The new Kindle (available for pre-order now)

[Harvey]

Now that it's becoming official, let's start this new thread on the new Kindle, coming next month!

There are two versions:

3G: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FQJT3Q?tag=kindleboards-20

WiFi: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y27P3M?tag=kindleboards-20

(The above links are now active.) 




http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703940904575395433036454208.html

Excerpt:

"Amazon.com Inc. plans to release a cheaper Kindle e-reader next month, said Chief Executive Jeff Bezos, laying out a strategy to go "mass market" with an inexpensive gadget designed to do just one thing: sell digital books from Amazon.

The new Kindle features a screen with increased gray-scale contrast, a battery that lasts for a month, and a slightly smaller size. It will come in two flavors: one with Wi-Fi and 3G Internet connections selling for $189, the other with Wi-Fi only for $139. The latter will be among the cheapest wireless-equipped e-readers on the market, at least for now.

"We developed this device for serious readers. At these price points, it may be much broader than that," said Mr. Bezos in an interview. "People will buy them for their kids. People won't share Kindles any more."

Amazon will begin taking orders Thursday and the new models will begin shipping Aug. 27 to customers in 140 countries."

[Luvmy4brats]

The new Kindle features a screen with increased gray-scale contrast, a battery that lasts for a month, and a slightly smaller size. It will come in two flavors: one with Wi-Fi and 3G Internet connections selling for $189, the other with Wi-Fi only for $139. The latter will be among the cheapest wireless-equipped e-readers on the market, at least for now.

Instead, Mr. Bezos said Amazon spends its time focusing on more subtle improvements to the Kindle's reading experience. For example, the device is 21% smaller, even though it has the same six-inch screen as its predecessor. Potential distractions on the screen—like the bar at the top featuring the title of the book—have been removed or minimize

[Harvey]

My prediction: the WiFi version of this will take off. You don't need to be "always connected" with an e-book reader. And that price looks great.

[Luvmy4brats]

I agree Harvey. At $139 I'd buy one for each of the BRATs (along with a SquareTrade warranty for each)

[chilady1]

I am so happy that Bezos is keeping this as a "dedicated e-book reader" instead of trying to be all things to all people.   I agree, the WiFi is going to take off at that price point of $139.00.  I want to see it first before making a decision, I do like the title bar at the top but then again, I could just be use to my K2.  Will be watching for tomorrow.  I hope Amazon cranked up the server juice for the hit it is going to take from people going to the website - lol!

[Betsy the Quilter]

Woohoo!  This is great news to me because, even though I have no plans to upgrade my K1, it means that Amazon is committed to the Kindle for some years to come!

Betsy

[Victorine]

I'm still attracted to the 3G one myself... but I'd get the cheaper one for a kid.

*Awesome*

I can't wait until they release photos!!

Vicki

[Harvey]

This from Engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/new-amazon-kindle-announced-139-wifi-only-version-and-189-3g/

We had a chance to play with the device for a short while during a meeting with the company, and we can report that the Kindle is still very much the reading device you know and love (or hate... depending on your preferences). The build quality and materials used did seem slightly more polished than the previous version, and we really liked the new, more subtle rocker. We can also attest to screen refreshes and overall navigation feeling noticeably more responsive and snappy compared with the previous generation. Amazon was showing off a jacket accessory which will be made available at launch that includes a small, pull-out light for late-night reading sessions. We're sure it will please a lot of folks eager to keep their partners undisturbed while they tear through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. We'll have a full review as soon as we can get our hands on the device, and some images for your perusal coming soon.

[Luvmy4brats]

OOH!!!

The internal storage on the device has been cranked to 4GB, and the battery life is now rated at a month with no wireless, and 10 days with wireless switched on

and it looks like there will be a choice of colors:

will now come in two colors (graphite, like its big brother the DX, and the original white).

and one more quote:

The rocker is now more compact and flush with the device, and the side buttons have been modified in length to emphasize the forward paddles, while the back buttons have been downsized. Software wise, there are some interesting new features, the most notable being the inclusion of an "experimental" Webkit-based browser.

I need pictures...

[Harvey]

I agree Harvey. At $139 I'd buy one for each of the BRATs (along with a SquareTrade warranty for each)

Yep - this now gets to the price point where my three kids just might end up with one each.

[chilady1]

4 GB!!!!!  Getting excited!

[mistyd107]

I'm still attracted to the 3G one myself... but I'd get the cheaper one for a kid.

*Awesome*

I can't wait until they release photos!!

Vicki

me too

[dimples]

This is great Now does anyone have advice for people like me who just placed their order yesterday? Cancel it now? Or cross my fingers and hope I'll get one of those shiny new Kindles?

[Basilius]

Woohoo!  This is great news to me because, even though I have no plans to upgrade my K1, it means that Amazon is committed to the Kindle for some years to come!

Betsy

I have never had any doubt about that.

Now... do I need the 3G or not...

[chilady1]

From Tech Flash
http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/07/amazon_unveils_next-gen_kindle_for_189_wi-fi_only_version_for_139.html

Don't know if the picture in the article is the real McCoy so take it with a grain....if you know what I mean.  Looks like it could be authentic.

[akpak]

Waiting on pics, but if the keyboard is "minimized" like on the DX, I'll be sorely tempted. Also waiting on overall dimensions, etc for "compatibility" with my Oberons...

I will say... Hooray for a WiFi only version!

[Harvey]

From Engadget:

"Software wise, there are some interesting new features, the most notable being the inclusion of an "experimental" Webkit-based browser."

Hmm... maybe I need the 3G after all...

[dimples]

Pictures! http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/new-amazon-kindle-announced-139-wifi-only-version-and-189-3g/

[Harvey]

Waiting on pics, but if the keyboard is "minimized" like on the DX, I'll be sorely tempted. Also waiting on overall dimensions, etc for "compatibility" with my Oberons...

From what I've read, it won't work with existing cases. Screen-size is the same, but they've shrunk the body!

[Harvey]

More courtesy of Engadget:

[chilady1]

Next Page, Prev Page and Home look substantially smaller.  I like, I like.

[Imogen Rose]

So now I just need to figure out if I need the 3G option or not...

[philvan]

Never mind the kids, I just might be getting one myself. My kids are in their thirties - with any luck they might buy this for me - dang father's day & my birthday have gone and Christmas is a long way off.

[Luvmy4brats]

This is great Now does anyone have advice for people like me who just placed their order yesterday? Cancel it now? Or cross my fingers and hope I'll get one of those shiny new Kindles?

Well, I'd wait until they announce it tomorrow, they may send you an email saying that they'll switch your order over to the new one.

[Pirate]

For $139, that almost makes it a throw away item. Buy it, use it and when something better/newer comes along just give it away for someone to try ebook readers and buy your self the something new. The WiFi version will also save Amazon a few pennies on book downloads.