Amazon Unveils New, Better Version Of Kindle

Amazon Unveils New, Better Version Of Kindle

Amazon Unveils New, Better Version Of Kindle. Amazon unveiled Thursday a new and better version of its Kindle e-reader but priced the same as the previous model.  The Kindle 3, dubbed Shasta, is smaller but with the same six-inch screen and lighter at only 8.7 ounces. Its battery lasts longer–one month when on wireless mode or 10 days when it is turned on. Kindle 3 also holds more e-books, about 3,500 titles. Page turning is faster. Built-in Wi-Fi allows for maximum use of free unlimited wireless 3G service that comes with the device, which sells for $189. A Wi-Fi only version with free access to AT&T hotspots in the U.S. is cheaper at $139. Some Kindle features are better than the Apple iPad, which weighs 1.5 pounds and costs $499 each. The iPad’s 3G service also costs $15 to $25 a month. Amazon said Kindle 3 would begin shipping Aug. 27. The Kindle dominates the U.S. e-reader market. Of the 3.7 million such devices, two-thirds are Kindles.