

The Kindle Fire HD boasts a solid design with dimensions of 193 x 137 x 10.3 mm and a weight of 395 grams, providing a sturdy feel in hand. The build quality gives it a robust and premium appearance that aligns with its price and market segment.

Display

Equipped with a 7.0-inch IPS LCD screen, the Kindle Fire HD offered a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. This display configuration provides vivid color reproduction and sharp image clarity at ~216 ppi density, suitable for reading, video streaming, and casual gaming.

Performance

Under the hood, the Kindle Fire HD is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, backed by a PowerVR SGX540 GPU. The combination of the TI OMAP 4460 chipset and 1GB RAM ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, though it may struggle with more demanding applications. The device runs on a customized version of Android 4.0, tailored to integrate seamlessly with Amazon's ecosystem.

Storage and Memory

Users can choose between two storage options: 16GB and 32GB. However, the absence of a card slot for expandable storage might limit some users. The 1GB RAM complements the internal storage, allowing for basic multitasking capabilities.

Camera

The Kindle Fire HD features a single 1.3MP camera, primarily intended for video calls rather than photography. It lacks the advanced camera features found in more modern tablets, reflecting its focus on media consumption rather than content creation.

Sound

Sound quality is a highlight of the Kindle Fire HD, featuring stereo speakers that provide clear and balanced audio output, enhanced by the presence of a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones or external speakers.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the device include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, and a micro USB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Lacking cellular connectivity, the device relies on Wi-Fi networks for internet access. Positioning and radio features are absent, which might be a consideration for some users.

Battery Life

Battery life is notable, with a non-removable Li-Ion battery offering up to 11 hours of use on a single charge. This longevity makes the device ideal for long reading sessions or extended periods of media consumption without frequent recharging.

Features and Sensors

For interactiveness and responsiveness, it includes sensors such as an accelerometer and gyro. These features enhance user experience, particularly in applications that are sensor-sensitive.

Pricing and Availability

Initially priced at around 150 EUR, the Kindle Fire HD offered an affordable entry into the tablet market. However, as of now, the device is discontinued, making it more of a collector’s item or a second-hand purchase.

Conclusion

Amazon Kindle Fire HD was a significant entry in the landscape of affordable tablets, combining Amazon’s strong content ecosystem with solid hardware. Its primary strengths are media consumption and seamless integration with Amazon services, making it a suitable choice for users deeply embedded in the Amazon's ecosystem, albeit less so for those seeking cutting-edge hardware or features.