Update: The Kindle 4 is ready to buy now. The lowest priced Kindle Reader yet, it is available both with or without sponsored ads and screensavers. Pictured on the right the new sleeker design is also adopted by the new Kindle Touch Reader.
Kindle 4 Hands On Review
Well I’ve been playing with my new Kindles for a while now, and I have to say I am never going back to the keyboard model! Of course you can read the more technical details of the ebook readers below. But if you would like a completely unscientific look at why I think this is the best Kindle yet, here we go:
Kindle 4 Plus Points
- Well the price is pretty amazing, but then I’m not paying for things I personally don’t need (but others might use).
- No ugly keyboard! Just a simple 5 way controller and 4 buttons for things like the home screen. It’s really easy to use.
- Improved paddles for page turning (I used to knock them somehow on the 3rd generation model).
- Unbelievably light and small – it makes the older models feel huge!
- Totally intuitive to use immediately.
The Potential Down-side
- No audio – I never use it so not an issue for me.
- Only comes with wi-fi (there isn’t a 3G option) which is fine so long as you have a wireless home router or spend lots of time at Starbucks!
- Half the memory (2GB) of other models. But you still have unlimited online storage for Kindle books so this isn’t a biggie for most of us.
- Smaller battery (part of the reason its so small and light) means you’ll have to find the charger every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Typing is a bit of a chore using a virtual keypad and arrows, but then I found it a nightmare on the tiny old keyboard and am happier to save all my typing needs for when the laptop is on!
Kindle 4 Verdict?
Well, you can probably tell I personally love the latest dinky little ebook reader. But, I do understand it isn’t for everyone. If you need 3G or you love typing on your Kindle this probably isn’t the best one for you.
But at the price, it is exactly what it should be; a dedicated eBook Reader that excels at being just that and doesn’t waste time trying to be much more!
The Kindle 4 Announcement:
It was a relative surprise announcement that more than one new reader would be introduced in the autumn of 2011. We were expecting a tablet, but not to get a whole range of new e-ink based products too.
All the new Kindles come without the traditional keypad used on earlier models. Some will love this, but others that do order content, or surf directly on their current ebook reader might not be quite so comfortable using the on screen keypad included in the new models.
New Kindle 4 Specification
Well the latest line of ebook readers are smaller, lighter and faster than the previous models. The same Pearl E-ink is being used for the displays so don’t expect any difference to how great text looks on these little beauties. The key points that most of us will want to know are:
1 Kindle 4 Details
This is smaller than ever with a size of 6.5″ x 4.5″ x 0.34″ and a weight of only 5.98 ounces. The storage capacity is less than previous models but still good enough for most of us at around 2GB or 1400 books. The battery is smaller (and lighter) too, so this will only last around a month.
There is no keypad, instead you use the five way controller for everything. An on screen keypad which you will need to navigate with the controller can be used for notes etc. For those of us that really do simply want to read on their Kindle this is not an issue, and personally I think it is worth it to do away with the extra space the keypad takes up.
The very best bit is that the 4th generation Kindle is cheap, really cheap. On release they are priced at $79 for one with sponsored ads and special offers, or $109 for the ad-free model.
This is a nice little package, it comes with wi-fi only and has smoother, faster page turns than previous models.
The perfect budget Kindle for those that love to read.
It doesn’t have any audio, unlike the rest of the ebook reader range.
2. Kindle Touch Details
Also released on 28th Sept was the Kindle Touch Reader. You can pre-order now and shipping is scheduled to begin around 21st November. This makes it pretty likely to be something of a panic buy for Christmas since we don’t know just how much stock will be available then. No surprise then that lots of people are ordering very early in deed!
Anyway, what do we want to know about this then?
Well, firstly this has the same battery, display and storage as the Kindle 3 (now called the Kindle Keyboard). Where it differs is in size, look and navigation. The whole thing is smaller at 6.8″ x 4.7″ x 0.40″ and only 7.5 (wi-fi) or 7.8 (wi-fi + 3G) ounces.
There are actually four versions available. They are all pretty much identical. A version with only wi-fi comes with or without sponsored ads, and a version with both 3G and wi-fi comes in the two choices as well.
The big change is the use of touch-screen technology. The keypad is gone and there are no external controls, everything is done with touch. Because IR touch technology is used there is no extra layer on the display so moving to touch-screen has no impact in the clarity of the view.
Kindle 4 – Better Than the Old Ones?
This is difficult. If you love keypads you won’t like the new models! But don’t panic as the keyboard models are still being sold anyway. Personally I think the smaller and lighter feel more than makes up for the loss of a keyboard. Plus you get X-ray technology that lets you find out tons of cool information about whatever you’re reading.
