[Q] Buy HD 8.9 if intending to custom rom anyways? - 8.9" Kindle Fire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Dear community,
testing my brothers ipad mini, I really came to like the 8.9 inch form factor. For me 7 inch is just to fiddly, 10 inch to big.
Now searching for respective tablets I gathered the following (short) list
- Galaxy Tab 8.9
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9
- Apple Ipad Mini
Wanting for a high quality screen shrunk the list to:
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9
I do now, however, have the need of (little) business work with the tablet. (Emails, contacts, calendaring, handwritten textinput ...) With the original KF-system i don't think to be very happy. Hence, if buying the Kindle I'd need to wipe and switch to hashcodes cyanogenmod.
And now to my question: Do you think it wise, to buy the tablet already with the tedious customization in mind? Or should I better buy a (insert name here) 8.9 inch tablet? The mod itself seems to be quite advanced and besides minor flaws working pretty well. Is that correct?
Thank you so much for your advice,
Llogi

I had the same problem. Was really hoping the Galaxy Note 8 would have a decent screen but it really doesn't. I agree re size - the nexus 7 is too small and the 10 too big. So there really is only one choice - the kfhd.
As for rooting it's really not that hard - there's a few very helpful threads. There's really only one rom at the moment but as it's CM10.1 it's all you need. It's a work in progress but works really quite well.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

I'm checking out both KindleFire & NookTablet dev forums to decide which one I should get.
I'm really looking for a reading experience (with colour considering I will be reading a lot of design-related ebooks) thats also easy on the eyes (much like the e-ink)
I don't mind another Android experience but thats not a priority since I already have that through my phone that supports native Android 4.0 (+HTC Sense 4.0)
The only worry is developer support for stable working ROM's and the hardware&storage specs difference between the two, not to mention battery life.
Or should I just wait for the Kindle Fire 2?
I've posted this question in both forums to see both sides of the spectrum.
Thanks!
I suggest the Nexus 7. It has a higher resolution screen and is a little easier on the eyes than both those tablets.
Just get the nexus 7. Has a lot more features than both. But if must get one of them I you can boot a os from the sd card on the nook. But I guess I would prefer the nexus over my of and the nook.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
i have all three in my house, (kindle, nook, nexus) and i agree with VEEMAN because the nexus has a better screen and and not much need to root it and install a custom rom (except i did and i installed paranoiandroid rom )
tobiascuypers said:
i have all three in my house, (kindle, nook, nexus) and i agree with VEEMAN because the nexus has a better screen and and not much need to root it and install a custom rom (except i did and i installed paranoiandroid rom )
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Click to collapse
+1 for nexus 7. However, the Kindle UI is actually pretty great/useful so if that was a part of your consideration I would say Kindle Fire. Nook Tablet is honestly not a good tablet, particularly in stock and rooting is kind of a pain with it currently because you have to first drop it back to an older version of the software and then root it and then you can do other things like flash ROMs. It is true that you can run ROMs from the SD card but I wouldn't recommend that because it would be easy to lose your data that way. Nook tablet is a glorified e-reader, kindle fire is a tablet with e-reader functions and nexus 7 is a full blown tab that you could read books on if you so decided. It really depends on what you're looking for.
Development is also going to rank in best to worst: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet
If I were buying now I'd buy the Nexus 7. However, I have no need to buy since my KF does everything I want.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda premium

Should i get a kf or kfhd ? Or yu think theres a better option ?

