Lets pretend I want a lightweight high res tablet for about $150. That leaves me the HDX 7 that just went on sale or the Nexus 7 2013. I started with the factory refurb Nexus and within two weeks suffered the 5 blinks of death. I RMA'd it and bought the HDX new. So far, it seems that the only advantage to the HDX is that it is new so SquareTrade will include accidental damage coverage in the warranty for it. I can't get Open Garden/PDAnet/EasyTether etc to work on the HDX, and I had to load K-9 mail just to be able to send mail from my domain address through Gmail. I also can't use TetherGPS to make up for the missing GPS because the Mock Locations option is blocked. Oh, and I can't even use a background or a widget. Supposedly this thing has a blazing fast CPU/GPU, but Amazon says that it is being wasted on Candy Crush and Angry Birds. Seriously, this thing is amazing on paper, but Amazon locked it down and tore out the heart to the point that I'd rather have the somewhat buggy Nexus unless someone here can point me to some apps showing where it excels beyond the Nexus. I really do want to make the HDX work for me. but so far it is disappointing me at every turn. Oh, why is there so much less variety (and more cost) of accessories for the HDX vs the Nexus?
BerMM said:
Lets pretend I want a lightweight high res tablet for about $150. That leaves me the HDX 7 that just went on sale or the Nexus 7 2013. I started with the factory refurb Nexus and within two weeks suffered the 5 blinks of death. I RMA'd it and bought the HDX new. So far, it seems that the only advantage to the HDX is that it is new so SquareTrade will include accidental damage coverage in the warranty for it. I can't get Open Garden/PDAnet/EasyTether etc to work on the HDX, and I had to load K-9 mail just to be able to send mail from my domain address through Gmail. I also can't use TetherGPS to make up for the missing GPS because the Mock Locations option is blocked. Oh, and I can't even use a background or a widget. Supposedly this thing has a blazing fast CPU/GPU, but Amazon says that it is being wasted on Candy Crush and Angry Birds. Seriously, this thing is amazing on paper, but Amazon locked it down and tore out the heart to the point that I'd rather have the somewhat buggy Nexus unless someone here can point me to some apps showing where it excels beyond the Nexus. I really do want to make the HDX work for me. but so far it is disappointing me at every turn. Oh, why is there so much less variety (and more cost) of accessories for the HDX vs the Nexus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting it and installing google play store + services will solve most of those issues.
derpadoodle said:
Rooting it and installing google play store + services will solve most of those issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought rooting was particularly dangerous on the HDX? I thought I read that it was only recommended if the device was to stay offline since any (otherwise impossible to block) unexpected updates would brick a rooted HDX? Is that outdated? If so, would you please post a link to current rooting instructions?
This seems to be the current root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2665683 . Even if the HDX is rooted and Gapps/framework etc is restored, most launchers, widgets, Google Now, bluetooth tether/VPN etc still won't work correctly?
root it, install supersu and install "prevent update" then you could go with launcher, widget, google service as other android tablet (except google maps and "recent apps" button doesn't work, others are fine). Remember doing it carefully with HDX toolkit.
Both tablets have to be rooted to do what I want. The Nexus only requires it to block the update to KitKat (which breaks VPN). The HDX has a superior screen, CPU/GPU, and SquareTrade warranty. The Nexus has GPS, rear camera, and a warranty that is root friendly. The HDX requires moderate modification to make things like Google Now, launchers, navigation and such work, and the Nexus does it all natively. The Nexus has a fatal flaw that can strike at any time in an unknown number of units, but it is covered by warranty while rooted. I suspect that even attempting root invalidates the HDX warranty. When you add it all up, I think I'm better off with the Nexus. I have to root, and it is designed to be easily modified without bricking. I think I'll use the GPS and rear cam more than I will notice the performance hit, though I prefer the screen and chassis of the HDX.
Related
So I have the new nexus 7 now. But really want the larger screen. Because the Fire is locked with amazon, would the nexus still be the preferred tablet just because I can get the google play store on it?
