When the Kindle Fire HD was first introduced by Amazon there were many skeptics, but sales have proven very positive, and so we expect to see a sequel at some point this year. Now we’re not certain as to what changes there will be, but the new Kindle Fire HD price could be the key factor.

We say this because there is a rumor circulating that the next 7-inch model will be budget friendly, so could be a great alternative to the upcoming iPad mini 2, even though Amazon’s tablet will lack some major features – especially if it is a low-cost version.

If what we are hearing is correct, then the new 7-inch 2013 Kindle Fire HD price could be just $99, but as to the release date we have no idea. As you would expect there is nothing else to go on with this rumor, although it is thought to come with a 1280 x 800 display and use the same TI processor as seen in the current Kindle Fire lineup.

Okay, so we know that the Kindle Fire HD sequel will not be able to compete with the forthcoming iPad mini 2nd-generation, but if you are on a budget then it will be a great alternative for you. Speaking of the new smaller Apple tablet, this will also need to be price conscious because people are not willing to pay more for a newer model, which we discussed a few days ago.

Update: Apple Insider has it on good authority that the rumor of a $99 Kindle Fire HD is inaccurate and that the current pricing is as low as they could possibly go.

As you know Amazon had the Kindle Fire and HD but needed something a little larger in order to compete with the big boys, which is why the online retailer brought out the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. While it will never be able to compete with the likes of the iPad and some of the top spec larger Android tablets, it’s certainly good to have even more choice.

Below we have for you a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 in-depth visual review, which looks over all aspects of the device, but we love how they confuse each other at first until they come to an agreement on what segment this tablet fills. The first thing that people will discuss is to do with the screen resolution, and it’s pointed out that most people will say that it’s not as good as the iPad 4, but most of us won’t even be able to tell the difference.

It seems that every time one of the guy’s talks about a certain Kindle Fire HD 8.9 feature the other guy is there to offer an in-depth analysis, but manages to make it sound so simple that most people will be able to understand. It’s clear that the main reason to have this larger Kindle Fire HD is to view videos and after a long discussion about Amazon Prime they get down to the new size format and how it compares to rival tablets.

The new 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD is a little lighter than the iPad 4 and it’s most defiantly a two-handed tablet. It’s clear to see that it could do with a kickstand of some sort to make it more comfortable when watching movies. Now while some people will not like the larger bezel, the reviewers feel it is a good addition because it’s easier to pick it up and not fear about selecting something you shouldn’t on the touchscreen, like you do with other tablets on the market. For more in-depth details just watch the video review below.

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 price has to be one of the biggest reasons why you should consider this tablet because the $299 starting price is considered to be an amazing offer, especially when the iPad mini starts at $329 and the Nook HD at $199 and the HD+ at $269.00, which we recently discussed. However, the biggest rival is the Nexus 7 and that price starts at $199 and is considered to be the better device.

From the moment some people get their new Android device they are longing for a way to get even more from it, which is why we’re certain that many of you will be happy that the Kindle Fire HD 7 can now be seen running Android CM10. It’s currently not fully completed, but the video below will show you just how far development of this process has come.

CyanogenMod 10 was made stable almost a month ago now, so as you can see it’s down to developers to get it to work on certain devices. We already knew how desperate Samsung Galaxy S3 owners were to get CM10 running on their devices, which is why they were running a less stable version in the summer.

You’ll see in the video that the dev has installed CyanogenMod 10 on his Kindle Fire HD 7, so what you get to see is all the fun stuff after a quick reboot. It’s clear to see that things are not perfect and there is still some work to do, but it’s certainly a nice thing to see the CyanogenMod logo appear on the Fire HD screen just spinning round. The work that has been done to CM10 was for an 8.9-inch tablet, so you’ll notice some subtle differences with this port because it’s now working on a 7-inch device.

While there is still a way to go, it’s good to see a full working touchscreen, the soft keys are also there, but stay on all the time, and Wi-Fi is working. However, let’s not get our hopes up too much because there is no sound, Bluetooth, and video is currently not working. Angry Birds fans will be pleased to see the Star Wars edition working on the Kindle Fire HD 7 running Android CM10. The biggest issue that we can see is the size of the screen itself, as many parts of it seem to be shrunk down to phone size instead of tablet size. Reverendkjr is unsure why it is doing it so has asked for a little help in order to resolve the issue.

It’s always hard to know what gift to purchase for a loved one for Christmas, but what we do know is that one of the new range of smaller tablets is sure to be a popular choice. If you are one of those procrastinators this Christmas wondering if you should get the Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD, then we have found numerous reviews that could help you make that all-important decision.

