When the price of the Kindle 2 was dropped to $189 only a month ago, many said that with this move, Amazon accomplished two things: first, it pulled away from the tablet PC niche (well, the iPad specifically), and secondly it stayed at par, even a tad cheaper, with its closest competition (the Nook also dropped its price at the same time).

All in all, it was a great call by Amazon, no one would argue with that. Little did many know that the online retail giant had more surprising moves up its sleeve. Officially, it’s called the latest generation 6-inch Kindle. But in tech circles, it’s simply known as the Kindle 3.

Before diving into this review, watch it in action first.

A few days after its unveiling and the latest Kindle was sold out. So what was the rush all about? This Amazon Kindle 3 review takes a look at what may yet be the best Kindle ever.

A Slimmer, Smaller, and Lighter Kindle

With the latest generation of the 6-inch Kindle, Amazon reveals a smaller and lighter Kindle. Maintaining its 6″ screen, it now sports a sleek and 21% smaller body, measuring 7.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.335″. It also shed off 15% of its weight and is down to just 8.7 ounces from the previous 10 ounces. And with the device still a third of an inch thich, the Kindle is just the right fit in your hands — ideal reading for long hours on end.

With this Kindle, the user can also experience faster page turns, and the page turn buttons are said to be much quieter too. If that’s the case, you’ll really forget that you’re actually reading from an electronic device and just lose yourself in the book.

Improved, High-Contrast Screen

Still making use of e-ink technology, the 3rd generation Kindle now boasts of 50% better contrast, with the text rendered clearer and crisper and the images even sharper. And whether you read under bright sunlight or within the comforts of your room, you’ll have a glare-free reading experience. Plus, the upgraded device already has an auto-rotate feature that allows it to go from portrait to landscape mode by simply turning the device around.

Better Battery Life

The battery life of the older models were decent enough, but with the wireless turned off, nothing beats the 1 month reading time that this latest 6-inch Kindle offers. With the wireless activated, this ebook reader can still last up to 10 days without needing a recharge.

Free 3G, Wi-Fi, and Global Wireless Coverage

Going somewhere or live outside the US? In case the news hasn’t reached you yet, the Kindle 3 is already equipped with Global wireless connectivity so getting content wherever you are based at the moment should be a breeze, or less than 60 seconds to be exact. Plus, the 3G connectivity is absolutely free! No monthly bills or or contracts to worry about.

To date, Amazon has listed more than 100 countries and territories where the device can be shipped to. You have the option to choose from a Kindle that has both 3G and WiFi, or with WiFi connectivity only.

Native PDF Support

The new Kindle 3rd generation having native PDF support now is also a huge plus. Gone are the days when we would have to send a PDF file to Amazon for conversion.

Stores Up to 3,500 Books!

The fact that Amazon chose not to include an expansion slot for a memory card for the K2 as it did with the original Kindle didn’t sit quite well with some Kindle owners. But now that the latest Kindle has more than doubled its capacity to store books and documents — from 1,500 to 3,500! — really, who needs a storage card?

Extensive Selection and Low Book Prices

Amazon has now over 600,000 books to choose from, including most on the New York Times Best Seller list, plus periodicals, blogs, and magazines. With prices at $9.99 and below, it’s easy to fill your Kindle with all the books you love.

Superb Features at a Reasonable Price

One of the reasons why many were hesitant to get a Kindle, or any ebook reader for that matter, is the rather high price tag that went with it. But with the cost just down to $189 (for the Kindle 3G + WiFi), and $139 ( WiFi-only model), you’ve most likely run out of reasons not to get one. Both versions are available in classic white or black graphite color.

Kindle 3 Review: The Bottom Line

So, is it the best Kindle Amazon has ever released? I think many would agree that yes, Amazon has outdone itself this time with the Kindle 3. While a 9-inch screen like the Kindle DX has would still be more reader-friendly, taking into account the whole package – features, price, and portability – the Kindle 3 is now the ebook reader to beat. http://ebookreadersresource.com/www.amazon.com/amazon-kindle3.php

But the question is, is there really room for one more ebook reader? And more importantly, what does it bring to the table to make it stand out from the rest? Let’s find out.

