Amazon Kindle 3 is the latest generation in the Kindle line. There are now 2 choices of this latest reader. The more expensive one has 3G access and wi-fi access, while the lower priced one has only the wi-fi access. This latest model has many new enhancements, which will probably make the previous model pale in comparison. Increased battery life, higher contrast screen and a smaller body are just a few of the enhancements.

Display: The new machine has a 50% increased screen contrast, which would make it the sharpest screen in the industry. This generation uses a new high contrast E-Ink technology and Amazon’s proprietary Waveform and font technology. This means 20% faster page turns and sharper, crisper fonts and images. At the risk of getting too technical, Amazon also uses a font-hinting technology which I would describe as  being almost intuitive in nature by virtue of the clever programming. Bottom line: All these combined technologies are designed to give the user a fantastic reading experience.

Dimensions: 7.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.335″ (190 mm x 123 mm x 8.5 mm).

This illustration shows the size differences between the latest and previous Kindles. This is taken directly from the Amazon website.

Weight: 8.7 ounces (247 grams).

Storage: 4 GB, of which roughly 3 GB is usable for content (approx. 3500 books)

Battery Life: On a single charge and wireless off, up to a month on the same charge. Keep the wireless on all the time and your time will drop to about 10 days. Charging your battery will take approximately 4.5 hours with the provided wall charger. Charging from your computer via the usb cable is also an option.

Audio: Speakers mounted at the rear and a 3.5 mm headphone jack (like the previous gen.)

Experimental: Amazon has some features they classify as experimental and simply because they are features that are on the Kindle but still being worked on. Amazon encourages your input on these features in the interest of making them even better.

The Text-to-Speech: The Kindle can read books, magazines, blogs and newspapers to you in English. The Text-to-Speech feature also extends to the menu so you can navigate the Kindle without having to read your choices.

Webkit Browser: You can browse the internet via this browser which was designed for the Kindle. It is supposed to provide a better surfing experience while using the Kindle.

MP3: Listen to background music at your leisure. Transferring files to the Kindle is done via usb and your computer, much like any other mp3 player.

Whispersync: The Whispersync technology enables you to read a few pages on one of your other devices (like your blackberry or computer) and then return to your Kindle right where you left off on your other device. Very cool.

Overall: This promises to be a marvelous unit with all the enhancements over the previous generation.  Obviously there is a lot of overlap but the emphasis for upgrades was definitely placed in the right areas such as battery life, storage capacity, sharper reading screen and overall size of the unit. There’s also an improved pdf reader in the Kindle which makes viewing your personal documents a snap. To view Amazon’s spec. sheet on the Kindle 3 have a look here Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6″ Display, White, 3G Works Globally – Latest Generation – Specs.

Here’s a little advert for the Kindle 3 – 3G + Wifi. Enjoy!