Amazon Kindle in Sri Lanka?

The new screen means that you can read even in bright sunlight.

Amazon.com has just released the exciting new version of their e-book reader, The Kindle. The third generation Kindles come in two different versions; with wi-fi only and with wi-fi and wireless 3G.

Emerging competition in the e-book reader market appears to have affected Amazon’s pricing strategy and the new kindles are priced at $139 for the wi-fi only version and $189 for the wi-fi and the 3G version.

Some of the key features of the device as described  include a battery that lasts a full month, faster page turning ability, storage enough for about 3500 books and an all new high contrast screen. The new sleek, slim design adds to the appeal. A full list of the specs can be viewed here.

Amazon has been shipping to Sri Lanka for a while and shipping charges should not exceed $20. it is not clear if the 3G will work here as Amazon provides free 3G services in over 100 countries and locations, but Sri Lanka is listed as uncovered on the websites 3G coverage map. The device comes with a built in SIM card and 3G modem so unless local providers sign up with Amazon to facilitate the service, replacing it with a local 3G service may not be possible. (Read an account of a Sri Lankan using the last generation Kindle here)

However, the wi-fi version should work just fine. Amazon has over 600,000 titles including many bestsellers on its list. Most of these retail for roughly $10 each. Users are usually allowed free downloads of a few chapters for a taste of the book before buying it. Amazon also offers 1.8 million pre-1923 (out of copyright) titles free of charge. The site also offers subscriptions to various newspapers and periodicals.

With a promise to get every single book ever printed in an e-book format, Amazon’s marketing of the Kindle has progressed aggressively. The new version sees a tendency to include broader features such as web browsing and personal document viewing. This is seen as a move to counter the effects of devices like the i-pad and other tablet PCs that offer a wider array of features to users as well as capability to read e-books.