Do you guys that use the HDX feel that it does all you need and you dont feel slighted because you cannot get to the app store of google?
acdcking12345 said:
So I have the new nexus 7 now. But really want the larger screen. Because the Fire is locked with amazon, would the nexus still be the preferred tablet just because I can get the google play store on it?
Do you guys that use the HDX feel that it does all you need and you dont feel slighted because you cannot get to the app store of google?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't feel slighted because I side loaded most of what I use and like. It's an annoyance but it works. The screen is world's above nexus 7 2013 and the hardware is better but if you overclock and use cm the nexus 7 is close in performance. I hope for a working google play store every day or even better a custom Rom but I can easily get by like this. One thing I will say for fire OS though is I like the navigation bar better than stock vanilla android.
Obviously I do own both tablets and many others to boot so I have first hand experience with both.
conan1600 said:
I don't feel slighted because I side loaded most of what I use and like. It's an annoyance but it works. The screen is world's above nexus 7 2013 and the hardware is better but if you overclock and use cm the nexus 7 is close in performance. I hope for a working google play store every day or even better a custom Rom but I can easily get by like this. One thing I will say for fire OS though is I like the navigation bar better than stock vanilla android.
Obviously I do own both tablets and many others to boot so I have first hand experience with both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I left it stock, I could still side load them? And I assume when you say you side load them, you copy the APK to the tablet and install it with the APK, correct?
How about books? Can I side load epubs and use Aldiko or something like that? And can you side load launchers? As you can see, I have never had one of these tablets from amazon, but love the hardware specs..
There is the LG Pad 8.3" sitting in the play store as a Google play edition device now for $350. Can not remember if it has similar specs or not figure kindle fire hdx.
Well i have the HDX 7" and it's a really nice tablet so far. I'm assuming the 8.9" is as well.
acdcking12345 said:
So if I left it stock, I could still side load them? And I assume when you say you side load them, you copy the APK to the tablet and install it with the APK, correct?
How about books? Can I side load epubs and use Aldiko or something like that? And can you side load launchers? As you can see, I have never had one of these tablets from amazon, but love the hardware specs..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without rooting many apps will side load and work but you can't sign into them with Google. I rooted and installed play and service's which you can not download from but it does allow you to sign into your already purchased or favorite side loaded apps. Right now I am using nook on kindle fire and various epubs from WV Deli and others. There is NO 8.9 inch alternative currently on any android tablet with this sort of hardware or screen or I would have bought it lol. If this is the form factor that turns you on I wouldn't be so hesitant to use it as it's one of the best tablets I have ever owned and I have had almost all of them. If however you want full and easy access to Google play with no hitches or bugs there is the LG G Pad 8.3 with a 1600 by 1200 res 8.3 inch screen, decent ppi, a nifty IR blaster and you can buy it with android 4.2 or even pure Google play edition 4.3 and and a SD 600 processor. It is not as sweet as this machine in many ways but it is very nice. Life is compromise my friend, at least until some young genius cooks a Rom for this machine, then I would unequivocally recommend that everyone buy and custom this tablet.
Good luck and happiness in your decisions.
I've got the nexus 7 the hdx 8.9 and the note 10.1 2014. I Use the HDX the least Just because Amazon is horrible, side loading apps you Usually end up with errors. Doesn't work with Chrome cast and really none of the google apps Work reliably . My go to Tablet Out of 3 is the Note 10.1 2014. Multitasking is just Awesome plus SD slot Comes in handy. The nexus 7 is really a good bang for buck, easily one handed and kitkat is blazing fast. The note has a slight couple of software stutters but I believe those issues will get worked out Soon.
Odd chromecast casting works fine for me, even from Netflix.
I'm using a nexus 7 (2012) at the moment and am looking for an upgrade.
