subject: Amazon's Third Generation Kindle Is The Market Leader By A Long Way [print this page] The newly released third generation Amazon Kindle reader is selling like hot cakes. It is, according to Amazon, selling more rapidly than any previous version of the Kindle did during the equivalent post launch period. It's a far cry from the doom laden scenario for the Kindle which many reviewers predicted in the aftermath of the launch of the Apple iPad.
Despite the hype surrounding the iPad, and despite the complaints from some quarters regarding the lack of a color screen, the inability to play video and a web browser which is rudimentary at best, Amazon has stuck to its guns and held its position that the Kindle is a device which is intended to be used as a specialist e-book reader. The end result is that the Kindle reader is, by a long way, the best and most popular e-book reader to be found on the market at the moment.
The new third generation Kindle features a host of upgrades and enhancements. However, it's very evident that these are all focused on improving the performance of the Kindle as an e-book reader as opposed to introducing new functions in different areas which might make the device more multi-functional (like the iPad for example).
One of the most critical characteristics for any e-book reader is the display. The already excellent e-ink technology display has had its contrast increased by 50%. This means that it is even better to read on. The display remains the same size at 6" across the diagonal - but the overall size and weight of the Kindle has been reduced.
In addition to the reduced physical dimensions, a revamped QWERTY keyboard - which now has four rows of keys instead of previous five - the use of smaller buttons, to turn the page and the repositioning of the D-pad control, mean that the Kindle is even easier to use with only one hand than it was previously. Navigation is a breeze on the new Kindle.
The battery life has also been extended. Up to a month between charges is now possible with the Wi-Fi switched off. Memory storage is doubled from 2GB to 4GB. That's sufficient for up to 3,500 books.
One of the biggest innovations has to be the introduction of a Wi-Fi only model priced at only $ 139. This is perfect for someone who doesn't have any requirement for 3G connectivity. The Wi-Fi plus 3G model is on sale for $ 189. Which one you choose will depend upon your own individual needs - but the fact that both have lifetime internet access included in the purchase price, and that there are no monthly fees, remains a big advantage for the Kindle.
In spite of the continuing success of the Kindle, Amazon is far from complacent concerning its future development. They are actively researching color e-ink technology screens, looking at options for touch screens that retain the readability of the current e-ink technology and looking into quicker refresh rates for their displays. There are even rumours that they may be considering research and development of other personal electronic devices. There's no sign of Amazon becoming complacent.
However, it's quite obvious that Amazon will only release new technology when it has been developed to a point where it will genuinely enhance the user experience. Amazon are clearly not going release a color screen just because the iPad has one, or a touch screen because Sony's reader has one. They seem content to make their best selling e-book reader the best - of its kind - on the market. It seems to be a very successful policy for them.
