Kindle fire will in UK soon, previous report suggest it is an iPad killer, now we know some specification of the device, the question is; is it stii an iPad killer?
Operating system
1st: iPad 2: iOS 4.3.3
2nd: Kindle: Android 2.2 FroYo
The Kindle Fire runs its own special OS. But it's not been developed from the ground up by Amazon – it's based on Android 2.x, rumoured to be Android 2.2 FroYo. The iPad 2 runs iOS 4 (soon to be iOS 5).
The Design
1st: Kindle Fire: 7.48 x 4.72 x 0.45 (190 x 120 x 11.4 mm), 335g
- 2nd: iPad 2 :9.5 x 7.31 x 0.34 in, 21.3 oz, 613g
-
The 7-inch Kindle Fire is 11.4mm thick, substantially more than the 8.8mm-thick 9.7-inch iPad 2. As for weight, the Kindle Fire is 414g, while the iPad 2 clocks in at 601g for the Wi-Fi version.
Pricing
1st : Kindle Fire : $199
2nd: iPad2 :£399 (16GB)
The Kindle Fire is slated at $199 in the US, as iPad 2 retails from £399 for 16GB,
Display
1st: iPad 2: IPS LCD multi-touch panels, 1,024 x 768
2nd: Kindle Fire: IPS LCD multi-touch panels, 1,024 x 600
The Kindle Fire has a resolution of 1,024 x 600, the iPad 2 is next in line at 1,024 x 768 (remember that's a 9.7-inch display too).The Kindle Fire and iPad 2 have IPS LCD multi-touch panels.
Engine room
Tie: iPad 2 :1GHz dual-core Apple A5
Tie: Kindle Fire: 1GHz Texas Instruments OMAP chip
Both tablets are dual-core, the iPad 2 uses the Apple A5 (below) and the Kindle Fire has a 1GHz Texas Instruments OMAP chip.
Memory and storage
1st: iPad 2: 512MB, 16GB/32GB/64GB Internal memory
2nd: Kindle Fire: 512MB RAM, 8GB Internal memory
The Kindle Fire has 512MB of memory, like the iPad 2. However, it only has 8GB of internal memory which by anybody's reckoning is quite poor for a device based around content. The iPad 2 comes in 16, 32 and 64GB variants
Camera and video
1st: iPad2: 0.7MP rear , VGA front camera
2nd: kindle Fire: None
The Kindle Fire doesn't have a mic or camera – something which a lot of commentators believe is a sizeable hole in the Fire's armoury. IPad 2 has a capable of 720p HD video and have front and back cameras.
Connectivity
1st: iPad2 : Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + 3G versions
2nd: Kindle Fire: Wi-Fi
The Kindle Fire only connects to the web via Wi-Fi, there is no cellular 3G data. iPad2 is available in Wi-Fi only plus Wi-Fi + 3G versions should you wish. The Kindle Fire is also does not to support Bluetooth or GPS too. Surely Amazon will need to launch a 3G model at some point.
Battery life
1st: iPad2 : Up to 10 hours
2nd: Kindle Fire: Up to 8 hours
While the iPad 2 has a very good battery life of 10 hours, the Kindle Fire says its battery life is 8 hours.
Conclusion
1st: iPad 2
2nd: Kindle Fire
Obviously the Kindle Fire isn't out in the UK yet, but if it does come here for £199 or so then it will still be a steal. If people buy the Kindle Fire , they will expecting the full iPad-a-like tablet experience which is obvious they won't get that. The Kindle Fire is a worthy content device, but Amazon should atleast offer the basics like 3G tablet option, camera to truly compete with high-end tablets like the iPad 2.
Share this post
