A DigiTimes report that Foxconn is starting development on an 8.9” Kindle Fire has attracted a lot of attention lately. In a story based on this report, CNet suggests Amazon might begin production of the device in May. DigiTimes says Amazon is also developing a 10.1” version, but decided to go with the 8.9” one for now to avoid direct competition with the 10.1” iPad and Galaxy Tab. (Of course, 8.9” is still a lot closer to the iPad than 7”!)

The question on everyone’s mind is, of course, what kind of specs will a 9-inch Fire have? The current 7” version is decent for media consumption and games, but for more serious uses it’s not exactly going to set the world on…well, fire. If we’re going to pay extra for and carry around a bulkier, heavier device, I’d think it had better have a little more horsepower and utility.

But given how successful Amazon has been so far, I imagine it knows its own business best. It will be interesting to see what the device actually looks like when and if it does come out.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’m using 1st gen iPad and despite weight I think the size is OK. For anyone browsing net on a tablet or reading rich-content newspapers and magazines, 7-inch may be too small (or am I wrong?)

    If you want to see a difference in size between 7 vs. 8.9 vs. 10.1-inch screens, I’ve prepared a comparison of sizes: http://ebookfriendly.com/2011/11/08/kindle-fire-7-vs-8-9-vs-10-1-inch-screen-sizes-graphic-tip/

    Certainly, the aspect ratio will be different.

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