In addition to the Kindle Fire tablet, Amazon has announced a new lineup of three e-ink readers for 2011 to replace the current Kindle released in 2010.
Each of the non-Fire Kindles is available at different pricing depending on whether you want "special offers" advertising. The prices shown are for the "special offers" versions; the premium to avoid advertising is $30 for the Kindle and Kindle Touch, and $40 for the Kindle Touch 3G.
The basic Kindle costs just $79, and loses the keyboard associated with the old version. Unlike more expensive versions it doesn't have a touch screen.
3 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
$79 Kindle: smaller and lighter
It also has an 18 percent smaller body (6.5" x 4.5" x 0.34") compared to the current Kindle and weighs 30 percent less at 5.98 ounces.
4 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
$79 Kindle: Back view
The metallic construction looks solid.
5 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
$79 Kindle: USB and power
Since all Kindles use Wi-Fi for downloads, the principal use for the USB port will be recharging. Amazon claims "one month on a single charge with wireless off and a half-hour of reading per day."
6 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
Kindle Touch/3G
The Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G incorporate a touch screen, cost $99 and $149 respectively (with special offers), and look basically identical. There are no physical buttons on the device; those slits at bottom conceal a speaker.
7 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
X-Ray feature
A new X-ray feature is said to expose the "bones of the book."
8 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
X-ray in action
Clicking on a mention within X-ray brings up the relevant passages in the book.
9 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET
Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G: Back view
The Touch and Kindle 3G are also a bit bigger and heavier than the standard, non-touch Kindle at 6.8" x 4.7" x 0.40" and 7.5 ounces (7.8 for the 3G).
