Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 user reviews

Pros Excellent HD screen
HDMI output for movies/games
Speaker quality is very loud and clear
8.9" is better for reading
WIFI is SUPER fast when using dolphin
Sideloading apps (like dolphin hd, games, etc)
Free app every day from Amazon! (huge value)

Cons Silk browser is useless (need to sideload chrome or dolphin hd)
Apps are somewhat limited compared to Apple or Google ecosystem (especially for sports fans content)
A bit choppy upon startup of tablet
Sideloaded app logos appear fuzzy on main screen

Summary I don't understand why so many people are giving this tablet such low ratings?!?! I guess if they did not know how to sideload apps, this would definitely make sense. But once you have dolphin browser HD or google chrome, browsing is incredibly fast and displays flash content with ease(i find dolphin slightly better for flash than Chrome). I purchased this tablet when it was $50 off it's original price point and it provides excellent value for your dollar. This tablet has an AMAZING screen and watching movies or reading books is enjoyable. The speaker quality is fantastic and absolutely blows away other tablets. It actually feels like surround sound. Is this tablet as good as an apple product or google product? Well, probably not quite. The apps available are limited but most good apps are available or can be sideloaded relatively easy. Having an hdmi output is fantastic because you are able to stream tv shows or live sports right onto your big screen. When you compare the KFHD to other tablets at a price point of under $300, this tablet is a no brainer. Easily the best value for your money on the market. Wifi is incredible on Dolphin or Chrome browser, most games are crisp and have incredible graphics, and sideloading "most" apps are available. Yes, the tablet can be choppy when starting it up and it is definitely awful if you are using the SILK browser (they really need to get rid of this), but aside from that, you would be hard pressed to find a better tablet at this price point.

Pros Picture quality
Good sound
Feature set
HDMI (connect to TV)
PRICE

Cons Plug-In location
Flash (workaround currently available on Blog)

Summary I see a lot of complaining and I'd say go ahead and spend the big bucks then and get the i??? whatever. Sure, there are issues, but why wouldn't there be. There's a workaround for the Flash issue which you'll find on the Kindle blog. Therefore the only issue I have is that the plug-in is in the wrong place for me. I'd like to see it on one of the sides w/ the volume or power button. To run the cord out the top works until you find that some apps only play w/ one-side up and that means I have to use my cover-case w/ the stand built-in in an upside down position(plug in at bottom) or unplug it to watch some things. Maybe that can be resolved too and I just haven't figured it out yet, not sure. For the money I think this by FAR the best deal around and I believe I made the right choice. Good job Kindle! Amazon Prime and Audible subscription and I've got it all - Awesome. Tons of Android apps available although many not available for this unit, but I'm sure it has something to do with money and it would result in a higher price, so works for me. I don't want to be trapped by apple and all of it's proprietory restrictions, and of course high prices to join th e trend. If you've got the $$$ though, have at it.

Updated on Jan 22, 2013

2nd Browser option: UC Browser

Updated on Jan 22, 2013

Another Browser: Dolphin Browser HD

Updated on Jan 22, 2013

NOTE: This review was intended for the 7" Kindle Fire HD

Pros - Almost full functionality with expensive tablets without living in the Amazon ecosystem
- 8.9 inch is perfect for reading pdf, comics and ebooks
- Great wifi performance

Cons - Kindle Email native client could not read hotmail/gmail sub-folders. Inbox is fine.

Summary I don't live in the Amazon ecosystem. Not by choice but by force due to the fact I don't live in any of the countries where they have presence. (No access to Amazon store). But using a third party app store (www.1mobile.com), I am able to install almost all the apps I need and want. For all intent and purposes this tablet is no different from any other more expensive android tablets. Except it is half the price and a hell lot better in video resolution and sound. The screen is absolutely gorgeous.

I never experienced the "Amazon ecosystem" but I don't think I need to. I am already using almost all the apps I want to use.

- Use a alternate app store such as www.1mobile.com
- Download AVG Free to secure your tablet before downloading any other apps. Scan each app before installing.
- Download Opera Web Browser (better than Opera Mini browser)
- Download Mantano Reader Free for pdf and ebooks
- Download Comic Rack Free for reading comics
- Download MoboPlayer for video files
- Download Youtube
- Download VEVO
- Download Google Maps
- Download Facebook
- Download StumbleUpon
- Download Dropbox for your personal files
- Download TuneIn Radio

Transferring videos, books and all kinds of files is easily done via a computer. Just copy the files to Kindle's folder in windows explorer and we are done.

Even game emulators work fine. such as CPS2 games emulator: FBA Alpha.

You don't have to be tied down to Amazon.

Pros None. Really nothing good about. Really cnet, this is your pick for best tablet. Shame on you for being dishonest.

Cons Bad controls. Short battery life, slow processor, no access o google play., no feasures like good camera, GPS, etc.

Summary Don't waste you money on this. Either buy iPad or nexus or another name brand tablet.