The Literati comes with a 7-inch, 800 by 480-pixel LCD color screen, full QWERTY keyboard, and Wi-Fi connectivity which will allow users to access download content from the Kobo ebook service. The device runs on a custom Linux operating system, and is available in white and slate grey colors.

Kirk McLean, co-founder of MerchSource which is handling distribution of the Literati, describes it as a “a simple, dedicated device that lets them get right to the book.”

When readers get their hands on the Literati, they will find it preloaded with 25 public domain books, with access to 125 more free ebooks upon registration. This ebook reading device supports ePub, PDF, and Txt formats to enable the user to have a wider range of ebooks to choose from. From the Kobo service alone, there are two million titles available including New York Times best sellers, new releases, magazines, and newspapers.

No details however have surfaced on the battery life of the Literati, which would presumably be “heavier” on resources considering its color display. It’s worth noting that the latest generations of the Amazon Kindle DX and 6-inch Kindle now feature batteries that can last for weeks without recharging.

All in all, it would be interesting to see how the Literati fares in an industry where there are so many players and seemingly not enough users. The Sharper Image device hits stores in October 2010 at a retail price of $159.

Amazon, through its Kindle Development Kit, recently introduced two games for the Kindle and while they’re not exactly state-of-the-art brilliant in graphics or concept, they’re certainly entertaining enough for anyone who enjoys a word game or two.

Every Word

Every Word is perfect for those up for a word scrambles challenge any time. The goal is to form as many words as possible from a given set of about six or seven random letters. The game is fast-paced because you’re racing against a ticking clock. Plus, you’d need to find the longest word possible to advance to a new level. Of course, the more words you form, the higher the score you’ll get.

Every Word Kindle Game

Shuffled Row

Shuffled Row on the another hand, is closer to the Scrabble concept, where the player gets to play with a new set of letters each time a word is submitted. Every letter has an equivalent number of points and you score higher using the less common letters or when you use as many letters as possible to form a word.

Shuffled Row Kindle Game

True, these Amazon Kindle games may not replace Farmville or Bejeweled Blitz anytime soon – or ever. But for the avid reader, testing one’s vocabulary as a way of passing time is actually kinda cool.

Have you got game? Download your free Kindle game from Amazon now!

Also, in the previous blog, I outlined the steps to get to Google Maps. But after using the application a few times myself, I discovered some shortcuts to getting to Google Maps more quickly.

Shortcut #1

1. At the Home Screen, start typing a URL. When you do this, a text-input box will appear at the bottom of the screen.

2. Type in – maps.google.com/m/directions.

3. Use the 5-way to the right until you reach “Goto”.

4. After you press down on the “Goto” selection, you’ll be at the Google Maps text-direction page.

Shortcut #2

Heading to the main Google Mobile Maps text page, the URL is maps.google.com/m, which is very similar to the URL mentioned above. You will need to use the SYM key which is located at the bottom right of the Kindle keyboard to get characters like the @ sign.

1. At the Home Screen, press the enter key which is located below the DEL key. The text-input box will appear at the bottom.

2. Type in @url maps.google.com/m

3. Press the Enter key located below the DEL key to choose “Search My Items”.

4. From here, you will land on the Google Maps main information page.

This method makes you use the SYM key for the “@” sign, but you’ll avoid having to use the 5-way several times.

Shortcut #3

If you are reading a book, you can type in the URL.

1. If the cursor is not on the screen, type a character to bring up the search box.

2. Delete the character from the search bar and type @url maps.google.com/m

3. Use the 5-way to the right once to “My Items” and click.

4. After you are done with your browsing, you can press the “Back” key to return to the book you were reading.

You never know when you’ll need directions, and if you are like most reading enthusiasts, your Kindle (and Google Maps) is with you at all times. Utilizing one of these shortcuts is a great way to access Google Maps on your Amazon Kindle, so you can get to your next destination.

As you know, ereaders have different capabilities, so let’s take a closer look at the top ereaders, The Barnes & Noble Nook and the Amazon Kindle, and how they handle Google Maps.

