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Amazon Kindle 3 e-book reader

Mobile library downsized and overhauled

Storyville

Another feature that is still experimental is the music player and, like that fitted to earlier Kindles, it's extremely basic and only supports MP3 and Audible. Amazon really should address this. I can't be the only person who wants to listen to music while reading. The text-to-voice system which is still more use for its comedy value than as a tool for consuming books, is still better than nothing for those with clinically poor eyesight.

Amazon Kindle 3

Certainly a good reader, but lack of ePub file support will irk some

Battery life seems much as before. I've been ploughing through Little Dorrit for over a week and the power gauge is still showing well over 60 per cent, so re-charging is not really an issue. As for content and accessories, well Amazon reckons the UK Kindle store already has over 415,000 titles available, which isn't too shabby and, as El Reg recently reported, the price offering isn't bad either.

For another £50 you can pick up the new combined cover and slide-away reading light that draws its power from the Kindle, rather than requiring batteries. It's not a cheap add-on, but it certainly improved my Kindle experience on one long night flight.

Verdict

RH Recommended Medal

At £109 the Wi-Fi Kindle needs no excuses made for it. The new screen and fonts make it one of the best e-book readers to actually read stuff on, while the smarter and smaller form factor is also very welcome. In response to the new Kindle, Waterstones is now selling the 5in Sony PRS-300 for £99, but for the extra tenner the Kindle 3 seems by far the better choice, unless you really must have ePub file compatibility. ®

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Amazon Kindle 3

Amazon Kindle 3 e-book reader

A cheaper, more compact Kindle e-book reader with an improved screen.
Price: £109 RRP

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