The things that annoy me about the nexus are the speed (very slow/laggy at times), and the screen size, which i feel is juts a little bit low.
i've been looking at the LG G Pad and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, which seems like a very nice unit.
however, i have a lot of purchases in the Play store and i really like cyanogen/aokp etc..
so my question is, what do you think the chances are that in a month or 2 there will be a handful of stable custom ROMs for the HDX that will let me essentially run vanilla android on it without having to sacrifice disk space to having the stock OS installed 'as well'.
any one care to venture a guess? also, are there any other weirdnesses (besides the Fire OS) to the kindle that i might want to consider over the GPE LG G Pad?
henrypootel said:
I'm using a nexus 7 (2012) at the moment and am looking for an upgrade.
The things that annoy me about the nexus are the speed (very slow/laggy at times), and the screen size, which i feel is juts a little bit low.
i've been looking at the LG G Pad and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, which seems like a very nice unit.
however, i have a lot of purchases in the Play store and i really like cyanogen/aokp etc..
so my question is, what do you think the chances are that in a month or 2 there will be a handful of stable custom ROMs for the HDX that will let me essentially run vanilla android on it without having to sacrifice disk space to having the stock OS installed 'as well'.
any one care to venture a guess? also, are there any other weirdnesses (besides the Fire OS) to the kindle that i might want to consider over the GPE LG G Pad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believed that it is only a matter of time (at most 2 months, but don't hold me on this) we already have a semi stable Asop ROM, and multiple people have commented in that thread talking about releasing their ROMs in the rear furture. I am using the gapps update 1 ROM and it is practically stock, even with stock settings, keyboard, launcher ect. The only thing in don't like is kindle navbar, and status bar. But people are already talking about bringing this to the stock rom, also there is a xposed framework module for our device which will bring a lot of options In the future (Google exposed framework and what is for more info on that). So yes I would recomend this device also, if you care about amazon services there is a flashable zip that allows you to have google apps(gapps) and amazon services(I have not tested this, but I'm sure it works)
It also seems that the 7 inch has some more development at the moment but I think the 8.9 will have more in the future
Hope this helps, like if it did!
Thanks! that's very helpful.
I just found out one thing that makes me lean much more over to the G Pad side of the decision - it has an SD card slot! That trumps the snapdragon 800 for me...
henrypootel said:
Thanks! that's very helpful.
I just found out one thing that makes me lean much more over to the G Pad side of the decision - it has an SD card slot! That trumps the snapdragon 800 for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you want to still have storage
get the the kindle for its price and then go to hypershop.com and spend $100 and get a iusbport it allows you to use any storage (thumb drives hard drive sdcards old ipods ect.) as a usb storage that you can access by wifi
then you are not stuck with sd only u will have more options
I myself use them with the thor os as a secondary operating system and besides the system settings being kindle I don't notice a difference I can access all my google play with out any problems
p.s the iusbport can be accessed with just about any device via the web
I use es file explorer with it set as a ftp server on all my androids and Iusbport has a app on apple for theres that I use
best video players ive found for them bsplayer (android) goodplayer (ipad) moliplay (both) based on video formate experences my vary but other apps tend to pick up the format slack
henrypootel said:
I'm using a nexus 7 (2012) at the moment and am looking for an upgrade.
The things that annoy me about the nexus are the speed (very slow/laggy at times), and the screen size, which i feel is juts a little bit low.
i've been looking at the LG G Pad and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, which seems like a very nice unit.
however, i have a lot of purchases in the Play store and i really like cyanogen/aokp etc..
so my question is, what do you think the chances are that in a month or 2 there will be a handful of stable custom ROMs for the HDX that will let me essentially run vanilla android on it without having to sacrifice disk space to having the stock OS installed 'as well'.
any one care to venture a guess? also, are there any other weirdnesses (besides the Fire OS) to the kindle that i might want to consider over the GPE LG G Pad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with the GPad, A stable rom may come, but kernels won't be for some time. Actually, I would wait to see what March & the MWC brings. The HDX is nice & does everything I want, but the Nexus 7 (2013) is my mod/dev toy. A few custom roms may even come, but development in a device like the HDX, which is based on an inferior fork of Android, will never garner as much community support as a developer device, regardless of how wonderful the hardware may be. So, the HDX a a choice of 2 to a half dozen, the GPad & the choice of maybe a dozen or two, or the Nexus 7 (2013) & hundreds of choices. Personally, I considered adding the GPad, but I really am impressed with the SD800/Adreno 330 & have also played with a SD805/Adreno 420 dev board & it is the beast. So, I am waiting to seee what March/April brings before deciding what toy to add to the collection. If you must have something NOW, well the 7" HDX is cheap, but the newest Nexus 7 has a ton more possibilities for little more, especially if you watch for deals or turn to Swappa.