On paper it’s the Nexus 7 that comes out on top because as a tablet it has far more to offer, because Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD is more of a media device and not much more. Now this may be ideal for some consumers, but when you consider that the Nexus 7 pricing is pretty competitive and has better storage options, well it is easy to see what way you should go. We already came to that assumption in our recent review, but it’s not as clear-cut as one might think.

If you still find it a little difficult to choose between the two then maybe this video review of the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD will help you make your mind up, although the iPad Mini is also thrown in for good measure. It’s worth noting that Apple’s first attempt in the smaller tablet market is a good one, although its price is always going to be a factor.

The Guardian has also broken down the three tablets above, but also mentions the Nook HD as well, which has just been given a boost in the UK. However, we’re only interested in the two former tablets and you’re advised that if you’re looking for a tablet to do more admin tasks then the Nexus 7 should be the one for you. There’s also the fact that it’s a little unfair to compare these two devices as the Nexus 7 is more of a rival for the iPad mini.

Which tablet is best for you, the Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD? If for some reason you don’t agree with our preference then maybe these graphs below (thanks to IT Pro) will help you see the main differences between each tablet and come to the right choice.

Display and Dimensions

Battery Life

Ecosystem and Applications

Hardware and Performance

Internet

The tablet market is wide ranging and has seen many improvements with new models this year, and the Kindle Fire HD 7 and 8.9-inch models are certainly going to prove a popular present at Christmas. You may well be wondering how best to protect your Kindle Fire so we thought we would take a look at a few robust cases that are available right now. The three cases we will be taking a look at are the BodyGuardz Armor Carbon Fiber, the OtterBox Defender, and the Belkin Quilted cover.

The first thing you notice about the Kindle Fire HD cover from Belkin is the luxurious design that’s quilted and spongy. This cover is available in 3 colors and gives the tablet a majestic and bureaucratic look, as though it has just been removed from the shelves of your personal library. This Belkin case for the Kindle Fire HD allows for different viewing angles and stands positively in the chosen position for easy working, reading and viewing. The Kindle itself is held in place with a gripping corner design and the case features a soft interior lining.

Belkin keep this case closed by a magnetic tab that snaps positively and satisfyingly tight, the tab is also held out of the way by the magnet when the stand is in use making sure it doesn’t obscure the screen. Belkin’s Quilted Cover is designed for the 7-inch Kindle Fire and is available in red, black and cream with a price point of just under $40. The Belkin Quilted case is a smart looking product, and although perfect for everyday knocks and bumps we wonder how it would stand up to a serious mishap. The Belkin official page can be seen here.

If your Kindle Fire HD (8.9) is unlikely to ever leave the home or you use a separate sleeve then you may want to consider the BodyGuardz Carbon Fiber, although more of a skin than a full blown case. The BodyGuardz Armor is certainly eye catching and looks as hard as nails, which the official video shows the casing material being put through its paces in an intriguing test. You can see the Kindle Fire HD and BodyGuardz Armor in the video below this article.

The fact it is more of a skin, means it’s ultra-thin and barely noticeable to the Kindles overall size, and although excellent at protecting your device from everyday scratches and scrapes it does very little to protect it from a serious and clumsy fall. Also included with the Carbon Fiber is a ScreenGuardz screen protector allowing you to protect the screen as well as the back of your tablet. Available in Black and White and at just under $30 the BodyGuardz Carbon Fiber can be seen at the BodyGuardz site here.

If you are planning on putting your Kindle Fire through its paces during a daily commute, letting the kids loose with it or are just plain clumsy, then the OtterBox Defender may be the cover for you. Although bulkier than the cases above the Defender is built to resist even the harshest of drops and falls and designed to keep your Kindle safe. The case is constructed from 2 pieces of polycarbonate that snap together and a silicone outer layer that then fits tightly around the outside. There is also a built in screen protector, which saves the Kindle Fire screen from scratches and sticky fingerprints.

The OtterBox Defender case also has a screen shield that covers and protects the Kindle Fire HD screen when not in use, or is being transported, and the screen shield also has an inbuilt stand that allows the Kindle to stand-alone for hands free use when the shield is clipped to the rear of the case. This extra piece of mind knowing your Kindle is about as safe as can be obviously comes at a premium, and the OtterBox Defender is available from the OtterBox website for $69.99. Unfortunately at this moment in time the defender is only available in black.

OtterBox’s official video demo can be seen below, although it’s worth pointing out that the Amazon Kindle Fire HD (8.9) Defender Series case is also available for $10 more, which can be seen in the image below and on their website here.

So if you are hoping for a Kindle Fire HD 7-inch or 8.9-inch this Christmas, which type of case do you prefer? Do you like something that really protects your tablet as seen with OtterBox series, or are lighter options just fine for your needs? Let us know if you currently use any of the above cases, we would love to hear your thoughts.

