The Amazon Kindle eReader
Amazon's Kindle eReader has already made quite an impact on the digital publishing world since it was first launched back in 2007. With e-books now outselling paperbacks in the US , the future of the Kindle looks set to go from strength to strength.
The Kindle's greatest breakthrough is its use of E Ink technology. This not only makes it much easier on the eye than he conventional backlit LCD screens used in most ereaders, but also means that the battery life is much longer and that the screen can be read even in bright sunlight.
Small enough to be easily slipped into your pocket yet with a storage capacity large enough to hold up to 14,000 books, the Kindle really is your own personal portable library.
New Amazon Kindle Features
- Dimensions: 166mm x 144mm x 8.7mm
- 6” display, resolution 600 x 800 pixels
- Weighs 170 grams
- Battery life approx 15 hours without wireless, 10 hours with wireless on
- 2GB storage
- Approx 3 hours charge time
- AZW, TXT, PDF, MOBI, PRC, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP formats supported
- USB 2.0 connectivity with Micro-B connector.
The New Amazon Kindle
The new Kindle gives you improved portability and performance at an ultra-low price. 30% lighter and with an 18% smaller case, this is Amazon's most impressive model yet.
Its improved performance means that pages turn 10% faster for a smoother reading experience, and the super-fast wifi connection lets you download new titles in just 60 seconds.
The Kindle Keyboard
The Kindle Keyboard might be slightly larger than the new version, but it still has enough storage to hold up to 3,500 different books, and its advanced E Ink screen provides the easy-on-the-eye reading experience that LCD and backlit screens simply cannot compete with. With thousands of units already sold throughout the UK, the Kindle Keyboard is a firm favourite with serious book lovers, and one of Amazon's top-selling items.
The Kindle Keyboard 3G
In many ways the ultimate portable eReader, Amazon's Kindle Keyboard 3G doesn't rely on finding a wifi connection to download ebooks. Instead, it has an integrated 3G connectivity, which means that it uses the same communications network as your mobile phone to access the Amazon Kindle network remotely. There are no monthly fees or subscription charges, so if you want to re-stock your library while you're on the move, the Kindle Keyboard 3G is the ideal choice.
Kindle accessories
Kindle leather cover
Protect and illuminate your Kindle with this sleek and stylish leather carrying case. Its built-in light draws power from the Kindle itself, so there's no need for batteries.
Marware Kindle cover
Made from durable nylon with a plush microsuede lining, this practical Kindle cover also features a secure zip closure and extra pocket for small items.
Kindle grip sleeve
Made from a hardwearing mixture of neoprene and silicone, this hand washable protective sleeve will keep your Kindle looking factory-fresh while you take utilise its portability to the full.
Rechargeable Kindle light
A single, bright LED delivers a constant, even light for your Kindle display, while the rechargeable battery ensures up to 5 hours of light to read by.
Flex-neck Kindle reading light
This adjustable flex-neck light clips securely to the top of your Kindle, with two CR2032 batteries providing up to 30 hours of bright LED light.
MiniFlex clip-on Kindle light
With a versatile clip that can be attached to both the Kindle and paper and hardback books, this budget reading light delivers performance at a low price.
Kindle Apps
Amazon has also developed Kindle Reader Apps for a variety of devices including PCs, Macs, iPads, iphones and Android devices. They are all available to download for free via the Amazon website.
Kindle eReader Alternatives
iRiver Story eBook
With its 6" screen and 2GB memory, the iRiver eBook is a serious rival to the Kindle. Using similar E Ink technology, it provides a pleasurable reading experience in a sleek, hi-tech package.
Sony Reader PRS300
The Sony Reader has a compact 5" screen, and enough storage to hold up to 350 different books. With an eye-catching catching design and easy-to-read VizPlex screen, it's slowly gaining in popularity.
Tabtech M010S
One of the cheapest tablets available on the market, the Tabtech is more than just an eReader. Although its specifications are limited, it is versatile enough to give you basic computing on the go.
Content for the Kindle
Content for the Kindle is not hard to find, with over three quarters of a million titles available for download from Amazon alone, as well as thousands of magazines, newspapers and periodicals. There are also a significant number of free ebooks available, including classic out-of-copyright titles such as Treasure Island and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