Barnes and Noble Nook

The Barnes & Noble Nook does allow you to use Google Maps, but only when you are in a WiFi area. The Nook can only browse the internet through WiFi and not 3G. Although, WiFi hotspots are becoming the norm, you obviously still have limitations.

Amazon Kindle

In comparison to the Nook, the Kindle is much better at handling a browse through Google Maps because, well, it’s free and accessible while driving around. Here is the step-by-step method on how to use the pseudo Kindle GPS feature to get Google Maps:

1. Press the Menu button on the Kindle, select the “Experimental” option and the click on “Basic Web”. The basic web mode is perfect for text-only directions, and if you’re in a hurry it will be faster than using the “Advanced” or “Desktop Mode”.

2. You may want to “Clear Cache”, so you have more memory readily available for the web-browsing section.

3. Press the MENU button to pick “Go to Top” or “Enter URL”.

4. Next, type maps.google.com/m/directions.

5. Five-way to the right until you reach “Go To”. This should take you to the Google Maps text directions.

6. This is a good time to press the menu button to bookmark the page, so you don’t have to type the URL again.

7. Use the 5-way button to navigate through the “To” and “From” fields.

8. Use the 5-way button to choose one of these options: “By car”, “By transit”, “Walking” and “Bicycling”.

It is true that the ereader has changed the way we view books. It has made purchasing books fast and easy. Additionally, ereader manufacturers are coming up with other great advantages, and utilizing your ereader, such as the Kindle, to use Google Maps as a pseudo Kindle GPS unit is yet another.

Covering the Globe

The Amazon Kindle uses GSM technology which provides wireless coverage in over 100 hundred countries. Other than making the Kindle available for book lovers based outside the US, it also makes it possible for those traveling overseas with their Kindles to download ebooks while abroad.

Is Kindle Global Wireless Available In Your Country?

Although the limitations are being lifted, there are still some countries where the Kindle isn’t available – yet. Canada, Belgium, the Cayman Islands (I threw that one in because I had a day dream of reading an ebook in the Cayman Islands), Ethiopia, and Georgia are just a few that are now able to purchase the Amazon Kindle. Some countries like Canada have access to the 3G wireless. Other countries like Georgia for example have limitations. Kindle wireless isn’t available in Georgia, but Kindle buyers can download books to their computer, and then transfer the books to their Kindle via USB.

Ebook Rights

Keep in mind that depending on what country you live in, you may not be able to download certain books. This has nothing to do with the Amazon Kindle itself; it is dependent on the ebook rights given by the publishers for the specific country. As you know, this is still an emerging technology and publishers are trying to keep up with the demand.

If you are interested in seeing if the Amazon Kindle is available in your country, you can check out the “Live Outside the U.S.” link on the Kindle product page. It gives specific information on each country. And even if you already have your Kindle, it’s interesting to see what other countries are now part of the “Kindle global wireless” network!

Online retailer giant Amazon.com introduced this week the latest generation of its popular Kindle DX. With this new version — the Kindle DX International 2, Amazon has indeed put out all the stops to come up with a device that’s superior in capabilities and striking in looks compared to its predecessor. Plus of course, there’s the price.

Making a huge (downward) price leap from $489 to $379, the Kindle DX now holds a distinct advantage over Apple’s iPad which retails at prices ranging from $499 to $699. That should make the decision easier for potential buyers who are still on the fence about getting either device.

And while the iPad is a certified hit in the tablet PC realm with over three million units sold to date, the Kindle has been able to hold its own in the ebook reader department, and this latest overhaul of the Kindle DX should help keep sales going.

So what has changed with the DX aside from its price tag? Let us count the ways.

For starters, reading on its 9.7-inch screen should be even more of a pleasure with 50% better e-ink screen contrast. Deviating from the trademark Kindle white, the Kindle DX International 2 is enclosed in a sleek, black granite shell, integrated with Facebook and Twitter applications, and packaged with free 3G wireless connection.

In order to protect its hold on the ebook reading industry, Amazon is obviously making an attempt to make the Kindle more affordable and therefore, more “acquirable” for the average ebook reader user. Only a week ago, Amazon also decreased the retail price of the 2nd generation Kindle, from $259 to $189, only hours after Barnes and Noble made a similar move for the Nook ereader.

