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Kindle Keyboard review

8.8/10 AVG.
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Kindle Keyboard
Kindle Keyboard
Kindle Keyboard
Kindle Keyboard
...


8.8/10
Informr score
The Kindle Keyboard currently has an Informr score of 8.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 7 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The Amazon Kindle Keyboard, previously called the Amazon Kindle Wi-Fi, is the third generation reading device sold by Amazon. It offers improvements over the second generation which include a design that is both slimmer and lighter weight to go along with a screen that features a faster refresh rate. Does this make it worth the upgrade if you already have an earlier model? In some cases, absolutely.

The most obvious change is the 50% increase in the e-ink screen's contrast ratio. The text can be easily mistaken for print and is deep black which makes it as easy to read as any book even when in direct sunlight. It is also far easier to read than a traditional LCD screen as found on other e-readers and tablets. Another benefit is that e-ink does not consume power until you turn the page, allowing the battery of the Kindle Keyboard outlast the competition.

More changes include doubling the storage space of the device from 2GB to 4GB, making the Kindle Keyboard able to store around 3,500 books. Battery life is also improved and now will last an average of four weeks compared to two weeks on older Kindle models.

Kindle Keyboard also introduces the experimental Webkit browser. While it does make browsing the internet possible on the device, it clearly is an experimental design and has some flaws at the moment. Also, while e-ink is fantastic for reading books, it makes for a boring and drab web page. Another new feature is native support for PDF files.

Overall, while it might lack some features of other tablets and e-readers, this Kindle makes up for it with impressive battery life and an awesome e-ink display.

Need to Know: Amazon Kindle Keyboard

1. The e-ink display is by far the best display for reading books. (The Good)

2. Battery life is far and away better than the competition, lasting for an average of four weeks before needing a charge. (The Good)

3. Grayscale screen can make for some drab pictures or charts if your books contain these. (The Bad)

4. Experimental web browser feels clunky, though Amazon has said they will update it in the future. (The Bad)


6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6"
No
Backlight
Backlight
No
4 GB
Storage
Storage
4 GB
No
3G
3G
No
-
Reading Time


What the Critics Are Saying...


Zath
Zath

There’s no doubt that the vast majority of improvements – and drawbacks – come from the hardware improvements present in the new Kindle, but these hardware improvements really help the user experience when swiftly navigating through your books and menus in the software. Although I...

- John Thompson , Zath
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

There are significant hardware changes to the Kindle 3 on close inspection, but the real benefits are the excellent Amazon Kindle UK store, Whispersync service and game changing price tags. Existing Kindle owners need not apply, but early adopters will be wincing at the savings now available to thos...

- Gordon Kelly, TrustedReviews
Techradar
Techradar

The Amazon Kindle 3 is optimised for reading books above any other function, as a result it does a superb job. The screen is excellent, the size of the device is ideal and the range of books available is fantastic. The price is more affordable compared with rival products, Let's just hope that books...

- Stuart Anderton, Techradar
Engadget
Engadget

Amazon obviously thinks that it's got a good thing going for itself, and has made very few other changes. The new Kindle is extremely iterative, though we can get behind most of the updates its made. What's clear, however, is that if you're looking for a standalone e-reader (i.e., a portable replace...

- Laura June, Engadget
CNET
CNET

The third-generation Kindle's winning combination of noteworthy upgrades--an improved screen, better battery life, lighter weight, and lower price--vaults it to the top of the e-book reader category. The lack of an expansion slot and few useful e-book features may disappoint you a little, but the Ki...

- David Carnoy , CNET


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Quick view

Screen Size
6"

The Kindle Keyboard's screen size is 6 inches with x pixels resolution.

Backlight
No

There is no built-in backlight.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

3G
No

This model has no 3G wireless capabilities.

Kindle Keyboard Specs

Overview
Release Date August 27, 2010
Regions Available USA, Canada
Networks
No
SIM Card Size No
Operating System No

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Processor Freescale ARM-11 532 MHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM No
ROM No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Languages No
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable
Power & battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 1530 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Reading Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Graphite
Dimensions [H x W x D] 19.0 x 12.3 x 0.8 cm (7.5 x 4.8 x 0.3 in)
Weight 247 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Display / Screen
Type Grayscale
Technology E-ink
Colors Unknown
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 6 inches
Backlit Illumination No
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Anti Glare No
Additional Display Features -
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen No
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Page Turn Key No
Physical keyboard Yes
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control No
Fingerprint Sensor No
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser Yes
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
Wi-Fi Encryption WPA/WPA2
Memory Expansion Slot No
Expansion Slot Info No
PC Synchronization No
Audio / Video
Audio Playback Yes
Audio Formats MP3
Video Playback No
Video Playback Formats No
Streaming Video No
External Speakers Yes
Headset Jack 3.5mm
Vibration Alert No
Content Formats Supported
Content Formats Supported No
More
Additional Information
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
Kindle Keyboard Reviews
Where to buy Kindle Keyboard
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