Kindle Touch is Here

[Anarel]

Kindle Touch

- $99 Dollars (Wifi only)
--3G (for $149).
-It has an IR touch system, similar to the latest Nook and Kobo.
- That means no keyboard, so the device is smaller and lighter than the current, third-generation model.
-Color is a nice muted silver, it's a classy looking thing but, honestly, looks nothing like the current Kindles.
- Looks like it has audio. Speaker on front.
- No buttons on device..."People like to read singlehanded."
-New feature called X-Ray-- It's a kind of search feature. Brings up Wikipedia entries for terms, etc...
- (More info coming).

[Skydog]

Actually, the $99 is for the new Kindle Touch with Special Offers. Without SO, it is $139 (just ordered one).

[SubElement]

Seems to be USA only! Thanks Amazon...

[Donnageddon]

Originally Posted by Anarel

-It has an IR touch system, similar to the latest Nook and Kobo.

And introduced with the Sony 650/350 a year ago.

[abookreader]

Do you think it will be possible to hold this in one hand and turn the pages? That's one of my biggest concerns with going touch screen. I like to hold the kindle in one hand with my finger over the next page button. I don't see any buttons at all on that thing - not even on the sides.

[Anarel]

Originally Posted by Donnageddon

And introduced with the Sony 650/350 a year ago.

'Course, the Sony had it first.

Why so defensive? I didn't say it was something brand new and unique that has never been seen on other ereaders before.

[Donnageddon]

Originally Posted by Anarel

'Course, the Sony had it first.

Why so defensive? I didn't say it was something brand new and unique that has never been seen on other ereaders before.

Hi Anarel, I apologize if my clarification seemed defensive. It was merely a clarification. The issue of what type of touch screen Amazon was using was the first question I had. Glad to see they went with the same IR touch screen Sony introduced.

Have a great day.

[MarkScheuern]

Originally Posted by abookreader

Do you think it will be possible to hold this in one hand and turn the pages? That's one of my biggest concerns with going touch screen. I like to hold the kindle in one hand with my finger over the next page button. I don't see any buttons at all on that thing - not even on the sides.

If it works anything like the Nook Simple Touch, yes. With that, you can turn pages forward with a tap anywhere on the right side of the screen and back with a tap on the left side. Swipe gestures also can be used to turn pages (or the buttons, but it's so easy to turn pages by tapping the screen that I almost never do that.) It's easy to do one-handed.

[Donnageddon]

Amazon says this:

New Touch Experience - EasyReach
Amazon invented a new type of touch experience that eliminates the fatigue caused by continuously swiping to turn the page, and that allows readers to hold Kindle with either hand while still turning pages comfortably. With EasyReach, Kindle Touch users can effortlessly page forward in a book or a periodical while holding the device with either hand. Tapping on most of the screen area will page forward, the most common action done when reading; tapping in a narrow area near the left edge of the device turns to the previous page; and tapping on the top part of the screen brings up the toolbars for further options. This is another way that Kindle helps readers get lost in the author's world.

[p_a_smith]

Originally Posted by Donnageddon

Amazon says this:
New Touch Experience - EasyReach
Amazon invented a new type of touch experience that eliminates the fatigue caused by continuously swiping to turn the page, and that allows readers to hold Kindle with either hand while still turning pages comfortably. With EasyReach, Kindle Touch users can effortlessly page forward in a book or a periodical while holding the device with either hand. Tapping on most of the screen area will page forward, the most common action done when reading; tapping in a narrow area near the left edge of the device turns to the previous page; and tapping on the top part of the screen brings up the toolbars for further options. This is another way that Kindle helps readers get lost in the author's world.

Not quite sure how Amazon invented this since it is exactly how the Kobo Touch (the zones are a bit different but I tap on the right side I get the next page, the left side I get the previous page and a middle part I get the toolbar) works- not sure about the Nook but I would be surprised if it was much different. It is actually very easy and comfortable to use when you get used to it.

[HappyMartin]

Anyone know if the eink screen used on the touch will be tougher than the current screens used? I am paranoid about breaking my screen and would love a more robust device.

[eSheri]

Originally Posted by Skydog

Actually, the $99 is for the new Kindle Touch with Special Offers. Without SO, it is $139 (just ordered one).

Does this version have wifi?

[Donnageddon]

Originally Posted by p_a_smith

Not quite sure how Amazon invented this since it is exactly how the Kobo Touch (the zones are a bit different but I tap on the right side I get the next page, the left side I get the previous page and a middle part I get the toolbar) works- not sure about the Nook but I would be surprised if it was much different. It is actually very easy and comfortable to use when you get used to it.

I agree p_a_smith, but I would not want anyone to think I am being defensive. It is just the kind of thing companies do. If they thought they could get away with it, they (any ebook company) would claim they invented the alphabet.

[MarkScheuern]

Originally Posted by Donnageddon

Amazon says this:

Yep, that sounds just like how the Nook works, then, except for substituting "top" for "center" for bringing up the menu. It works well. (And I agree that it's a bit of a stretch for Amazon to claim they've invented that.)

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by eSheri

Does this version have wifi?

Yes, it does. All of the ones introduced today have wifi.