Can Amazon's Kindle Fire HD take on Apple's iPad 3? Amazon seems to think so, inviting the comparison with slides comparing the two at its Sept. 6, Santa Monica, Calif. presentation.

Now that the Kindle 2 facts and features have come to light, lets compare the two high-def tablets on a few key points.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: release date

The Kindle Fire HD release date comes in two waves. The 7-inch,16GB version will launch Sept. 14, and the 8.9-inch version will begin shipping Nov. 20.

The iPad 3 has been on shelves since March 16. While a direct successor is not yet on the horizon, we anticipate the announcement of an iPad mini in the near future.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: price

Here's where it starts to get competitive; the Kindle Fire HD 7 inch sells for $199 and $249 for the 16GB and 32GB models.

The 8.9-inch, Wi-Fi only models offer several options: Amazon fans can pick up the16GB model for $299, or the 32GB for $369. For models with 4G, the price starts at $499 for 32GB and $599 for 64GB.

The iPad 3 is a lot more expensive, especially when you get into 4G territory. Apple's 4G tablets sell for $629, $729 and $829 for 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, respectively.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: operating system

The Kindle Fire HD OS is a modified version of Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich. So it's not running the latest Android OS, which would be Android 4.1: Jelly Bean.

The iPad 3 uses Apple's iOS version 5.1.1, which powers other Apple devices such as the iPhone 4S.

This version introduced the ability to sync across Wi-Fi, lowering the device's dependence on connecting to a computer via USB.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: processor

The Kindle Fire HD has a processor by Texas Instruments. Called the OMAP4 4470, it's a dual-core processor rated at 1.2 GHz.

The iPad 3 also sports a dual-core processor. Called the Apple A5x, it runs at 1GHz.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: memory

It's not yet known exactly how much RAM the Kindle Fire HD is packing, but since the new Kindle Fire is now up to 1GB, we'd be surprised if it didn't have at least 1.5GB.

The iPad 3, however, is confirmed to have 1024MB of DDR2 RAM.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: display

Here's where things get a little complex for the Kindle Fire HD. Initially, it will be available with a 7-inch display at 1280 x 800 resolution.

In November comes the 8.9-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and 254 PPI (pixels per inch).

Amazon also claims that since this screen has no "air gap" between the glass and the display, there will be a great reduction in glare.

The iPad 3's Retina display screen is with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 with a 9.7-inch screen. It offers 264 PPI, just barely edging out the Kindle Fire HD.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: storage

The 7-inch Kindle Fire HD offers either 16GB or 32GB of storage, while the 8.9-inch model goes all the way up to 64GB.

Pretty much the same story with the iPad 3, it's available with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: camera

The Kindle Fire HD has a front-facing camera only, designed for video chatting with the tablet's custom version of Skype. The camera is said to be "HD," but we're unsure if that means 720p or full 1080p.

The iPad 3 has both a front and back camera, with 0.3MPs for the front and a 5MP lens on the back, capable of capturing 1080p video at 30 FPS.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: network

All Kindle Fire HD models offer dual-band Wi-Fi that supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals. The 8.9-inch models have the option of 4G service AT&T's 4G LTE network.

The iPad 3 is available in Wi-Fi only or 3G/4G capable models. Users can buy wireless service on multiple carriers in North America and Europe.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD vs. new iPad 3: dimensions and weight

The larger 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD measures 9.45 inch x 6.5 inch x 0.35 inch and weighs in at 20 oz. The 7-inch model is 7.6 inch x 5.4 inch x 0.4 inch, weighing 13.9 oz.

The iPad 3 is 9.50 inch x 7.31 inch x 0.4 inch, making it just as skinny as the Fire HD. It weighs 23 oz, so it's a little heavier than Amazon's tablet.