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Kindle review

7.9/10 AVG.
RATING
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Kindle
Kindle
Kindle
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7.9/10
Informr score
The Kindle currently has an Informr score of 7.9 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 9 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The new Amazon Kindle is one of Amazon’s most advanced e-ink screen-equipped e-book reading devices to date. It weighs less than 6 ounces and has an 18% smaller body than it predecessor, yet it offers the same amount of onboard storage space and better performance in terms of usage and battery life. To top it all off, it can be bought from Amazon in the US for only $79. That’s one bargain that’s definitely hard to pass up.

Many have referred to the Amazon Kindle e-book reader as the absolute best e-book reading device there is. It has a 6-inch e-ink Pearl screen, up to 1 month of battery life, and the ability to hold up to 1,400 books so that you can carry your entire library and more with you wherever you go. It also has built-in Wi-FI, which lets users access the digital content they’ve got stored in Amazon’s servers in the cloud, so getting new books in and out of the device is no problem at all. And all of these features are contained securely in a case that’s thin and light enough to carry in your pocket.

This Kindle works with regular USB 2.0 ports and supports a wide range of digital content formats such as TXT, PDF,MOBI, DOC, DOCX, JPG, HTML, and Kindle’s own AZW. The base model is priced so low because it is ad-supported, meaning ads show up on the screen every now and then while reading—though they are fairly unobtrusive. Those who have wanted to purchase and use a no-frills e-book reader that’s easy on the eyes as well as on the wallet have gone with the Amazon Kindle and never looked back.

Need To Know: Amazon Kindle

1. 6-inch e-ink Pearl screen is among the best in its class and really helps users maximize and prolong battery life. (The Good)

2. Built-in Wi-Fi helps users sync their digital content wirelessly any time there is an open Wi-Fi network. (The Good)

3. Lack of microSD card support limits maximum number of books or documents that can be stored on the device. (The Bad)

4. Lack of built-in backlighting mandates the use of cases with lights on them or avoiding reading at night altogether. (The Bad)


6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6"
No
Backlight
Backlight
No
2 GB
Storage
Storage
2 GB
No
3G
3G
No
-
Reading Time


What the Critics Are Saying...


Recombu
Recombu

With the Kindle Fire on the way - although we’ve yet to have a date of when this will come to the UK. It’s easy to think ‘I’ll hang on for that.’ And if you are looking for a tablet/e-reader that might be a wise move. However if your main priority from a portable device is reading, then the Kindle s...

- Hannah Bouckley, Recombu
TechCrunch
TechCrunch

As I said before, the Nook Tablet is an ereader with extras. You’re looking at a nice media device that also displays books. It has a few near-fatal flaws, but those can be remedied by the tech-savvy and ignored by everyone else. As it stands it is a strong and impressive improvement to the un...

- John Biggs, TechCrunch
TabletPCReview
TabletPCReview

Since the new Kindle is missing several features that have been hallmarks of the original line since its introduction, notably the physical keyboard, music playback, and text to speech, this model really shouldn't be considered and upgrade for current owners or for students and others who want to ta...

- Jen Edwards, TabletPCReview
AnandTech
AnandTech

This new, low-end Kindle isn’t necessarily designed to be anyone’s first Kindle or anyone’s only Kindle, though its impulse-buy price will ensure that it is purchased as one or both. For that, I would look to the Kindle Touch, which will offer up much simpler and more intuitive nav...

- Andrew Cunningham, AnandTech
TechRadar
TechRadar

The Amazon Kindle is small and light, has access to the largest selection of ebooks, and has thoroughly road-tested software in its fourth iteration. It's screen is state of the art and a pleasure to read on, and of course it now costs just £89.  If you want a straightforward dedicated er...

- Stuart Anderton, TechRadar


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Quick view

Screen Size
6"

The Kindle's screen size is 6 inches with x pixels resolution.

Backlight
No

There is no built-in backlight.

Storage
2 GB

Internal memory is 2 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

3G
No

This model has no 3G wireless capabilities.

Kindle Specs

Overview
Release Date September 28, 2011
Regions Available USA, Canada
Networks
SIM Card Size No
Operating System No

Compare Kindle OS Smartphones

Processor Cortex-A8 800 MHz
Internal Storage 2 GB
RAM No
ROM No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Languages English
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Data Cable, Manual
Power & battery
Battery Capacity No
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Reading Time Unknown
Standby Time Up to 30 days
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Gray
Dimensions [H x W x D] 16.5 x 11.4 x 0.9 cm (6.5 x 4.5 x 0.4 in)
Weight 170 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Display / Screen
Type Grayscale
Technology E-ink
Colors Unknown
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 6 inches
Backlit Illumination No
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Anti Glare No
Additional Display Features -
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen No
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Page Turn Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock No
External Volume Control No
Fingerprint Sensor No
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser Yes
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Encryption WPA/WPA2
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info No
PC Synchronization No
Audio / Video
Audio Playback No
Audio Formats No
Video Playback No
Video Playback Formats No
Streaming Video No
External Speakers No
Vibration Alert No
Content Formats Supported
Content Formats Supported No
More
Additional Information
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Kindle Reviews
Where to buy Kindle
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