The actual displays are still 6″ but you get to hold a lighter even more portable gadget which I think makes the Kindle 4 and Kindle Touch better than the rest. But, I don’t type on my reader!
And now back to our original article…
We just love the Kindle here. But, we also love new things, advances in technology and the chance for a gadget that is already great, to become even more fantastic. That’s why we’re already wondering about the Kindle 4. What will we be offered next by the world’s best selling ebook reader?
Kindle 4 Possibilities
Well of course Amazon aren’t going to let on yet, as to what their next generation reader will be like. But, based on consumer likes, market trends, and some cool advances in the technology behind these electronic reading devices, we can make a few educated guesses as to what it will be like:
- Full color Kindle? Until recently this seemed like something only likely in the far distant future. But since the guys that make e-ink have now created a full color version of their display technology (e-ink Triton) this is perhaps not so unrealistic. In fact Hanvon are already set to give the world the first color e-Reader based on this technology late in 2011.
- Kindle Touch Screen? The world, it seems has yet to get over its fascination with touch screen technology. In fact, one of the things that people now tend to do when given a new gadget with a relatively large display, is to touch it. We find touch technology really easy to navigate and are demanding it for more and more of our personal electronics. Since rumours began in Jan 2010 that Amazon had bought out a touchscreen display technology company, it seems like this advancement is bound to come sooner or later.
- A 7″ Kindle? With the tablet pc growing more popular by the day, and the Nook Color giving us a slightly larger ebook reader it might make sense for Amazon to do the same. If a new seven inch Kindle display version were released it might provide a good vehicle for offering the more costly options of touch-screen and full color, without eliminating the great Kindle 3 and its super low price-tag. It might also prove to be a far more popular “larger” Kindle Reader than the nearly dead in the water DX.
Would We Buy the Kindle 4?
We know what is possible for the next generation reader, but would any of us actually want these options?
With regards to the Kindle in Color? Well, to be honest I am pretty sure that the majority of current Kindle owners are more than happy with monochrome displays since they are primarily reading fiction. But that isn’t to say that a color option might improve take up with young families as it would really bring the bed-time story into the digital age.
And, a Kindle Touch? Well this advancement I believe simply has to come if Amazon expect to keep their customer base away from more slick, touchy-feely tablets. Plus it would mean they could do away with the keypad, modernising the design with the option to make the whole thing smaller (yet keep the same 6″ display), or keep it the same size and give us a slightly larger display. You can see how much can be shaved off the size with the same display if you move to touchscreens by comparing the latest Sony Reader against the current Kindle 3.
And a 7″ Kindle Reader? This one, I am not so sure about. It does make sense to perhaps add a new reader to the range. One that is a little larger (yet not so bulky as the DX) and give it color. This would be far more useful for those wanting to view images, graphs and charts, magazine subscriptions, or children’s story books.
For my personal reading habits, the current six inch monochrome is just perfect, but I would consider a touch-screen a and doing away with the keypad a great move. I can see others being tempted by something a little larger and in full color too.
Kindle 4 Release Date
The official release date of the Kindle 4 is 28th September. The Touch Screen Kindle will start shipping around 21st November, but is available from 28th September.
This is What Our Readers Wanted From the 4th Generation Kindle:
What would you like from the Kindle 4?
- Full color display (66%, 1,438 Votes)
- Touch-screen (63%, 1,365 Votes)
- Expandable memory (34%, 743 Votes)
- Bigger screen (34%, 734 Votes)
- User replaceable battery (22%, 485 Votes)
- Better foreign character support (13%, 282 Votes)
- Something else - tell us in the comments! (4%, 77 Votes)
Total Voters: 2,172
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I would like the Kindle to read ePub files.
I agree 100%
Would love a lighted screen –the added light is cumbersome and awkward.
I totally agree, would be very beneficial, or to have the option of having the e-ink technology switched off so that we could use the backlight of the device.
This defeats the purpose of the e-ink reader though. If you want a backlight just buy an ipad. The e-ink is what makes people want to buy this nooks or kindles in the first place.
How come you don’t like the light built into the beautiful leather protective book case? I find the $60, though expensive, is perfect as it not only protects the Kindle, but the flap can be used to prop up the book.
7-8″ screen
I would love to be notified when the color kindle comes out.
An alternative to cheap and nasty grey plastic housings. Black for example if in plastic, but better still some nice coloured anodised aluminium…like the Sony reader, or those nice super quality black or white items of gorgeousness that Apple do so well. We are not all buying on a slimline budget .
