June 7, 2011. Paul Hixon
The Amazon Kindle 3 has set the new benchmark for eReaders on the market. A much improved device from the Kindle 2, the Kindle 3 adds Wi-Fi as standard and the option of 3G connectivity for an additional price.
The addition of 3G makes the process of accessing new content for the Kindle 3 very simple, and has transformed the Kindle 3 into a product that can easily be used and updated wherever a 3G network exists. The Kindle 3 has also been made smaller and lighter but with the same size screen as previous models. The reduced size means that the Kindle 3 has become a device that can realistically be carried in a pocket or purse and carried wherever you go. The battery life has also been dramatically improved over previous models, with 1 month worth of reading possible when the Wi-Fi is turned off. Memory has also had a boost with 3500 books being able to be stored on its 4Gb memory. All of these improvements show why if you are even considering purchasing an eReader, you should look to buy a Kindle 3. The Kindle 3 is only available through Amazon and is currently their most popular item on the whole site. Prices start at $139 for the Wi-Fi version, or $189 for the Wi-Fi + 3G version. With over 500,000 eBooks available for purchase through Amazon there is a wealth of material to choose from and this content is growing all the time. So which Kindle 3 version should you buy? Well, this depends on whether you will have access to either Wi-Fi or 3G. Whilst most modern mobile networks already have, or are introducing, 3G capability, there remain large areas where the network access if limited or patchy. There are also some countries outside of the US that do not have any 3G networks. If this is the case for you then it is hardly worth paying the extra $50 for 3G if there is litlle likelihood you will ever use it. However if you do have access to 3G netowrks then the 3G Kindle 3 is definatelyt he one to opt for as it makes downloading content very much easier.
Updated June 7, 2011. Published February 8, 2011. Paul Hixon