Now it remains to be seen whether Amazon’s gamble to lower profits for continued dominance in the industry is worth it.

Less than $200 Kindle, Nook

In a totally unprecedented move (especially to those who made the purchase only the day before), Amazon slashed the price of the 2nd generation Kindle, making a nosedive from $259 all the way to $189. Now that’s a whooping $70-drop!

The announcement comes close on the heels of Barnes and Noble’s unveiling of a WiFi-only Nook, priced at just $149, and a major price cut in the WiFi/3G Nook from $259 to $199. Obviously, ebook reader companies are now willing to live with lower profit margins for a continued hold on the market.

New Players

Not too long ago (two and a half years to be exact), the original Kindle commanded a hefty price tag of $399 and yet, Amazon still enjoyed an overwhelming share of the ereader industry. But with success also comes competition and since then, ebook readers have mushroomed left and right. To top it all off, price cuts like this one initiated by Barnes and Noble don’t help Amazon any. It is however, certainly good news for those who’ve been waiting for an “affordable” Kindle.

A device going on sale often means that a newer model could just be around the corner; but in this case, the latest Kindle price drop could simply be a direct response to the Barnes and Noble move. Plus, the brisk sales of the Apple iPad, which can also function as an ebook reader, may also be affecting the ereader market in general.

Big Win for Consumers

While ereader companies certainly have their work cut out for them in keeping the demand for ereaders alive, one thing’s for sure: consumers are bound to benefit from all these price cuts and possible device enhancements. I for one, find the more reasonably priced Kindle 2 (at $70 less) to be hard to resist. And for those simply looking for a no-frills ebook reading device, the Kindle is still the gadget to beat.

How Does Mysteria Work?

Currently, Mysteria only monitors the Amazon.com store. In the future Mysteria’s capabilities may be extended to other sites. So when you signup at the Mysteria website, use the email address you used to create your Amazon.com account. Next create a watch list on Mysteria. You can add, or delete media selections anytime you want. Mysteria does the work for you, checking to see if your selected media is digitized, and once a book, movie, or music is already in digital form, Myseria will alert you.

Mysteria and Your Amazon.com Wishlist

Another nice feature of Mysteria is that it works with your Amazon.com Wishlist. In fact when you sign on to Mysteria, it will automatically add your Wishlist, so you can review it from the Mysteria website. Hopefully, your Wishlist is set for public viewing because you want your friends and family, as well as Mysteria, to be able to find it. If you have your Wishlist set to private, you can change it by clicking the “make the list public” button.

Mysteria is a great tool to save you time. Also, it does all of the work for you so you don’t miss out on the digitized versions of that next great novel you want to read on your Kindle. You can signup for Mysteria at http://oscurapress.com/mysteria/docs/Mysteria.html.

Kindle generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency (RF) energy and, if not used in accordance with its instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications and electronic equipment. External RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic operating systems, entertainment systems and personal medical devices. While most modern electronic equipment is shielded from external RF signals, if in doubt, check with the manufacturer. For personal medical devices (such as pacemakers and hearing aids), consult with your physician or the manufacturer to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF signals.

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

This device meets the FCC Radio Frequency Emission Guidelines and is certified with the FCC as the FCC ID number found on the back of the device.

This will only happen with the international models as it is a function of the GSM radio. At & T, Cingular, T-Mobile cell phones do this as well.

How does this affect you? Well, if you have Whispernet on while listening to a radio you might hear a “Morse Code” type of noise. Like reading in bed? If you have a clock radio on the night stand you may hear the same noise even if the clock radio is off.

You might want to make sure that Whispernet is turned off if you take your Kindle to a stage theater or church. With current technology, most theaters use wireless microphones for amplification and even a closed circuit TV, so the crew can see what’s going on, on-stage. Any sort of cellular wireless service can interfere. Because of FCC rules, most of these wireless systems aren’t allowed to filter interference.

Yes, it is hard to live without your Amazon Kindle, and it has made a home in your purse briefcase, but just know that you may be causing interference. So in addition to exercising good manners, turning off your Kindle is a smart choice.