Amazon has improved the Kindle DX screen with a 50 per cent boost in contrast and darker fonts to make for easier reading.

At the same time the company is slashing the price to $379, down from $489.

By most accounts, the Kindle DX with its 9.7in screen is the best e-reader around - the screen upgrade will help Amazon defend this reputation.

Free 3G Wireless allows you to download books - there are more than 600,000 in stock - in "less than 60 seconds", Amazon claims.

The new Kindle DX is available for pre-order from Amazon US's Kindle Store, where else, and ships on July 7.

Check out Reg Hardware's review of the Kindle DX here.

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