Amazon on Wednesday took the wraps off a refreshed version of its entry-level Kindle e-reader which is now thinner, lighter and packs twice as much memory as its predecessor.
Known simply as the Kindle, the new e-reader is available in your choice of black or white color schemes. That last bit is significant as this is the first Kindle to be offered in white since the Kindle Keyboard arrived way back in 2010 and the first refresh for the budget-minded e-reader since 2014.
The new Kindle carries the same 6-inch display with E Ink Pearl (167 PPI) and features 4GB of local storage plus free cloud storage for all Amazon content. Amazon says a full charge can last up to four weeks (based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless disabled); recharges take around four hours from a fully depleted state.
Connectivity-wise, you get 802.11 b/g/n/ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth audio support for blind or visually impaired users (this is the first Kindle to offer Bluetooth connectivity). The slate measures 6.3" x 4.5" x 0.36" (160 mm x 115 mm x 9.1 mm), weighs just 5.7 ounces (161 grams) and now features rounded edges that should make it a bit easier to hold.
Pricing is set at $79.99 for the ad-supported version or $99.99 without ads, the same as the model it is replacing. Those interested in the pricier Kindle Paperwhite should note that it, too, is now being offered in white for the first time.
The new Kindle is available to pre-order as of writing with a scheduled release date of July 7.