Computerworld - Both versions of the new, third-generation "smaller, lighter, faster" Kindle e-reader begin shipping on Friday, but Amazon.com said orders placed today will not ship until on or before Sept. 17.
The new Wi-Fi + 3G Kindle, sells for $189, according to Amazon's Web site. The Wi-Fi-only Kindle, sells for $139. Both models are temporarily sold out due to strong customer demand.
Amazon announced both e-readers on July 28. The online retailer has said they represent the "new generation" of Kindle, although some bloggers are calling them Kindle 3s.
The Kindle has been the best-selling item on Amazon.com for two years, the company says on its Web site, although it has never publicly stated its sales numbers.
The new versions have 20% faster page turns than the second-generation model, according to Amazon. They each weigh 8.7 ounces, which is 15% lighter than the previous version. They each have 4GB of storage, which is enough room for about 3,500 books and is double the storage space of previous models. They also have 6-inch diagonal screens, the same as the previous version.
Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at 
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