Thanks for all the help eveyone!
I've gone with the gpad and, after using it for a few hours now, i love it! seems so much faster than my Note2, and blows the old nexus 7 out of the water!
Hello, I'm new here. I just bought 2 Kindle Fire HDX tablets for my kids. The seller mistakenly sent me 2 HD units. I'm sending them back and will wait a few weeks for the seller to get HDX units. Over the last week I was able to use these HD tablets and get a feel for them. My family is pretty familiar with Android OS'es and even my 1 and a half year old uses our Android phones all the time. So, the Amazon OS was a little bit uncomfortable at first. But the main issue I had with these HD's is the way they drive you to download content and make it to where you very easily end up buying stuff you didn't want to buy, as opposed to the Google Play Store approach which seems to be more relaxed.
The Fire HDX's has better processing power than the Google Nexus 7, which is the main reason I went HDX vs the Nexus 7. The speakers are better too and maybe the colors on the screen also. But the rear-facing camera of the Nexus 7 and the portrait mode-design vs the Fire's landscaping mode-design is another consideration.
After spending the last few hours reading on rooting the Fire HDX, I'm not even sure I'll be able to do that depending on which firmware version my HDX'es end up coming with. If they have older FW versions, I guess I should not update anything before first rooting them, but if they have the later FW version, I won't be able to root them at all.
My questions so far are these...
* Once rooted, what can I do with my HDX?
* Do most people install a custom ROM on their HDX once rooted?
* Can I have a fully functional Android OS running on my HDX?
* Do some people leave Amazon's OS on the HDX and only install the Google Play Store?
* If I install an Android OS, would it have full functionality, like the Chrome browser, Voice commands, etc?
Based on the uncertainty of rooting the newer FW on the HDX, do you think it would be better for me to settle with Nexus 7 tablets instead?
Thank you for your time, I appreciate it.
Kind Regards,
Neo
Get the LG Gpad 8.3 don't waste your time here.
Sent from my KFSOWI, 11.3.2.1, rooted, Amazon stuff replaced with Google Services.
Thanks for the reply, but what if the 7" screen and the price-point is more in-line with what I need? Just looked up the LG Gpad and it looks nice, but I guess I'm just surprised to hear such a definitive warning to not waste time here. Do you mean the HDX is a waste of time (rooting and flashing it), or the Nexus 7 is a waste of time?
Thanks,
Neo
NeoRio said:
Thanks for the reply, but what if the 7" screen and the price-point is more in-line with what I need? Just looked up the LG Gpad and it looks nice, but I guess I'm just surprised to hear such a definitive warning to not waste time here. Do you mean the HDX is a waste of time (rooting and flashing it), or the Nexus 7 is a waste of time?
Thanks,
Neo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HDX currently doesn't have any root in the latest update. If you want ROM support immediately, get a Nexus. If you can wait, get a Kindle.
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk
The HDX may never get a real ROM, and if the purchased device comes with an unrootable version 13.3.2.1+ you will be stuck with Amazon's garbage for who knows how long. That is why I recommended the gpad. The G-pad isnt the only alternative. The 2013 Nexus 7 is the same size & price point, has a much better *everything* and is plenty fast.
Sent from my KFSOWI Running The Kindle-Water Beta 1 ROM
I concur with Mineturtle33's advices--Nexus 7 is the hands-down choice if one wants a pure Android experience. I bought the Nexus 7, but I would never spend my own money to buy--nor recommend--a KFHDX. The only reason I have one is that it was given away to me, by someone that was frustrated and dissatisfied with its locked-down portal to Amazon's ecosystem. He wisely replaced it with a Nexus 7, and he's much happier now without any regret. The drawbacks of the FireOS outweigh any possible hardware spec advantages IMO.