I need a 7" tablet, a cheap one and dnt know wich to get .... you think there gonna be a way to unlock te kfhd bootloadder soon?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
xXreptar said:
I need a 7" tablet, a cheap one and dnt know wich to get .... you think there gonna be a way to unlock te kfhd bootloadder soon?
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Click to collapse
Well I don't know what you're looking for on a tablet, but currently the 1st gen would be the best to get I think considering the price. Don't buy the $160 2nd gen model, you would have to find one on eBay or Craigslist.
The devs on here are coming closer everyday to getting ROMs for the kfHD, so if you want all the new and exciting features that Amazon had to offer go for that.
If you want an open device that is amazing, then I would go with the nexus 7. It has most of the same specs as the kfHD, but is pure vanilla Android with a few bonus features for the same price.
There's my rundown on things. Hope this helps!
xXreptar said:
I need a 7" tablet, a cheap one and dnt know wich to get .... you think there gonna be a way to unlock te kfhd bootloadder soon?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The KFHD is nice as far as specs go, minus the lack of immediate expansion via an SD slot, but KF1 has a robust development community. One problem with the KF1 though is it is aging in a fast moving technological world. It will be hard for it to keep "keeping up" with the ever expanding hardware requirements. Well, any piece of computer related gear is going to be outdated quickly.
If you want something "cheap" without bells and whistles, the KF1 is a good buy currently. The KFHD will be unlocked sooner or later although in a year the KFHD will be old news and something much superior will then take the stage. The Nexus 7 looks pretty sweet and that's what I would buy if I had money lol
Sent from my Fire Kindling A-Pad
guitarman2010 said:
The KFHD is nice as far as specs go, minus the lack of immediate expansion via an SD slot, but KF1 has a robust development community. One problem with the KF1 though is it is aging in a fast moving technological world. It will be hard for it to keep "keeping up" with the ever expanding hardware requirements. Well, any piece of computer related gear is going to be outdated quickly.
If you want something "cheap" without bells and whistles, the KF1 is a good buy currently. The KFHD will be unlocked sooner or later although in a year the KFHD will be old news and something much superior will then take the stage. The Nexus 7 looks pretty sweet and that's what I would buy if I had money lol
Sent from my Fire Kindling A-Pad
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Click to collapse
Agreed, wanted the nexus 7 but my gf got me one of the last kf1 for my birthday, I hated it until I found this website.
Barb3r said:
I hated it until I found this website.
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Click to collapse
The KF1 stock is a setback compaed with present tablet technology. If one is used to the common features of many tablets currently (camera, mic, BT, copious amounts of memory and being a non-slave device) it sure is hard to grasp the stock Amazon experience. I remember when I first got the KF1 and thought it was pretty sweet as stock.
The reason for me saying this was because the only other tablet I had experience with BEFORE I had the KF1 was a horrible El cheapo WM8650 7" resistive screen running Froyo. That thing claimed to have an 800MHz CPU but sure didn't act like it. If the battery lasted 3 hours I felt lucky. I have a Samsung Android phone that runs Froyo and has 256MB of RAM just like the WM8650 and that phone will out perform that tablet anyday! So when I got a Kindle I felt lucky but eventually was tired of the limitations of the stock software.
Ok....maybe back to the topic at hand. I can understand your frustration with a stock Kindle lol
Sent from my Fire Kindling A-Pad
rebelog chase
please save your money and buy a nexus 7. Its got good hardware and community support.
Yeah get a nexus 7 or if u can save more buy nexus 10
***//'?'\\***
shantam said:
Yeah get a nexus 7 or if u can save more buy nexus 10
***//'?'\\***
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Whats the rsp of the 10 ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
I do agree the nexus7 seems to be top of the line, however it does have a few downfalls that would steer me away from it (and did) 1- no rear facing camera 2-no landscape mode and 3 - no sd card slot. I would recommend a samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0 it has all the above features and is priced comparable to the nexus 7 and imho it would be the better tablet also the 8 gb version of the nexus 7 is no longer available forcing you to buy the 16 gb version which is more expensive with LESS FEATURES .....hope this helps i got my daughter the samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0 8 gb version for Christmas and both of us couldn't be happier. the galaxy tab also has a feature on it that's called ir blaster that allows you to use it as a universal remote all of this and the fact i only paid U.S. -175$ (retail i believe is around U.S. -199$) i think the samsing would be a better deal for features and price.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
xXreptar said:
Whats the rsp of the 10 ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy what you want, for gaming nexus 7, best quality kindle fire hd? More features samsumg galaxy tab, see that the kindle fire hd is faster than the samsumg.
Sent From My Super Modded KFHD
Personally, I'm kicking myself for not buying a nexus 7. Here's my point of view: the Samsung one has a camera on both sides and an SD card slot. I don't really need either. The KFHD has stereo speakers and an HDMI port. I thought they would be handy but it turns out those features are not terribly useful to me either. The nexus has crap speakers that can be fixed with a free volume app, landscape mode is locked but there's a free app for that as well. You can't plug it straight into the TV but that's also not much of an issue, because you can send it to a Roku box, or a Google TV add on box. What really takes the cake for me is, even the wifi only nexus 7 has GPS. A nexus owner can carry his tablet around the house, doing his reading, texting, and redditing; then walk right out to the car with it and drive across the country with sat-nav powered by tomtom while pumping your mp3s through the car stereo. All the while enjoying having the latest version of android.
PS. Kindles don't natively read epub files, which take up 1/3 the memory of Amazon's mobi format, without downloading a 3rd party app like moon plus or aldiko.
Sent from my KFTT using xda app-developers app
I agree w/ some others on here, nexus7 is a better buy! KF1 is still kind of awesome in its own lackluster way though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

What tablet would you buy?

