It’s hard – no, impossible – to scan any tech headline this morning without coming across the words “Amazon” and “tablet.” The tech community at large has been waiting for news about the new Amazon tablet for some time now. This morning, Amazon held a conference for all the tech world to hear about the upcoming tablet that may rival Apple’s best offering.

Reporters from around the world arrived in NYC to hear Amazon’s big announcement. After unveiling a new Kindle Touch and a newly updated non-touch Kindle, Amazon showcased the Kindle Fire. The Fire is Amazon’s answer to the Apple iPad, and it’s not a bad answer at all. If you are looking for an iPad alternative, here’s what you can expect from Amazon.

Fire Details

The Fire weighs in at 14.6 ounces, it is as sleek as tablets get with a minimalist black border, and it comes with wireless synching, Amazon cloud support, and a dual-core processor. That’s a lot of great packed into a small tablet. Other details about the Amazon Fire are slowing trickling onto tech blog everywhere. Most of these details have been released, though few have actually gotten their hands on a Fire. To touch the Fire, you’ll have to wait a few more months.

While some of these details remain fuzzy, many consumers are excited about the idea of a tablet that comes packed with features but remains affordable. Speaking of price, the Amazon Fire will retail for $199. This is a price point that most people feel comfortable with, and it’s also a price point that will put Amazon well into the tablet race.

Why the Fire Is Apple’s Number One Competitor

The main difference between Apple and Amazon is that Apple is in the business of selling devices. Whether its iPads, iPods, or iPhones, Apple wants consumers to fall in love with the devices that the company produces – these devices are, after all, Apple’s bread and butter. Amazon, on the other hand, isn’t just about devices. Amazon is a mecca for ebooks, games, music, and many other items.

In short, Amazon already has the games, books, and software that consumers want to purchase. Now, Amazon has a way to let consumers enjoy the company’s many products. Will Amazon beat out Apple in the tablet race? Only time can tell, but this reviewer thinks that Amazon may prove to be a very worthwhile Apple competitor.

Fire Availability

The Amazon Fire will be available sometime in November. That may seem like a long time to wait for the new tablet, but Amazon’s timing is perfect. Apple is set to release the new iPhone during the first week of October, and Amazon doesn’t want to share the limelight.

Instead, Amazon’s Fire will be ready for consumer purchase just in time for the holiday season. Coincidence? Not likely. Amazon has done its homework. Most shoppers begin purchasing holiday gift items in November, and the Amazon Fire will be sitting perfectly packaged on store shelves during that month.