Amazon Announces 4 New Kindle devices...

[Ken Stuart]

New Kindle Color Tablet hardware is almost a clone of the current Nook Color - only difference is dual-core processor (which is simply the current processor at the same price point paid by BN for a processor a year ago).

New Kindle E-Ink Tablet hardware is almost a clone of the current Nook.

It looks like Amazon is banking on the word "Kindle" as the Official Media Word for E-Reader (just as the media use "Tivo" instead of "DVR").

Software and "Sports Team" fanboy allegiance (Apple,Amazon,Sony,BN) seem to be the only differences in the future.

Obviously, BN will likely cut their prices by 20% to match Amazon...

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by ghostyjack

I don't see any mention of ad-supported on the Amazon UK site, does that mean that the UK ones are not the KSO variant?

Yes, it does, but given that neither of the two older "special offers" models were available outside the US, this shouldn't come as a great shock .

[tvuongpham]

First impressions:

- Price:
* very aggressive! $79.00 - $199.00

For under 300 you can have best of both worlds. e-ink and LCD.

A 79 e-ink reader is a great price!!


And the inter-operability of Kindle books and the app means bookmark synching.
Great!


BUT the most flexibility is when you use Calibre for your own books.

Tablet:
199.00 wow fantastic price for the features.
* Granted it is a branched version of Android, but Amazon will support it.
* IPS LCD - means awesome display quality (on paper) haven't seen it in person
* dual-core processor - won't be too slow
* size not too unwieldy, not too small - more portable than iPad

- Storage:
* Decent 8 GB for books and videos but I own an iPad2 and used to own a iPad, with 16GB it pushes the limit, but remember this: This is a cloud computing device with access to cloud storage (aka online storage)
- no storage port for using SD cards etc takes away the convenience factor of loading your own movies on via memory cards.


wifi only for the table isn't a problem to be honest. There are so many options for wifi around and I don't won't want another monthly subscription.

Disadvantages(? for some)
* no camera (old argument from ipad1 days) some have use for it some don't, without one/ two it keeps the entry price low
* no memory storage card options and 8gb too low..

My perspective:

I own ipad2, k3 and Sony PRS 350. There are times and some materials better suited to read on a LCD display vs e-ink and vice versa. The wifi option for books on the k3 and ipad2 is great, but not often used on k3 because of reading materials for books is less frequent vs magazines and other pdfs on the iPad.

I expect reviews to be flowing in shortly from all over, but as more hands on analysis can be done. I think this is a good thing for Amazon and its customers.

Cheers!

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Ken Stuart

New Kindle E-Ink Tablet hardware is almost a clone of the current Nook.

It's actually pretty much the same hardware as the Blackberry Playbook.

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by ghostyjack

I don't see any mention of ad-supported on the Amazon UK site, does that mean that the UK ones are not the KSO variant?

Yes. The KSO is US only.

[DiapDealer]

But the ads are only noticeable if you stare at your screen savers or stare at the tiny ad banner at the bottom of the home page.

Regardless of how you feel about the ads, and how unobtrusive they may be... I do think Amazon should have been a little more clear about their pricing with this press conference (and in general). The website and the various versions/prices are getting pretty confusing to keep straight.

[Ron.]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

But the ads are only noticeable if you stare at your screen savers or stare at the tiny ad banner at the bottom of the home page. I do neither, so they're not noticeable to me. To me, the offers and lower device price are well worth it.

that's the only time you see the ads, they don't pop up while reading ?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Ron.

that's the only time you see the ads, they don't pop up while reading ?

No, they don't. Screen saver and home page only.

[Dulin's Books]

Originally Posted by HarryT

No, it doesn't have 3G. "Whispernet" in this case refers to wireless content delivery over WiFi, and also to content syncing between devices. But it's all WiFi. Definitely and absolutely no 3G .

yeah i have been doing allot of reading and realized that when the one person wrote whispernet they actually meant whispersync.

the synching is actually extended to synching movies and music so thats really cool.

[tvuongpham]

Originally Posted by khalleron

So, the cheapest one has no touch screen, no wifi and no 3g, correct?

It's just a basic reader - much like the early Sonys - only with advertising and made from plastic.

Nice of Amazon to hit all the price points - and I'm sincere about that - but it might now kill all those 'Kindle is better than everything in every way' arguments.

Ironicly this like specialization .. can't be all to everyone's needs. Makes sense Amazon would eventually offer multiple physical form factors based on cost and function.

[blue_skies]

So, it looks like the Kindle Touch 3G no longer has a web browser. Under Experimental they only list Read to Me and Listen to Music and Podcasts.

I'm glad I have the keyboard version which gives me free 3G internet access when I need it.

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by blue_skies

So, it looks like the Kindle Touch 3G no longer has a web browser. Under Experimental they only list Read to Me and Listen to Music and Podcasts.

I'm glad I have the keyboard version which gives me free 3G internet access when I need it.

Too me it is not a big deal. I found using the web on my K3 to be so bad, I've only used it once or twice.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Regardless of how you feel about the ads, and how unobtrusive they may be... I do think Amazon should have been a little more clear about their pricing with this press conference (and in general). The website and the various versions/prices are getting pretty confusing to keep straight.

Yeah, that's true and I agree they should've been upfront about it. In fact, they should've given all the prices and demonstrated the full ad experience.

[OtterBooks]

I was hoping for a camera, for video chat, but no biggie. Maybe the USB port will allow for an external cam but I doubt it.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Ron.

that's the only time you see the ads, they don't pop up while reading ?

Correct!

I avoid the ads by doing this. When I'm done reading, I close the cover before sliding the power switch off. When ready to read again, I slide the power switch on before I open then cover. At no point during this process are the ads ever seen.