While the tablet will charge when connected to a plugged-in computer, it will do so very slowly and only when asleep. The Mini does have speedier performance and as mentioned, many more app options, however.įor some strange, ill-conceived reason, Amazon chose not to include an actual power adapter with the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 and instead supplied only a Micro-USB-to-USB cable. Especially if you're an Amazon Prime member. While the iPad Mini carries with it the trump card advantage of Apple's ecosystem and industry-leading App Store, the Fire HD 8.9's lower pricing, superior streaming capability, and higher-resolution screen make it a better deal if you're looking for a media consumption device. The Fire HD 8.9's unique screen size lands in between the 7.9-inch iPad Mini and the 9.7-inch iPad. Also, its faster processor makes for a much smoother and zippier experience. It has a large 1,920x1,200-pixel-resolution screen that facilitates Amazon's current Kindle Fire interface better than the 7-incher.
If you're interested in purchasing a Kindle Fire, know that the Fire HD 8.9 is the version to get. Some text in our review has been changed to reflect this, but the tablet's rating remains unaltered. The Wi-Fi version now starts at $269 (down from $299), and the 4G version's new starting price is $399 (down from $499). Editor's note (March 15, 2013): On March 13, 2013, Amazon cut the starting prices of both the Wi-Fi and 4G versions of the Kindle Fire HD 8.9.
