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Sure, sure. The tablet market is teeming with options, but are you seriously going to buy Sony's Xperia Tablet Z? Or Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1, the 2014 edition? No, you're not. That's because the tablet market has conveniently divided itself into two distinct product categories, with marquee devices on one side and "budget tablets" (see also: low performing) on the other. Thankfully, the truly great tablets don't cost much more than the wannabes, so you don't have to pay a high price for high-end hardware.
If you're interested is something smaller, you might be looking straight at Google's updated Nexus 7 or Amazon's new Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch model. These tablets lead the 7-inch pack, and they trump Apple's iPad mini (for now). Aside from having a black chassis, the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HDX are nothing alike—and choosing between them is a challenge because their features and software ecosystems are worlds apart. Do you care about open-source software or one-touch customer service? Do you want to purchase all of your media from Google Play or from Amazon? Let's dig in, and figure out which tablet is a better match for your needs.
Chart: Mike Homnick
Design
The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX is smaller than last year's Fire HD, and more compact than the Nexus 7. Its smaller size leaves a bit of extra room in your purse or bag, and it's easy to hold and use one-handed—both important elements to consider in this consume-while-you-commute world. The HDX is noticeably heavier than the Nexus 7, however, and the volume and power buttons are awkwardly placed on the back of the device. The Nexus 7's recessed buttons are no better, though, and both devices seem to have sacrificed comfortable buttons to achieve thinner bodies.
IMAGE: Michael Homnick
Winner: Tie. Both the Nexus 7 and the Fire HDX are stylish-looking devices with their own little quirks.
IMAGE: Michael Homnick
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