Amazon Kindle 2011
If the $99 Kindle Touch or Nook Simple Touch is too rich for your blood, save $20 and go with the $79 standard Kindle. There's no touch screen, but it makes up for it with a featherlight weight.
The good: The entry-level Amazon Kindle 2011 is a compact, lightweight, and ultra-affordable e-book reader with a crisp Pearl e-ink screen and Wi-Fi. It offers access to a massive catalog of books, magazines, and newspapers via Amazon.com's familiar online store, plus online loaners from your local library. The Kindle can hold hundreds of books and the battery lasts for weeks.
The bad: The lack of a touch screen means that input is limited to a cumbersome directional pad and virtual keyboard. There is no support for audio. All accessories--including a cover and an AC charger--cost extra. You need to spend an extra $30 if you don't want the ad-supported Special Offers version.
The bottom line: If you don't want to spend the extra $20 to upgrade to the forthcoming touch-screen version, the entry-level 2011 Kindle is a great choice for an ultraportable and superaffordable no-frills e-ink reader.
July 18, 2012 4:09 PM PDT
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
