Kindle Touch 3G $149
Top-of-the-line e-reader, with touch and free
3G wireless
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Technical Details
| Display | Amazon's 6" diagonal most advanced E Ink multi-touch display, optimized with proprietary waveform and font technology, 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 16-level grayscale. |
| Size (in inches) | 6.8" x 4.7" x 0.40" (172 mm x 120 mm x 10.1 mm). |
| Weight | 7.8 ounces (220 grams). |
| System Requirements | None, because it's wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content. |
On-device Storage | Up to 3,000 books or 4 GB internal (approximately 3 GB available for user content). |
| Cloud Storage | Free cloud storage for all Amazon content |
| Battery Life | A single charge lasts up to two months with wireless off based upon a half-hour of daily reading time. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to 3 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, downloading content, and web browsing (browsing available only in Wi-Fi mode). |
| Charge Time | Fully charges in approximately 4 hours via the included USB 2.0 cable connected to a computer. U.S. power adapter sold separately. |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not connect to WPA and WPA2 secured networks using 802.1X authentication methods; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
| 3G Connectivity | HSDPA modem (3G) with a fallback to EDGE/GPRS; utilizes Amazon Whispernet to provide wireless coverage via AT&T's 3G high-speed data network in the U.S. and partner networks outside of the U.S. |
| USB Port | USB 2.0 (micro-B connector) |
| Audio | 3.5 mm stereo audio jack, rear-mounted stereo speakers |
| Content Formats Supported | Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion. |
Warranty and Service | 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 2-year Protection Plan availabl for U.S. customers sold separately. |
Included in the Box | Kindle wireless e-reader, USB 2.0 cable, and Quick Start Guide. Power adapter sold separately. |
E Ink 101
If you're purchasing a device primarily for reading, an important consideration is the screen technology. Unlike devices with LCD screens, Kindle e-readers use the latest generation of Electronic Ink ("E Ink") technology – E Ink Pearl – designed specifically to deliver clearer, sharper text that makes reading for extended periods of time more comfortable. Here are some of the advantages to reading on an E Ink device:
Reads Like Real Paper, Even in Bright Sunlight
Reads Like Real Paper, Even in Bright Sunlight
E Ink screens look and read just like real paper. Kindle e-readers' matte screens reflect light like ordinary paper and use no backlighting, so you can read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room. Unlike LCD screens, E Ink screens have no glare.
Easy on the Eyes
Easy on the Eyes
E Ink uses actual ink particles to create crisp, print-like text similar to what you see in a physical book. And Kindle e-readers also use proprietary, hand-built fonts to take advantage of the special characteristics of the ink to make letters appear clear and sharp.
• Less eye fatigue: Every time your eye switches from a bright screen to a dimmer, ambient room, your eyes have to adjust, which may result in fatigue. With E Ink, the page is the same brightness as everything else in the room so there's no adjustment needed.
• Reduced glare: All E Ink surfaces are treated to be matte like a printed page, reducing glare and increasing legibility.
• Read in any position: E Ink screens have a uniform contrast ratio that does not change with your viewing angle, so you can read in any position.
• Sharp, clear text: E Ink screens have 100% aperture ratio, so there are no gaps between pixels. The blacks and whites on an E Ink screen are uniform, improving image quality.
• Reduced glare: All E Ink surfaces are treated to be matte like a printed page, reducing glare and increasing legibility.
• Read in any position: E Ink screens have a uniform contrast ratio that does not change with your viewing angle, so you can read in any position.
• Sharp, clear text: E Ink screens have 100% aperture ratio, so there are no gaps between pixels. The blacks and whites on an E Ink screen are uniform, improving image quality.
Read with One Hand
Ranging from 5.98 ounces to 8.7 ounces, Kindle e-readers are lighter than most paperback books, and weigh half as much as many LCD tablet devices, making it easy and comfortable to hold in one hand for extended periods of time.
Longer Battery Life
Longer Battery Life
Electronic ink screens also have the advantage of significantly lower power consumption than LCD screens. E Ink screens do not require power to maintain a page of text, allowing you to read for up to a month or two on a single charge versus hours on a tablet or smart phone.