Thanks for these great answers, helps flesh out the options for me. It makes sense that though the HDX has better specs in the area of processor and speakers, the Amazon OS's restrictive manner makes it a machine that you will want to flash to Android...and if that is not an easy thing, or may never be as satisfying as a native Android unit, I think going native Android may be the way to go. I appreciate the insight and thank you all for chiming in.
Kind Regards,
Neo
NeoRio said:
* Once rooted, what can I do with my HDX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install Safestrap, which makes recovering from oops much easier. THEN you can muck around.
* Do most people install a custom ROM on their HDX once rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't. My current setup lets me play in BOTH worlds... Amazon AND Google Play.
In fact, there is ONE custom ROM, and it's not quite working right.
* Can I have a fully functional Android OS running on my HDX?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet. As stated, it's not quite working right, esp. for games.
* Do some people leave Amazon's OS on the HDX and only install the Google Play Store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run both, and apps in both.
* If I install an Android OS, would it have full functionality, like the Chrome browser, Voice commands, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can patch in Google Play without removing Amazon, which will give you chrome and voice commands and Google Now and the rest.
I'm still one of the lucky ones that has root. Mine has never updated itself. I love this little tablet. I spend most of my time in android but then use all the Amazon services that prime offers (like prime video)
Sent from my KFTHWI using xda app-developers app
Often overlooked, a glaring hardware deficiency is the lack of GPS and magnetometer for the majority of KFHDXs (non-4G)--rendering many offline-navigation and location-dependent apps and services useless.
A rear camera is also an essential and standard feature with most tablets nowadays--not available with KFHDXs. Thus, limited to taking selfies only, and scanning QRcodes and barcodes would be awkward and cumbersome if not impossible.
US$200+ for a tablet without these standard capabilities, no matter how good the CPU and speakers specs may be, is just not worthwhile. It's like buying a sports car, without the headlights and reverse-gear, which can only be driven within one particular state. This may be suitable for some, but the KFHDX is way too compromising and restrictive IMO, especially when there are other more capable contenders on the market. Rooting is secondary when the fundamentals are not available in the first place...
tl3 said:
A rear camera is also an essential and standard feature with most tablets nowadays--not available with KFHDXs. Thus, limited to taking selfies only, and scanning QRcodes and barcodes would be awkward and cumbersome if not impossible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do what? The HDX has a front and rear. Heck the light is even really bright on the rear cam.
Thanks, KSChang, for giving some of the other side of the discussion. Seems there is plenty of good.
kschang said:
Install Safestrap, which makes recovering from oops much easier. THEN you can muck around.
I don't. My current setup lets me play in BOTH worlds... Amazon AND Google Play.
In fact, there is ONE custom ROM, and it's not quite working right.
Not yet. As stated, it's not quite working right, esp. for games.
I run both, and apps in both.
You can patch in Google Play without removing Amazon, which will give you chrome and voice commands and Google Now and the rest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken, it's only the 8.9 version that has a rear-facing camera, the 7 only has a front facing camera.
king_xerxes said:
Do what? The HDX has a front and rear. Heck the light is even really bright on the rear cam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NeoRio said:
Thanks, KSChang, for giving some of the other side of the discussion. Seems there is plenty of good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, if you get it, it will most likely have an unmodifiable software on it that may never be cracked.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Mineturtle33 said:
Again, if you get it, it will most likely have an unmodifiable software on it that may never be cracked.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you are pretty set against the kindle. Now don't get me wrong. I wish I had done more research before grabbing one on a whim, but here's my brief experience so far.
