Much-awaited first tablet computer, the Kindle Fire has been rolled out by the Amazon on Wednesday at a media event in New York. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon has not only launched its new 7-inch Android tablet at a media event but also unveiled 3 new versions of the Kindle eBook readers, including Kindle - a basic model for $79, Kindle Touch - a touchscreen version for $99 & Kindle Touch 3G - a touchscreen with 3G wireless service for $149; all with black-and-white screens. The addition of 3 brand new cheap-as-chips Kindles to Amazon’s e-reader line is a smart move taken by the company.

Amazon had about 90,000 books to offer to its readers when the Kindle was launched four years ago. Right now, Amazon has more than 1 million books that don’t even contain the copyright-free texts. Since its original launch, the Kindle is the best-selling e-reader in the world. The new Kindles launched by the Amazon founder have the potential to redesign the market for "tablet computers" - a confusing place as it consists of products with very different prices, pedigrees, and purposes.

Kindle

The base model and "fits in your pocket" version of the basic e-reader, Kindle is available now at only $79.00. It is the best e-reader for those who don’t care about having a touch device. It has 6″ 600×800 sixteen shades of grey E-Ink display and weighs 5.98 ounces. It measures 6.5″ x 4.5″ x 0.34″ and sports a 5 way controller for navigation. It is 18% smaller and 30% lighter than its predecessors. It doesn’t include 3G but it comes with 802.11b/g/n networking and USB connectivity options.

Its size has been reduced due to the absence of a keyboard. To input text, you can use the D-pad & buttons to scroll around and on-screen keyboard & select one letter at the same time. In fact, it is a read-only device. It comes with 2GB of memory; 1.25GB user memory available. It can store 1,400 books at a time. It is available at $79.00 with special offers aka advertising. If you want to purchase it without advertising, then you have to pay $109.00.

Kindle Touch

The Kindle Touch has the same display as the base model but it comes with the IR touch screen display, similar to the latest Kobo and Nook. Kindle Touch has no keyboard; it relies on the screen for input. It has a new page-turning system; you can tap anywhere on the right to go forward and tap in a narrow strip on the left to go back. To go into the menu, just tap the middle column. You can easily do it with only one hand. It weighs 7.5 ounces and measures 6.8″ x 4.7″ x 0.40″. Its connectivity options include 802.11b/g/n and USB.

Kindle Touch is also smaller and lighter than the third-generation Kindle. It comes with a new feature, named X-Ray that allows you flesh out your understanding of a book without internet. It also comes loaded with audio along with built in speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack that lets for audio books, music playback, and text-to-speech. It has in-built 4GB total storage, with 3GB user available. The Wikipedia information is also downloaded with this Kindle as a side file along with the text. It can also search for historical figures, and fictional characters. The Kindle Touch will be sold at two price points - $99.00 with special offers, and $139.00 without.

Kindle Touch 3G

A third Kindle, called the Kindle Touch 3G is also launched by the Amazon. As its name suggest, it will come with a touch screen and 3G internet capability. Basically, it has the same features as the Kindle Touch, with just the addition of free 3G wireless support. There is no annual contract or monthly fees and commitment period, and it works in 100 countries. By just paying $50 more, you will get lifetime wireless data around the world. It makes the use of HSDPA, with a fall-back to EDGE/GPRS, on network of AT&T in the US.

The weight of the Kindle Touch 3G is slightly heavier at 7.8 ounces; however everything else is the same. Preorders for the Kindle Touch 3G have been already started and they will ship from November 21, just in time for holiday season. If you want connectivity on the go, then the Kindle Touch 3G is the best option for you. It will be slightly more expensive; priced at $149.00 with special offers and $189.00 without offers.

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