There’s certainly mixed feelings between tablet buyers when it comes to the Kindle Fire HD vs. Nexus 7, which some people believe the first device to be a loss leader for Amazon thanks to earlier reports claiming the tablet costs just under the retail price to produce. It is also worth noting that previous teardowns that worked out the cost of the Kindle Fire HD didn’t take into account marketing, and other costs that will only reduce the chances of profit for Amazon.

The Nexus 7 on the other hand is built by ASUS with the help of Google, and it seems that the balance of profit and specs has been met in a better way for both companies. It’s also worth noting that Amazon recently published a loss in Q3, and has been comparing their 7-inch and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD to the iPad offerings, which Amazon state are better value for money.

Kindle Fire HD the loss leader – both the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD sell for just under $200, but it seems more of a loss for Amazon although they have a plan and it doesn’t seem to include making money from the hardware sales. Amazon want people to have their tablet so they can promote services offered by the brand, and some people understand this and point out they’re “selling these things at a lost“, so money needs to be made from somewhere.

This isn’t the feeling of every potential tablet owner and Kindle Fire HD review, which will see some people talking about the Kindle “experience” and state that while the hardware has improved massively in the latest offering, the experience still feels like a “portal for Amazon“. These people feel the aim of Kindle Fire HD is to sell you games, apps, movies, books, and more. As one user put it, once you part with your $200 “be ready to spend more money“. It is worth pointing out that we’ve heard about this plan being disliked before, but these tablets are still selling so some people certainly like it.

Kindle Fire HD vs. Nexus 7 in visual review – if you want to know how these two tablets compare then one of the best ways to do so would be in a visual review, which we’ve included two of the best video comparisons below this article that deliver two different perspectives. The first video runs for just over 16 minutes and the other review for more than 7 minutes, so take a look to see the Kindle Fire HD vs. Nexus 7 up close and personal.

Do you prefer the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD vs. Nexus 7? We’d love to know the tablet you prefer between these two, and also why you feel the way you do? If you want to see a review of the iPad Mini vs. Nexus 7, then see our article from today that gives you a visual look.

Bottom-line: In our opinion this race is pretty one sided and we’d prefer the Nexus 7 thanks to an unadulterated Android Jelly Bean, although it is fair to say that there will be certain people that want the entertainment focused Kindle Fire HD with more of a closed system. If you want the option to use any store not just Amazon, like the idea of a quad core processor rather than dual core, want quicker updates thanks to pure Android, then it has to be the Google Nexus 7. It is worth stating that you get 16GB of storage on the Kindle Fire HD rather than 8GB on the Nexus 7 for the $200 price.

Amazon has revealed its new Kindle Fire HD during a TV commercial and special event within the last week, which showcased the specs that include an impressive 254ppi display that comes with a full high definition resolution, 1920×1200, on a larger 8.9-inch screen. Other Kindle Fire HD features include a variety of Android 4.0, Bluetooth, HDMI, a front HD camera, and the processer is a Texas Instruments OMAP 4470.

The Kindle Fire improvements continue with dual band 4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, storage up to 64GB, and even a LTE model for those that want to access content when a Wi-Fi network is not available. While this all sounds good and the new Kindle Fire HD is certainly an improvement, there are some features that are not welcomed and a few users find it distasteful to have to pay for their removal.

Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HD disliked already – there are a couple of areas that a growing number of consumers are voicing opinions on in a negative way, which includes the special offers Amazon will show unless you pay a fee for them to be removed, yes that’s even after paying for the device in the first place, and also others feel that the Kindle app delivers enough in a virtual way on multiple devices. The problem with the app is that other devices don’t always read as well in the sun, which the Kindle Fire HD shouldn’t have any problems with.

We have toned down some of the reactions to Amazon wanting to charge for the removal of ads on the new Kindle Fire, but in a nutshell a growing number of users feel it’s “ludicrous” when you’re already paying hundreds of dollars. This line of thought event comes from people that don’t like the iPad; although it is worth noting that Amazon aim to keep the price of the Kindle Fire HD lower thanks to placing ads on these devices.

Would you pay a fee to remove ads from the Kindle Fire HD, and how do you feel about paying money for a device that includes ads as well? The comment below is an official response from Amazon in regard to the paying of $15 to opt-out, which is thanks to this source. We’d love to hear your comments in relation to paying to remove ads with Amazon devices.

Once the fee is paid you’ll find that the ads on the home page and lock screen are removed, although a number of our readers have already pointed out that the two best ways to remove ads are to not buy the device in the first place or root the tablet. We’d never recommended rooting, unless you are happy to go down this path, but there are plenty of alternatives to the Kindle Fire HD that don’t include ads after paying good money.

You can see two videos of the new Kindle Fire HD below, which includes a quick hands-on review and also the official Amazon TV commercial. One thing is for sure and that is the new hardware is a massive improvement.