@NeoRio , I picked up a 7" HDX less than a week ago with the intention of rooting it before doing researching on its rootability. Luckily, my brand new HDX shipped with the version that is rootable. I never enabled WiFi on the amazon side, immediately rooted it and installed the Gapps ROM. The newest version has all amazon stuff removed, including auto updates. I never boot into the Amazon side and use all the Google apps just fine (aside from maps...it doesn't work properly for me). Its not perfect but works just fine for me. The issue is, theres no way to know which version of software yours will ship with, but I just wanted to share my experience.
The only reason I'm keeping this thing is because of the amazon instant video. It looks amazing. If I didn't have prime though I'd have gotten rid of this thing long ago. A lot of the apps made for it seem to be buggy and behind in updates. And the lack of gapps really sucks
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
murso74 said:
The only reason I'm keeping this thing is because of the amazon instant video. It looks amazing. If I didn't have prime though I'd have gotten rid of this thing long ago. A lot of the apps made for it seem to be buggy and behind in updates. And the lack of gapps really sucks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do the dual-use setup (both Google Play and Amazon). You can keep Amazon instant... AND use GApps.
---------- Post added at 04:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------
tl3 said:
Often overlooked, a glaring hardware deficiency is the lack of GPS and magnetometer for the majority of KFHDXs (non-4G)--rendering many offline-navigation and location-dependent apps and services useless.
A rear camera is also an essential and standard feature with most tablets nowadays--not available with KFHDXs. Thus, limited to taking selfies only, and scanning QRcodes and barcodes would be awkward and cumbersome if not impossible.
US$200+ for a tablet without these standard capabilities, no matter how good the CPU and speakers specs may be, is just not worthwhile. It's like buying a sports car, without the headlights and reverse-gear, which can only be driven within one particular state. This may be suitable for some, but the KFHDX is way too compromising and restrictive IMO, especially when there are other more capable contenders on the market. Rooting is secondary when the fundamentals are not available in the first place...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's heavily dependent on the intended audience. Kindle Fire HDX is meant as a multimedia machine, and occasional Skype client, not a "do-everything" tablet. It plays games beautifully (both Amazon and Google Play, if patched).
If I want camera and nav I have my smartphone. My tablet is my second screen, with better text entry (bigger keyboard), usually running off my phone's WiFi hotspot.
Or to put it this way: if you want a do-everything (i.e. SUV), buy an SUV (a phablet, perhaps). Don't buy a sports car and moan about lack of cargo and passenger space and how it's not an SUV.
kschang said:
So do the dual-use setup (both Google Play and Amazon). You can keep Amazon instant... AND use GApps.
---------- Post added at 04:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------
It's heavily dependent on the intended audience. Kindle Fire HDX is meant as a multimedia machine, and occasional Skype client, not a "do-everything" tablet. It plays games beautifully (both Amazon and Google Play, if patched).
If I want camera and nav I have my smartphone. My tablet is my second screen, with better text entry (bigger keyboard), usually running off my phone's WiFi hotspot.
Or to put it this way: if you want a do-everything (i.e. SUV), buy an SUV (a phablet, perhaps). Don't buy a sports car and moan about lack of cargo and passenger space and how it's not an SUV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'd need root for that. Plus I only have a 16 gig... safestrap Roma take up too much room
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
murso74 said:
Well I'd need root for that. Plus I only have a 16 gig... safestrap Roma take up too much room
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only 4-6 GB depending on how big you set your partitions. You can put at least ONE ROM slot on there.
Point is I'd rather not. Anyway like I said, I like it for the Amazon videos, however ill probably never buy another. Even if we get root back the OS will always be outdated and we could lose root at any moment
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
My nexus 7 - 2013 just became an expensive paperweight, seems like the internal storage or motherboards went Kaput. I am looking for a replacement and the specs of the Kindle Fire HDX 7 are very impressive, specially buying the 64 GB version, I couldn't find any device with better specs for the price. However, the drawback seems to me all the hassle to try to change the tablet to a truly android experience; people are writing posts about accomplishing simple things on other tablets like using a different launcher, using Netflix, casting to Chromecast, using the Google Play store, side loading apps, etc. Not to mention all the other posts with people bricking their devices after trying to accomplish these tasks. So my question is: Is all that hassle worth it? Is the Kindle really that good that all the hassle is worth it? Thank you very much in advanced for any responses.
