Kindle 3 Review

Editor Rating:

Consumer Rating:

As of this writing, the Amazon Kindle 3 is the newest version of the e-book reader brand that was instrumental in transforming ereaders from mere electronic curiosities to full-fledged, mass-marketed, devices. It has the distinction of winning a 2010 CNET Editors’ Choice award, as well.

PROS

This third-generation Kindle has a more compact (lightweight) design, built in keyboard for making notes and searching for books or authors, higher contrast E-Ink screen that gives users the impression that they are reading an actual sheet of paper instead of a computer screen and a built-in (free to use) 3G wireless data network.

CONS

This version has just a few negative aspects. They include the lack of a memory expansion slot, no carrying case (separate purchase required) and somewhat sporadic connectivity issues with the free wireless network. Other complaints include the fact that this Kindle doesn’t support EPUB files and doesn’t have a color screen.

Design

The Amazon Kindle 3 weighs 8.5 ounces. It is one of the thinnest ereaders on the market, measuring 0.335 inches thick. The no glare screen measures a large 6 inches. The power switch is conveniently located on the bottom of the device. This Kindle features both “awake” and “sleep” modes and 50 different screensavers.

Content

Some people are under the mistaken impression that the Amazon Kindle 3 can only be used to read books. In reality, readers have the option of selecting other forms of media including magazines, newspapers and even blogs.

Typically, it takes roughly 60 seconds to purchase and start reading a book from the Kindle store…much less time for other types of media. Readers can download sample chapters of most books before they decide to buy. Many books are completely free to download as well. In the event a book is accidentally deleted, Amazon provides readers with a backup download link to each purchase, in their account.

Memory/Battery Life

The battery life of this Kindle has one of the longest in the industry. With the devices wireless feature turned off, the battery lasts for up to 1 month. With the wireless feature turned on, it lasts for up to 3 weeks. The device can be fully charged in 4.5 hours via a standard USB cable.

It has a 4 GB internal memory. However, only 3 are usable. This Kindle has the capacity to store up to 3,500 books, which users can choose from a library of over 700,000.

Additional Features

Additional features include an experimental menu that features a browser for web surfing, an MP3 player and a text-to-speech function, utilized by readers who wish to start listening to a book at a specific point. These features are in the testing phase and will be implemented in future generations, as Amazon sees fit. It also gives users the choice to upgrade from free Internet to Kindle 3G + WiFi, which typically provides a more stable connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this award winning Kindle is easy to use and packed with features that readers love. With its vast library, long battery life and free Internet, it ranks high above many of its contenders and is an ebook reader well worth the price.