Currently have PA 3.1 Galaxy Nexus. I love it. Thinking I should get a tablet. Even though I just bought a laptop. Which one though. I'm thinking nexus 10. What are your thoughts.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Do you want a big tablet? I personally prefer the 7-8" form factor as it's easier to handle and carry around. Or you can wait a few months, I imagine Google will be releasing a new tablet during I/O in may.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Hmm.. I would compare the latest ipad vs nexus 10.
I think i would go for a nexus 10. Android lover , aka the NEXUS *****
Sent from my Nexus Prime
If I were to replace my Motorola Xoom tablet now, I would get the nexus 10. Although with a tablet its a purchase that lasts you quite a long time. My Xoom is 2 years old and is still functioning perfectly fine for all my tasks.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Galaxy Note 10.1 or note 8.0. Software is good and so is specifications
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE GT-N7105 using XDA Premium HD
Once you go Nexus....
I got myself a Nexus 10. Felt right. Feels right.
I also share 18t's point of view.
Sent from my Nexus
Tablet Choice
My Xoom is 2 years old and is still functioning perfectly fine for all my tasks.
I also own XOOM (running TeamEos 4.2.1 155 nightly build) and am perfectly happy with it; however, I also got the itch for latest and greatest, and bought an N10 (running stock 4.2.2 stock and rooted) and love it as well.
If you're a GED fan, you can't go wrong w/ N10.
18t said:
Do you want a big tablet? I personally prefer the 7-8" form factor as it's easier to handle and carry around. Or you can wait a few months, I imagine Google will be releasing a new tablet during I/O in may.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good thing to keep in mind, if Google keeps with their annual update yearly on Nexus line, the N7 and N10 could be having updated versions rolling out. Or perhaps something completely different. Perhaps they don't plan on updating them at all.
That said, for a tablet you have to consider a few things you want. First what size do you want? Then what do you want to do with said tablet? What accessories do you want for your tablet? What is your budget? What OS do you want (perhaps you want a different OS, to experience different apps from a different ecosystem)? What sort of connectivity do you want (HDMI, 3G/4G...etc)? These all could point you to different options.
cupfulloflol said:
This is a good thing to keep in mind, if Google keeps with their annual update yearly on Nexus line, the N7 and N10 could be having updated versions rolling out. Or perhaps something completely different. Perhaps they don't plan on updating them at all.
That said, for a tablet you have to consider a few things you want. First what size do you want? Then what do you want to do with said tablet? What accessories do you want for your tablet? What is your budget? What OS do you want (perhaps you want a different OS, to experience different apps from a different ecosystem)? What sort of connectivity do you want (HDMI, 3G/4G...etc)? These all could point you to different options.
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Click to collapse
All valid points. Very much a nexus fan. Can't put a price limit on great tech. Android os obviously. Doesn't matter which one as root and custom ROM is a must. Size doesn't matter. Haha. WiFi connectivity is fine but 3 or 4g is an option too. Really just wanted to know what the census was out there.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Ask yourself, what you want that tablet for?
After buying mine, i find it kinda under used...
I don't need a tablet, but it would be good for the whole family, especially video call and acting as an HTPC. I've decided that it must be able to play HD videos smoothly and have physical HDMI output. This unfortunately rule out the Nexus 7 which I really like the form factor of. The Nexus 10 is overkill for my needs.
So I probably will pick up the Kindle Fire HD, but seem the rom development progress slowly and Amazon OS seems dreadful from an AOSP user. But the price point and HDMI output make it the main contender.
Maybe I'll just go for the Asus TF300T since it's only $50 more used, but I have Asia tablet in the past, good hardware but the proprietary charging port is a turn off.
I'm not ruling out Chinese tablets with rk3066 cpu as well.
Sent from XDA app
jmileti said:
Currently have PA 3.1 Galaxy Nexus. I love it. Thinking I should get a tablet. Even though I just bought a laptop. Which one though. I'm thinking nexus 10. What are your thoughts.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I use my phone a hell lot more than I use my tablet. My nexus 7 feels like a big phone that cannot make phone calls. I have all my games on it though.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
weeo said:
Galaxy Note 10.1 or note 8.0. Software is good and so is specifications
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II LTE GT-N7105 using XDA Premium HD
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same here. i at least had the gn10.1 until two weeks ago. sold it and got a ATIV 500t.
i love the spen and the multiwindow is wonderful on the note. i may end up selling my nook hd+ later and get the gn8. i hate that i've become a samsung fanboy, but until someone else makes something better it's what i'll be getting. don't get me started on asus tablets quality control...
so, spen was more important than screen res for me.
Well while looking for a suitable 7" tablet, I went ahead and picked up a Kindle Fire HD and is underwhelmed even after rooting it. Unfortunately the ones on display at WorseBuy are in demonstration mode which lock down everything.. But I didn't want to spend more than $200. Other choices I looked at were:
-Nexus 7 is out of the question due to no HDMI out. I knew this device would be perfect except for this one factor.
-I could order some pretty high performance RK3066 chip Chinese tablet for under $100, but skip them because they have poor built quality, lots of people with battery and charging issues, sketchy to no warranty and probably not much development.
-Other choices available are the Nook tablet which I'm impressed with the high res screen, but quick search shows CM10 currently perform poorly on it and having to fork out $40 for an HDMI adapter.
-Same with Samsung and Asus tablets which also use proprietary ports and needing adapters purchase that I dislike.
-The Acer A110 tablet almost match with what I want with the bonus of microSD slot, except the for horrid screen quality and low resolution. There were the Lenovo tablet which seems to have nice build, but $300.
Main reason to get the Kindle Fire HD was the stereo speaker and standard usb and hdmi ports. Interestingly, this device have the same CPU spec as the Galaxy Nexus, yet the XBMC hardware accelerated test build playback movies smoother on my Nexus than this tablet which stuttered even with 720p MKV videos. This might be a deal killer, but its due to the poor optimization done by Amazon. Probably the only hope of my keeping this tablet would be for a working CM10.1 version for it. My disappoint of the performance of this device is mainly due to the software itself, the hardware are good. Its my first experience with Amazon AppStore and I think its junk compared to the PlayStore(though I know I can side load the PlayStore to this). It seem to be a wall downed garden like Apple, except in this case the interface sucks too.
I am very happy with the quality when connected to the TV however, along with stereo speakers, screen quality and front camera and mic for video calling is nice.
I have a Xoom running cm10.1-nightly now, if I would need to buy a new tablet I would go for a Nexus 10.
Multiple users is probably the best thing that has happened for Android on tablets. The only way to be guaranteed to have this feature is to buy a Nexus.
7" might be too small, but you might get used to it over time.
Well I returned the Kindle Fire HD and got the Nexus 7, naturally. Just fed up with the 'Amazon OS', and even after making my own 'fastboot cable' to be able to boot the device into fastboot mode and install TWRP, installed PlayStore, the device is still very limited and looks like there aren't much developers interested. My chance of ever buying another Amazon device is zero because of their locked down OS design. Too bad because it have a better screen, speaker and seem more durable than the Nexus 7 with hdmi out.
I also saw an Asus Memo Pad Smart 10 for $299 at the store with Tegra3 also, it use standard microUSB port and standard micro-HDMI out and microSD slot, amazing combo, its very rare to find a device with all these standard ports without all the proprietary craps. But being 10" its just not as portable and comfortable for me. I'm just getting the Nexus 7 to be sure I'm happy with the software and developer community, but I'm definitely checking on the development of this device also.

Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HDX 7"

Getting a tablet for Christmas. These two tablets got my eye in the 7" tablet market. I love pure nexus devices. But, I noticed that the hdx has some crazy specs! Was wondering which one I should get? Not a fan of Fire 3.0, but later on I think the HDX will get some nice rom development. But, again the nexus 7 comes with kit kat and already has a unlocked bootloader. Also, it has access to almost all of amazon'a features, as amazon does not with googles cool stuff. Help me out here guys! I'm on the fence!
T Greezy said:
Getting a tablet for Christmas. These two tablets got my eye in the 7" tablet market. I love pure nexus devices. But, I noticed that the hdx has some crazy specs! Was wondering which one I should get? Not a fan of Fire 3.0, but later on I think the HDX will get some nice rom development. But, again the nexus 7 comes with kit kat and already has a unlocked bootloader. Also, it has access to almost all of amazon'a features, as amazon does not with googles cool stuff. Help me out here guys! I'm on the fence!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want an android tablet, get the nexus. Amazon really locked down the kindle with their OS, as you stated, google integration is a pain.
The HDX was made to be a consumption device for people who use solely the amazon ecosystem. I think the choice is clear

[Q] Loved reading on the KindleFire(2nd gen interface. Do I make a switch to Nexus7?

I loved reading on the Kindle Fire (2nd gen) interface. My friend is selling a Nexus 7 and a KF (2nd gen) for the same price, which one should I get?
I will be using it mostly for reading ebooks (mostly from Amazon, some through Calibre).
If reading books is your main usage, either one is fine. You will not see much difference. Probably even the apps are the same. We use and love Aldiko.
If you want more of a real tablet experience, either root the KF, or get the Nexus. Nexus is one of the best tablets out there.

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