I’ve ordered a new kindle 4, together with a Marware Eco-Vue cover and a power adapter from Amazon.com. My items are already arrived in Australia. Shipment took only 4 days, shorter than expected.
Lighter and thinner
My first impression on kindle 4 is it’s very light and thin. Height dimension decreases because there’s no physical keyboard while screen dimension remains unchanged. It feels more comfortable to hold in one hand than my old kindle 3. Kindle 4 body is made from high quality plastic with metal frame on top and bottom.
Screen quality
Kindle 4 e-ink screen is same as kindle 3. Text is crisp and easy to read. Unlike iPad, kindle screen does not produce glare when reading under any light source.
Controller and on-screen keyboard
Control are easy to use. Navigation experience is almost same as kindle 3. Kindle 4 has no phisical keyboard (which I rarely use on my kindle 3). On-screen keyboard, which will popup when you press keyboard button, allows you to type by selecting each letter with 5-way controller. Typing with virtual keyboard is not as sluggish as I thought, when holding down the controller, the selector will move faster.
Page turning speed in kindle 4 is noticeably faster. But I think the power-on button is too small and somewhat hard to push.
WiFi only, No 3G
Kindle 4 has only WiFi connection which means that you have to download book via WiFi or USB cable. However, this is not a problem for me.
Marware Eco-Vue cover
I also purchase a Marware Eco-Vue cover from Amazon.com. It looks great with my kindle. High quality material and neatly made. There’s elastic strap to hold the lid close. Kindle are hold firmly in place with 4 corner strap. Worth it price.
Summary
In conclusion, I give new kindle 4.5 out of 5 stars. Slimmer, lighter, faster. All essential functions at more affordable price.
See also: Kindle 4 Buyer Guide Australia
Like kindle cover you reviewed here. It compliments well with kindle 4.
This kindle is perfect for starter. If you don’t own a kindle, give it a try.
Kindle 4 works better than I expected. At first, I think it’s a low-quality kindle with lower price. I bought it because of there’s no other option. After spending hours to get familiar with it, I have to say it’s one of the best e-reading device. Text are clear, easy-to-read, and adjustable. The screen give me the feeling of reading a real book. Navigation and typing without physical keyboard is not clunky as I thought. Very recommended if you want a basic reading device with great quality.
Hi, I saw a banner say a new kindle price is start at $79. Why I can’t find the model that does cost $79 on Amazon??
@Gin, 79$ is the price for kindle with special offers (ads). It’s not available for international shipment. Currently you can buy only the new kindle ($109), kindle 3 wifi ($139) and kindle 3 3g+wifi ($189).
I’ve just bought a kindle from a local IT store. They didn’t tell me that it’s the kindle with special offer. How bad!! It’s very expensive.
Why don’t you ask for refund?? It’s your right.
Kindle 4 is a must have if you read more than 1 book per mo. It’s a great portable library and save me a lot of space (and money).