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Smaller, thinner, and lighter

The new 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX features an updated ultracompact design and some spiffy new features.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Soft, matte back

The Kindle Fire HDX 7's back features a soft, grippy texture and matte finish that doesn't attract too many fingerprints.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Angular edges

Due to its angular edges, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 looks thick, but in person the device is trim and slim.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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New buttons

The Kindle Fire tablets have never excelled in button placement, but the HDX 7's redesign places the buttons in easier, more intuitive locations. The power button now sits on the top-left edge.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Re-designed volume rocker

The original Kindle Fire didn't include volume buttons in its design, but we're glad Amazon wised up in later iterations of the tablet. The volume buttons on the new HDX 7 are located on the top-right edge.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Dolby Digital boasting speakers

Despite its small size, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 impresses with big sound; it features Dolby Digital audio enhancement that results in some impressive audio quality -- for a tablet.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Vibrant screen

The 7-inch tablet rocks a higher 1,920x1,200-pixel-resolution screen -- an upgrade from the Kindle Fire HD's 1,280x800-pixel resolution.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Sharp text

Bookworms interested in using the HDX 7 as an e-reader can revel in the sharp and crisp text, thanks to the upgraded resolution.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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Origami cover

There is a protective origami cover available for the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 that is still relatively slim and light, despite its rugged good looks.

Updated:October 1, 2013Caption:Xiomara BlancoPhoto:Josh Miller/CNET

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