I would like the text to speech functionality continued.
I so agree! In fact, I now use that feature when in the car. I’m a much more relaxed driver.
improved text to speech would be a huge improvement.
They need to work on improving their directory structure; as it is, it is abominable. It should function like any other external drive, and users should be able to manage content from their computers/other devices, with the option of multi-tiered folders. I have long felt that the absence of a SD slot is a detriment to this device; however, if users can’t realistically manage their collection, due to organization constraints, what use is extra space?
I also see color as a boon to students with text books, or just science/art/information fans in general, provided the screen is a tad larger, and PDF handling is improved. I don’t particularly have a need for a touch screen (shrug), but it wouldn’t bother me (provided it didn’t: a) drain the battery faster, b) significantly increase cost, c) cause significantly more mechanical/software failures, d) smudge; and provided they had a well thought out interface to accompany it).
> They need to work on improving their directory structure
Yes, that bugs me as well.
Google’s Honeycomb, possible solar power option. Would be willing to wait a year if the recenly announced technologies can enhance the new Kindle into something more amazing than the current Kindle 3.
I desperately want a remote way to turn the pages. It could be a plunger or click button, wired, wireless, I don’t care. I just want a way to turn the pages without having my hand on the device.
Ditto times ten squared! If I had to choose only one new feature, that would be it!
Me too – a remote would make it so much easier to read when on the treadmill at the gym………I even emailed Amazon about it and they “said” that they were working on a remote for future models, so let’s hope that is true.
I’ll just wait and see. Actually 3 is enough for me, but ‘ll have a look at 4. then if I dont like it, i’ll just go with the discounted 3.
Epub facilty so that I can borrow library books
I want to purchase a kindle DX now, however if you all will come out with one in a color one , then I would love to receive information on release date and Price.
Like the others I will wait and see what the 4 looks like – I like the idea of a larger screen the opportinity of introducing a touch screen as well and idea of the international aspect sounds great.
I just want more improved durability of display pannel. really so many readers want this.
am i the only one that wants *NO* keyboard? i never use it! ditch and make the whole thing that much lighter and smaller. and beach-proof.
I would like a really good document reader and editor, something I could use in meetings and on the road and sync with a PC. Like Docs to Go. The B&W Kindle as a low power all-purpose reader/editor makes sense. Email would make sense too. Anything that doesn’t compromise the hardware.
I would like to be updated on new kindle information and details about its release
i want to know when the kindle 4 is coming out
plese notify when Kindle is being released.
i am expecting the kindle 4, sounds great.
I love my Kindle 2, but would like to reflect ‘page’ numbers instead of line numbers. It’s annoying to try to give someone else(who is reading the actual book) a quote, or tell them to look at a certain passage when you don’t have page numbers to refer to on the Kindle.
If Kindle comes out with a color model, it would be great for magazines and apps, but I’d still want the option of ‘e-ink’ to read my books. Reading a back lit screen for hours creates alot of eye strain.
Can’t wait to hear more about this
Solar battery!
please email me when the kindle 4 is for sale
I’d like to be able to lend books out for a longer period of time, use a touchscreen, and have enough memory to play audiobooks without draining the battery. Please let me know when the Kindle 4 is available. Thanks!
Maybe wireless 3G Email and Net included so I can ditch my net book. Nice! but not really necessary for me – color or touch.
Please let me know when Kindle 4 is available or any new news about it.
I would just like something to read academic pdfs properly. Probably a touch kindle with the same size but with a larger screen would do it perfectly. Please notify me when kindle 4 is available. Thanks!
I love the kindle 3. I actually bought it for a mothers day gift and fell in love as I was messing around with it before giving it to her. But now i’m thinking i should wait until the kindle 4 is released… but who knows when that will be! I don’t want to wait any longer than 2 months.
Please notify me when the Kindle color is released.
As a true bookworm I am considering a Kindle and I know it already does basic web browsing. My reading material plus improved browsing and e-mail function on the move is all I need.I can carry this easily along with my very basic mobile phone. Who really needs an iphone?
Please let me know when Kindle 4 arrives so I can check the enhancements.
Would like to see larger print for the vision impaired.
@ Rose – the current Kindle 3 already offers very large font sizes that I don’t really think could be improved upon and still let the text make sense.
I would love to see the new kindle in full color. It is fine now for reading fiction, but my kids would love the color story books.
I have been holding off on buying a Kindle since they came out, and want to buy one for my summer reading. I want to buy now, but am tempted to wait. Please inform me on any Kindle 4 release dates.
