SEATTLE (AP) - Amazon.com hopes to entice consumers with a new
smaller, lighter version of its Kindle e-reader, which can
wirelessly download e-books over 3G cellular networks, and a
cheaper Wi-Fi-only version.
Amazon says that it will start shipping the latest Kindle to
customers on Aug. 27. It is 21 percent smaller than the current
Kindle, though it continues to sport a 6-inch, grayscale
electronic-ink screen. The contrast on its screen is 50 percent
better, Amazon said, and it can turn pages 20 percent faster. The
new Kindle weighs 8.7 ounces - 15 percent less than the existing
Kindle - and can store 3,500 books.
A version that includes 3G and Wi-Fi access will cost $189; one
that has just Wi-Fi will cost $139.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)