Amazon’s gone big with the release of 5 new Kindle devices: 2 eBook readers and 3 Android tablets.
The new Kindle Paperwhite ereader is available in a WiFi-only and a 3G version. This reader has a new screen with 62% more pixels and increased contrast. A built-in front light allows you to easily read in low light conditions without the use of an additional external light source. Prices start at $119 for the WiFi Special Offer version.
In the tablet space, there are 3 new models in the Kindle Fire HD range. All new entrants include a polarized filter and antiglare screen, dual-core processors with Imagination Power VR 3D graphics, dual band, dual antenna WiFi and an Amazon-customized Android UI.
The Kindle Fire HD is a 7″ Android tablet with a 1.2Ghz dual-core processor, 1280×800 resolution, and the Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ comes in 4G or WiFi-only versions with a 1.5Ghz dual-core processor and 1920 x 1200 resolution. The new WiFi-only models are available in 16 or 32GB models, and the 4G model in 32 or 64 GB models. None of the tablets have a memory expansion slot; Amazon wants you to consume your games, books, magazines and movies from their store and store your information up in your Amazon cloud. 🙂
Prices start at $199 for the 7″ Kindle Fire HD with 16GB, $299 for the WiFi 8.9″ with 16GB, and $499 for the 32GB 4G model. All models are available for pre-order on Amazon’s website with expected shipping dates varying.
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One of the more interesting aspects of the new Kindle Fire HD is their 1yr $50 data plan. For $50 you get 250mb a month for a year. Granted 250mb isn’t a lot, but that’s what you get with the iPad’s wireless data plan too. Amazon gives you 20GB of cloud storage though that isn’t counted against your plan when you access it.
I’m very tempted to buy a Paperwhite. It would be right at home with several other eReaders that I’ve purchased but don’t use. My fault that they aren’t getting used, not the eReaders fault… If only we had reading breaks at work so I had time to read every day. 😉
I’m weak when it comes to gadgets. I just pre-ordered a Paperwhite with Wifi.
Your comment is the first I’d recognized that the 20GB of cloud storage could be accessed without counting towards the 250mb/month. That’s a very cool incentive to use the storage, as it effectively raises the device capacity by 20 GB with no penalty.
You are not alone Julie. I just pre-ordered one too. Maybe we can develop an Electronics Anonymous support group?
Btw, your wonderful site does not help my addiction. I have purchased several items after reading reviews or articles from your website (I have been very please with all my purchases).
Keep up the great work.
🙂
Steve
None of the Fire HDs will work in Australia unless you use a proxy like Orbot or similar 🙁 Unlike Julie though my Keyboard 3g gets used every night for at least an hour if not much longer. The Paperwhite might well finally replace it if they begin shipping to Australia (or perhaps via other means 🙂 )
I almost opted for the 3G version but decided plain old WiFi is fine. Maybe this one will finally get be back in the reading groove. I’m still reading the Steve Jobs biography… I really need a gadget that let’s me have more hours in the day so I can read. 😉
Where are folks getting the idea that accessing the 20GB cloud storage does not count against the 4G 250MB/month limit? I don’t see that stated anywhere on Amazon.com.
It that’s true, that really changes things.
@Chris I saw it mentioned on an article on Gizmodo. Let me go do some investigating…
Here’s the article:
http://gizmodo.com/5941160/who-the-hell-cares-about-ads-in-the-new-kindle-fire
But then I see they have another article that contradicts it:
http://gizmodo.com/5941076/amazons-crazy-new-4g-lte-plan-gives-you-250mb-a-month-for-50-a-year-updated
I have a Paperwhite WiFi on order, scheduled to be delivered by Oct 11th. I am nuts for Kindles.
It’s a good thing you ordered when you did, Robert. I just checked, and for the WiFi:
Due to popular demand, orders placed today are expected to ship the week of October 8th.
It’s even worse for the 3G:
Due to popular demand, orders placed today are expected to ship the week of October 15th.