I have a kindle 3 and love it as a reader. I use the Kindle as a library and have a large no of books, and PDFs. Kindle 4 should include a half decent author/titls search engine to bring it into at least the 20th century let alone the 21st! . The Kindle 4 should have colour to enable reading PDF files both published and unpublished and replace the need for a tablet to do this. It also seems crazy that Kindle doesn’t support epub. Touch sreen would be nice, to reduce the overall footprint, but not essesntial.
Since B&N just came out with a touch ereader (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/features/index.asp)– I would love if Kindle came out with the same. My ideal– 7″, touch, color (ok but not required), sync of everything in library (including my personal PDFs without resorting to connecting to my desktop– I’d even pay for Amazon storage for this so that Amazon and Kindle app would become my primary documents manager– I think they have the best annotation abilities), easy search for author, page numbers (would be AMAZING, but I think unlikely), SD card…
We’ve had Kindle since Kindle 1 so I’m looking to buy a new ereader– but I’m hopin and hopin that Kindle 4 will come out sooner rather than later…only thing holding me back from B&N’s ereader right now is no way to annotate personal pdfs…
Please let me know when Kindle 4 comes out…(next month?
)
As an aestetic I would like it to be more beautiful – looks do matter, and I find the Kindle 3 annoying to look at, more functional than beautiful. This is why I haven’t bought it already. Do look to Apple for design and materials.
Other wishes:
- (Better) Epub support which is the format used in my country, if I want to be able to read books in my own language and lend books from the library.
- For students: Ability to search for topics and notes across different books, articles and own notes. Would be amazing to be able to always carry articles, study books etc., search across them and take notes and to get one collected overview of notes across them.
- Maintain superb readability. Kindle is the no. 1 e-reader because of its readability. This shouldn’t be sacrified to get colour. Simple colour in e-ink could be fine for childrens books, which then would be easy to carry around for parents, but for glossy magazines it would probably require better colours – and as said this should not be achieved by sacrificing readability without eyestrain.
Please inform me when the kindle 4 will be available THANKS!
epub support
expandable memory
better direcory structure
user replaceable battery..
..that’s all. No need for colour thanks, or MP4 support, or flash, skype, scratchable and dentable metal alloy or crass coloured plastic casings, no DOOM, twitter feeds, touch screen drum kit simulators, no gps, lighter socket, WoW auctioneer addon, thermometer or dvd player. Don’t try to be abything more than what you already are Kindle.. just do what you do – but better.
Book readers don’t need or want the bells and whistles, we want to read books
I’d love to know when the Kindle Touch comes out and what you think of it.
Software improvements to allow epub without using Calibri to convert. E-library support. Better search options that integrates wikipedia. The ability to set custom screensavers. Better library organization so that folders can be nested with sub folders. It would be nice to have the home page display several current books and say a fiction and non fiction folder that coud each be populated with subfolders for genre, author, etc
I would love to be able to switch from a monochrome E-ink display to a color display. A backlight would be great to be able to read at night without the need for a cumbersome add-on light. A 7 – 8 inch display would also improve the reading as well as the web-browsing experience. A new surface display to resist finger prints, smudges etc from a touch-screen would also keep the area cleaner and allow for better visibility.
I’d love to know when the kindle 4 releases,but i think the book readers don’t need a color display.
The only things I would really want is for the Kindle4 to read ePub files & expandable memory. Everything else is secondary.
Touch screen, OK, but only to reduce the overall size, not because touchiness is so cool.
Colour, please no! but if it must be then an option to switch to monochrome.
Bigger? No, no, no. 6″ = perfect.
A possible touchscreen should additionally have a still in developement cleantouch feature preventing anoying prints.
Screen shouldn’t be bigger then DIN A5
I would like to have a touch screen option and definitely a colour display. It should have a search option for authors and page numbers. More importantly, it should sync with every file format .
Thinner lighter. More memory to enable more robust internet viewing options. Cleaner simpler more accurate implementation of Kindle formatting from Word for authors.
If you make no other changes, please, please have an option for remote page turner! I would also like to see the title of the book on each page, because when I’m reading the entire works of an author, I can never remember which of the dozens of books I’m now reading.
Many parents have complained that the kindle doesn’t have any parental controls. To make the device safe for children there should be an optional web filter for the browser. There should also be a way to restrict what kind of books and magazines can be downloaded.
My focus is on library content. Being able to see the actual covers of my books in my library, sorted by collections( with sub folder capability) and with a touch screen for easy selection.
Touch screen overall and the option of having color on images and web browsing but still keeping that Eink technology is a must. Also, for extra fun, some cool games.
Yeah boy, J Wigz and I’m out!