chogau1 said:
My nexus 7 - 2013 just became an expensive paperweight, seems like the internal storage or motherboards went Kaput. I am looking for a replacement and the specs of the Kindle Fire HDX 7 are very impressive, specially buying the 64 GB version, I couldn't find any device with better specs for the price. However, the drawback seems to me all the hassle to try to change the tablet to a truly android experience; people are writing posts about accomplishing simple things on other tablets like using a different launcher, using Netflix, casting to Chromecast, using the Google Play store, side loading apps, etc. Not to mention all the other posts with people bricking their devices after trying to accomplish these tasks. So my question is: Is all that hassle worth it? Is the Kindle really that good that all the hassle is worth it? Thank you very much in advanced for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very sensitive device . Unless you are a pro , and or very good at following directions . And patient enough to read whole threads . IMHO. NO Even though there has been a little development the last few months this device is still very very limited . And still no way to fast boot a device to repair brick state . Unless you have previously unlocked the boot loader . Even then things are very tricky . Just some friendly advice and less you are very very good with android devices and some development procedures and don't mind taking risk as far as I'm concerned the device is not cheap enough yet . I own an 8.9 and two 7.0...
After the last year and a half I wished I just had the money or had bought something else
jimyv said:
It's a very sensitive device . Unless you are a pro , and or very good at following directions . And patient enough to read whole threads . IMHO. NO Even though there has been a little development the last few months this device is still very very limited . And still no way to fast boot a device to repair brick state . Unless you have previously unlocked the boot loader . Even then things are very tricky . Just some friendly advice and less you are very very good with android devices and some development procedures and don't mind taking risk as far as I'm concerned the device is not cheap enough yet . I own an 8.9 and two 7.0...
After the last year and a half I wished I just had the money or had bought something else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well stated. An amazing device once tamed but the bar is high with significant (sometimes non-recoverable) consequences for a simple mistake.
Davey126 said:
Well stated. An amazing device once tamed but the bar is high with significant (sometimes non-recoverable) consequences for a simple mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bottom line is how you use a device. Would I bother if I were not an Amazon Prime member? Probably not, not now that I can get AVOD on nearly any Android device. That said, I am a Prime member & being able to download HD movies for watching on longer flights is a great feature.
If you are a novice or a few hundred dollars lost is going to hurt, then consider other options.
would go with something else unless there are specific features you need such as text to speech on kindle eBooks. other wise something easier to work with would be a good idea.
Short answer: NO. The FireOS ruins a wonderful piece of hardware. I bought this device for my wife to use it with her NextIssue magazine subscription. But, Amazon has now decided to remove that app, with no explanation.... and now they are expected to "block" the app from sideloading as well. Bottom line, I have no recourse and their support has been AWFUL for this matter.
I use Amazon for a lot of things, and have Prime... and I STILL wouldn't recommend the device to anyone. They've crippled the "Android-ness" of the device making it very limited in its capabilities. Sure, if you don't mind getting bound to Amazon, it might be ok. But any Android device can do everything this device can do (software-wise).... so you're better off with a regular Android device.
I concur with the cautions posted by several individuals (including myself!). If you are seeking compatibility, a pure android experience or an easy to mod device look elsewhere! Novice users who value a simple UI and need some hand holding may find the HDX attractive. Fire OS isn't horrible and comes with free Mayday support. Perfect for the proverbial grandmother.
The pros are compelling if you have an 'older' device, are willing to invest the time and assume some risks which can be mitigated through care. Fast processor, beautiful screen, great sound, different form factor (personal preference), solid build, long battery life. With a decent rom you can get the best of Google and Amazon plus fantastic hardware in a single device. Unfortunately, most 'newer' devices can not be rooted or unlocked severely limiting potential.
