Amazon's New Kindle, Kindle Kids Are the Lightest and Most Compact Ever
Amazon's redesigned, entry-level ereader is its smallest and most compact Kindle.
Reducing the size and weight doesn't mean skimping on features, though. Amazon upgraded the E Ink display to be 300ppi, while at the same time extending the battery life to up to six weeks and increasing the on-board storage to 16GB. Many will be pleased to hear Amazon has embraced USB-C charging and reduced charging time down from five to four hours, or just two hours if you use a 9W USB power adapter(Opens in a new window).
The old model this new Kindle replaces uses a 167ppi display, includes 8GB of storage, and lists battery life as simply "lasts weeks, not hours." It also cost $89.99(Opens in a new window), whereas the updated model starts at $99.99(Opens in a new window) with lock-screen ad support. If you don't want the ads, the price jumps up to $119.99. New fabric covers are available in Black, Rose, Denim, and Dark Emerald for $29.99.
The existing $109.99 Kindle Kids is also being upgraded with the same hardware improvements. It costs $119.99(Opens in a new window), but Amazon is including a cover and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides unlimited access to thousands of books and the ability to switch to listening instead of reading. Kids+ normally costs $7.99 per month ($4.99 per month for Prime members).
The new Kindle will be released on Oct. 12 in either Black or Denim case finishes. The new Kindle Kids is also launching on Oct. 12 with a choice of three cover designs: Ocean Explorer, Space Whale, and Unicorn Valley. Regardless of which one you buy, Amazon includes a USB charging cable (but no power adapter) in the box. Both are available to pre-order now.
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