Best E-readers.com

The Kindle Touch 3G, the more complete yet also more expensive companion to the Kindle Touch, continues its predecessors’ great reading tradition. If one is expecting a revolutionary device, however, the Kindle Touch 3G will disappoint. In fact, the device is more of a bandwagon-jumper: it now sports nearly the same minimalist look and infrared-based touch technology that the Nook Touch and the Kobo Touch have. From a design standpoint, it’s as though the Kindle Touch 3G came from the same mold as its rivals. Further inspection, however reveals features and functionality uniquely Kindle’s.

 

Features – Hardware and Software

 

Amazon has given its Kindle a complete redesign. The characteristic QWERTY keyboard and page turn buttons found on previous models have been ditched for touch-based interface. Like the Nook Touch and the Kobo Touch, the eInk Pearl display of the new Kindle eReader is coated with a highly sensitive infrared sensor, which quickly detects touch input. As a result, the Kindle Touch 3G is sleeker, lighter, and more compact than the Kindle 3G.

Amazon also tweaked the touch surface to make it more user-friendly. With the Nook Touch and Kobo Touch, you need to swipe the corner of the screen to flip a page, causing finger fatigue over time. With the Kindle Touch, simply tap the screen to open a new page or go back to the previous page. Because there are page-turn points on both sides of the screen, users can hold the device and turn pages comfortably with either hand. The touchscreen quickly responds to touch or swipe, and it refreshes only once every six or seven pages. Heavier tasks, such as book search, results in larger screen refresh. Overall, the Kindle Touch 3G performs activities quite fast for an eInk device.

 

There are a few software additions, but they do enhance the reading experience. One is the X-Ray Feature, a metadata that provides information about the books you are reading from sources like Wikepedia. The Kindle Touch 3G now has a library book support, which was previously a popular consumer demand.

The Kindle Touch 3G shares nearly all features with the Kindle Touch. There are two main differences/ One, the Kindle Touch 3G is integrated with a 3G chip, allowing users to browse the web or shop and download books on the go. As with the current models, Amazon foots the bill. At 7.8 ounces, the Kindle Touch 3G is slightly heavier – 0.3 ounces to be exact — than the WiFi-only version.

 

Pros

 

The Kindle Touch 3G is small, light, and very easy to use. The touch interface makes navigation fast and easy. Free 3G wireless connects you to the World Wide Web 24/7, and yet you have no monthly fees or annual contracts to worry about. The 3G wireless works globally, too. All purchased Kindle books are automatically stored in the cloud so you never lost a copy. If you run out of library space for your eBooks, no need to purchase an SD card; you can store them in the cloud, too. Cloud storage service is free for Kindle books.

 

Cons

 

The Kindle Touch 3G still lacks ePub support, so consumers are still tied to the Amazon Kindle eBookstore. Owners don’t have the freedom to purchase from other eBook shops.

 

The Bottom Line

 

The Kindle Touch 3G offers the same Kindle reading experience in a sleeker, more ergonomic package. There are two versions available. The model with Special Offers will retail for $149, while the ad-free version will cost $189. Both models will ship the second week of November.

What’s in a Box: - Kindle Touch 3G - USB Adaptor - User Guide

Main Features - 6-inch eInk Pearl display with infrared-based touch technology - Touch navigation, on-screen keyboard - Dimension: 6.8 x 4.7 x 0.40 inches - WiFi (free WiFi access at AT&T hotspots) + free 3G - On-device storage: 4GB for 3,000 books - 2-month battery life (with wireless off), 3 weeks with wireless on - Weighs 7.8 ounces Key Features - Loads of software features - Experimental web browser - Adjustable texts and font sizes - Multiple language support - Notes and sharing features - Real page numbers on eBooks - Book lending support - Password protection - Text-to-speech; audio support