Amazon launches two new Kindles, one with Wi-Fi only
They are faster, offer more storage, sell for $139 and $189
Computerworld - Amazon launched two new Kindle e-readers priced at $139 and $189 late Wednesday, with the cheaper version a Wi-Fi-only e-reader and $10 less than the Wi-Fi-only Nook.
The third-generation devices are simply called Kindle and boast 6-in. reading areas but are smaller, lighter and faster overall, with 50% better contrast, according to Amazon's Web site.
Pre-orders are now available online, with actual release slated for Aug. 27.
The latest black-and-white E Ink devices are probably going to compete in a world of e-readers that is a separate market from the multimedia-focused, all-color iPad from Apple, which also is an e-reader, some analysts said.
"The e-reader market is expanding, not contracting, despite the emergence of iPad and competitors," said Jack Gold, and analyst at J.Gold Associates. "IPads and e-readers appeal to different market segments."
Gold said that Kindle and Nook readers are "avid readers who want the best reading experience, not necessarily a multipurpose Internet machine."
Gold said there is "clearly room for both" approaches, with different sweet spots in the market. "I wouldn't write off e-readers at this point," he said, noting that multimedia capabilities are being added to the e-readers. Limited Web browsing is possible over both the Kindle and Nook.
Prices for the new models could also lead to something of a price war among e-readers.
The new 3G + Wi-Fi Kindle weighs 8.7 oz., or 15% less than the last generation, with the Wi-Fi-only model weighing 8.5 oz. Both are about 21% smaller in size than their predecessors, while still keeping the 6-in. screen. The battery life is now estimated at one month with wireless off, and the amount of storage space has doubled so it can hold up to 3,500 books.
Faster processing allows for 20% faster page turns, something that's seen as important to the most active e-reader customers.
Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at
@matthamblen or subscribe to
Matt's RSS feed. His e-mail address is mhamblen@computerworld.com.
Eye on e-books
- Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight: An e-reader for night readers
- Bluefire launches Android-ready e-reader software for independent booksellers
- More Americans own e-readers than tablets, survey finds
- First look: The Kobo eReader Touch Edition
- Amazon: E-books now outsell print books
- Creating an e-book: Tips on formatting and converting your document
- Kindle for the Web demos at Chrome event
- Update: Amazon to demo Kindle for the Web on Tuesday
- Color comes to E Ink, LG electronic-paper displays
- Sony Reader Pocket Edition: Good reading in a small package
Read more about Mobile and Wireless in Computerworld's Mobile and Wireless Topic Center.


- Excel 2010 Cheat Sheet
- Register for this Computerworld Insider Cheat Sheet and gain access to hundreds of premium content articles, guides, product reviews and more.
- Mobile Middleware Strategies
- Learn why a mobile development platform is critical to be able to support today's complex enterprise mobility strategies. Learn what to look for...
- The Evolution of Enterprise Mobile App Development
- Driven by explosive growth in smartphone and tablet sales, enterprise mobility has become an essential part of business. Organizations across industries are developing...
- Native & HTML5 Mobile Apps: Not an either or, but a where and when
- Learn how developers are using HTML5 and native development methods to build mobile apps. Get practical insights on how these tools are being...
- Enabling Remote Employees with High Quality Video
- In this paper, we analyze the delivery of live and on-demand mobile video content. It focuses on specific ways in which organizations can...
- What to Look For in Solutions For Mobile Device Management
- Managing an increasingly mobile workforce has become one of the most challenging - and important - responsibilities for IT departments. This paper examines... All Mobile and Wireless White Papers
- The Office of Tomorrow with BlackBerry
- Curious about the office of the future and how to prepare with BlackBerry solutions? This session discusses the office needs of tomorrow and...
- The Changing Role of Tablets in the Enterprise
- Do you understand all the capabilities and potential of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet? BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet can help enterprises do business differently.
This webcast... - Security Certifications 101 - BlackBerry and all those acronyms what do they mean and why they matter?
- FIPS, Common Criteria, CAPS, AISEP, NFC, NIST, Fraunhofer SIT, CESG, DSD - these are just some of the government and industry certifications which...
- PlayBook Video about two Grade 6 classrooms that are using PlayBook tablets
- RIM recently worked with Park Manor Public School in Elmira, ON to integrate BlackBerry PlayBook tablets in two Grade 6 classrooms. The project...
- McCain Canada deployed BlackBerry PlayBook tablets with a custom application to their salesforce
- McCain Foods Limited (McCain) has deployed BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablets in order to enhance mobility within their sales force- along with a customized application... All Mobile and Wireless Webcasts
Prepaid service has started to transform from a source of cheap, bottom-of-the-barrel phones into a viable outlet for compelling smartphones. Read more...
