Amazon announced today the release of its new e-book reader, the Kindle Fire HD. Boasting a sharper screen and less glare, the new device also includes:
- 8.9-inch display
- 1920X1200 resolution
- dual stereo speakers
- Dolby
- two Wi-Fi antennas
- OMAP 4 processor from TI
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi
- storage options starting at 16 GB
- Whispersync
- Skype app
- X-Ray for movies you're watching which syncs with IMDB
- New email app with Exchange support
- Sync calendars and contacts with Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail
It's also the first tablet with dual-band MIMO technology, which Amazon says makes the device's WiFi 41 percent faster than the latest iPad.
Amazon has the cost starting at $299 for the 16GB. Obviously the cost increases with the increase in memory. For the serious reader, Amazon is also offering the Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE for $499, offering double the storage. Both devices will begin shipping November 20. There will also be a 64GB option available).
If that's not in your budget, Amazon has also announced a smaller, 7 inch Kindle Fire for just $199, and comes equipped with 16GB of storage, but without the higher screen resolution (1280 x 800). According to Amazon, you can expect it to offer about 11 hours of battery life.
Pre-orders for all three options start today. Or, you could just buy books, but who does that anymore?