What Is the New Kindle From Amazon?

The technology in the new Amazon Kindle helps the device compete in a crowded e-reader market. The new Kindle, released in 2010, lets users download and read books from almost anywhere. The evolution and enhancement of e-book readers is rapidly changing the publishing industry.

Increased Storage Space

The new Kindle has double the storage space--enough for approximately 3,500 books. The 4GB of storage space provides plenty of space to build a mobile e-book collection. The device also stores PDF documents, letting you keep personal files or research on the Kindle for easy access when you're away from the computer. The new Kindle also makes reading, highlighting and taking notes in PDF files more user-friendly.

Body Alterations

The new Amazon Kindle is more slim than the previous version. The current version is 8 1/2 oz. and razor thin, making the device easy to hold for hours on end. The page turning buttons are silent and the device now is also available in dark gray. The screen size stays the same, but the device is overall smaller.

Longer Battery Life and Network Access

The new Kindle also boasts a battery that lasts one month on a full charge without the Wi-Fi activated. According to Amazon, the device lasts three weeks with Wi-Fi activated on a full charge. Kindle comes with Wi-Fi capability, and for a slightly higher price users can get 3G capability as well. The 3G service is provided by AT&T, similar to the original Kindle. There is no monthly fee to use 3G if you have a 3G-capable device--that cost is covered by Amazon.

Better Display and Keyboard

The new Kindle screen offers 50 percent more screen contrast than the original Kindle. The new Kindle uses E Ink on its 6-inch display, similar to the original Kindle. The new display technology closely mimics the dynamics of ink on paper, making the device easy to read over long periods of time. The new keyboard incorporates a five-way controller to better control the highlighting functions and on-screen navigation.

References

• "New York Times;" New Kindle Leaves Rivals Farther Behind; David Pogue; August 2010
• Amazon: Kindle Wireless Reading Device
• Business Wire: Prime View Reaches Agreement to Acquire E Ink

About the Author

Crystal Street is a documentary photographer, an award-winning freelance multimedia producer and writer who is currently based out of Arizona. Street has worked throughout the developing world and studied visual communications at The School of Journalism and Mass Communications at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Photo Credits

• Spencer Platt/Getty Images News/Getty Images