I love my HDX 7" (unlocked) running Nexus (soon CM12). It is easy to live with and accompanies me everywhere. I don't regret the time invested but would NOT recommend it to others unless you are true tinker at heart and have the technical skills to recover should thing go wrong. And they will. Understand what can/can't be done which is highly contingent on the level of Fire OS that is currently installed.
I bought a 32 gb and unlocked with cm 11 rom. It's better than nexus 7
I love mine. I love it more now that I've got rid of the FireOS and am running
straight Android. The hardware is great, and for a 7 inch, it's a fantastic tablet.
I also own the Nexus 7 (2013) and love that as well. Easy to root, lots of development, great
hardware specs....That said, if I had to do it over again, I'd probably get a Samsung Galaxy tab
of some sort for those same reasons.
The HDX is definitely a labor of love. It took some labor to get it set up the way I want it,
but now I really love it. But still, a Galaxy Tab would be the way to go, IMO
I really missed the UI of stock Android, but after rooting and installing Smart Launcher, the UI is manageable, and you can barely tell the difference. I do miss Google Play Services, is there a way to get it on Apollo? Other than there, is there any other advantages to using custom ROMs? I'm not too keen on having to delete and redownload all my apps, not to mention I will loose the few Amazon eBooks I downloaded while on Prime forever. (not that I read them a lot, but if I ever wanted to...)
Thanks!
miketh2005 said:
I really missed the UI of stock Android, but after rooting and installing Smart Launcher, the UI is manageable, and you can barely tell the difference. I do miss Google Play Services, is there a way to get it on Apollo? Other than there, is there any other advantages to using custom ROMs? I'm not too keen on having to delete and redownload all my apps, not to mention I will loose the few Amazon eBooks I downloaded while on Prime forever. (not that I read them a lot, but if I ever wanted to...)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom rom frees you from the restrictions imposed by FireOS and Amazon. Your HDX will look and perform much like a 'pure' Android device (think Nexus 7). Google Play services and all associated apps work as intended with no compromises. The books you purchased from Amazon can be read/downloaded using the Android Kindle Reader app. Most apps you purchased from the Amazon store can be restored if you install the Amazon Store app along side the Google Play Store app (they don't conflict).
Downside of a custom rom is the time, effort and risk you assume preparing your device to accept something other than FireOS. The magnitude of each is determined by your skill set and the version of FireOS currently on your device. While generalizations are dangerous I would categorize most of the work as 'moderate'. You probably won't complete it in an evening or two and will need to do a fair amount of reading up front to understand the process and pitfalls.
Davey126 said:
A custom rom frees you from the restrictions imposed by FireOS and Amazon. Your HDX will look and perform much like a 'pure' Android device (think Nexus 7). Google Play services and all associated apps work as intended with no compromises. The books you purchased from Amazon can be read/downloaded using the Android Kindle Reader app. Most apps you purchased from the Amazon store can be restored if you install the Amazon Store app along side the Google Play Store app (they don't conflict).
Downside of a custom rom is the time, effort and risk you assume preparing your device to accept something other than FireOS. The magnitude of each is determined by your skill set and the version of FireOS currently on your device. While generalizations are dangerous I would categorize most of the work as 'moderate'. You probably won't complete it in an evening or two and will need to do a fair amount of reading up front to understand the process and pitfalls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I didn't know you can still do Amazon eBooks and apps. I put a custom ROM on my original Kindle Fire which only took maybe an hour, is it really that much harder that it take 3 evenings to complete? Is the performance a lot better without FireOS? I never owned a Nexus 7.
miketh2005 said:
Thanks! I didn't know you can still do Amazon eBooks and apps. I put a custom ROM on my original Kindle Fire which only took maybe an hour, is it really that much harder that it take 3 evenings to complete? Is the performance a lot better without FireOS? I never owned a Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may take less time if you have prior experience. Amazon hardened HDX devices making them harder to modify. Most steps are manual; there are no click-to-fix utilities. Performance with a custom ROM will be comparable to FireOS; battery life will likely be better. The primary benefit is improved user experience and access to Google services.
What version of FireOS are you currently running? That will determine your options should you choose to proceed.