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Kindle have recently launched their Latest Generation Kindle or the Kindle 3 as it is being called. It has all the great features of the Kindle plus several exciting improvements. And best of all it costs less than $200.

If you are not familiar with Kindle then here is a brief explanation. Kindle is a small light-weight reading device. It allows you to read books on its generous sized 6 inch screen. The text is crisp and the screen is designed to not hurt your eyes. You can read inside or outside in natural light with no problem. The great thing about the Kindle reading device is that it has a 3G wireless connection that means that you can access the internet for free. There are no monthly bills or any other hidden costs. The 3G connection has coverage in over 100 countries and in places in Europe and the States you can find a 3G hotspot just about anywhere. The free internet connection allows you to not only check your email but also to download books in as little as 60 seconds. The price of a new book is about $10, but there are also over 1.8 million out-of-copyright books that you can download for free. Any book published before 1923 is out of copyright and can be legally copied for free. This in itself makes it worth getting a Kindle if you love the classics. In effect you have access to more books than your local library and you don’t have to borrow the books you can own them.

Another great thing about the Kindle is that many of its books also come with audio files so you can listen to the book. This is great for those with poor eyesight.

Kindle is much better than its competitors in that not only is its technology tried and tested and without design faults but also Kindle have a significantly bigger library of free, old and new books on offer than any of its rivals. To use an old analogy: Kindle is the VHS version, the others Betamax.

Here are the improvements of the Kindle 3:

• New crisper, darker fonts

• 21% smaller body while maintaining the same 6 inch screen

• 15% lighter –now only 8.7 ounces

• Double the storage – now up to 3,500 books can be stored on a Kindle

• Built-in Wi-Fi

• 20% faster page turns

• Enhanced PDF reader with new improved dictionary, notes and highlights

• New Webkit-based browser

• Voice guide read-to-me menus

• Ability to play mP3 and other music files

• Solid graphite casing

From these specs it is easy to see that Kindle has done a lot to make the new Kindle 3 even more portable –they’ve made it lighter and smaller. They’ve also improved the readability of the device and dramatically increased the memory. Also they’ve made accessing audio files for books easier with a voice guide read-to-me application.

The other exciting innovation is the inclusion of a Wi-Fi connection. So now you have the option to connect to the internet via the 3G network or through Wi-Fi. I believe Kindle is moving towards complete internet compatibility. They have already included an experimental browser and if you look on the side of the new Kindle you will see a microphone jack. It will not be long before you will be able to Skype using your Kindle.

It is clearly Kindle’s commitment to innovation that makes it the best digital reading device on the market. Kindle has the most books available for download and offers the best access to the internet. It is clear to me that soon the Kindle will be in a position to challenge the iPod Touch and other Apple products.

For another perspective on the Kindle 3 read: Kindle 3 Review on Buy A Better Life.