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Amazon's 2011 Kindle, Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G (hands-on photos)

A look at the three varities of e-Ink Kindle products announced by Amazon for 2011.

David Katzmaier
David leads the editorial team at CNET. We create expert reviews, articles and video on every aspect of technology, from AI to Zoox. We are thoroughly, proudly human.
David Katzmaier
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1 of 9Sarah Tew/CNET

Amazon's 2011 Kindle lineup

In addition to the Kindle Fire tablet, Amazon has announced a new lineup of three e-ink readers for 2011 to replace the current Kindle released in 2010.

Each of the non-Fire Kindles is available at different pricing depending on whether you want "special offers" advertising. The prices shown are for the "special offers" versions; the premium to avoid advertising is $30 for the Kindle and Kindle Touch, and $40 for the Kindle Touch 3G.

Read the full comparison between the new e-ink Kindles.

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$79 Kindle with special offers

The basic Kindle costs just $79, and loses the keyboard associated with the old version. Unlike more expensive versions it doesn't have a touch screen.
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$79 Kindle: smaller and lighter

It also has an 18 percent smaller body (6.5" x 4.5" x 0.34") compared to the current Kindle and weighs 30 percent less at 5.98 ounces.
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$79 Kindle: Back view

The metallic construction looks solid.
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$79 Kindle: USB and power

Since all Kindles use Wi-Fi for downloads, the principal use for the USB port will be recharging. Amazon claims "one month on a single charge with wireless off and a half-hour of reading per day."
007AmazonKindle_Fire_Presser2011.jpg
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Kindle Touch/3G

The Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G incorporate a touch screen, cost $99 and $149 respectively (with special offers), and look basically identical. There are no physical buttons on the device; those slits at bottom conceal a speaker.
008AmazonKindle_Fire_Presser2011.jpg
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X-Ray feature

A new X-ray feature is said to expose the "bones of the book."
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X-ray in action

Clicking on a mention within X-ray brings up the relevant passages in the book.
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9 of 9Sarah Tew/CNET

Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G: Back view

The Touch and Kindle 3G are also a bit bigger and heavier than the standard, non-touch Kindle at 6.8" x 4.7" x 0.40" and 7.5 ounces (7.8 for the 3G).

Read the full comparison between the new e-ink Kindles.

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