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One of the downsides with E-ink technology is that there is no screen backlighting. In reality this means that when the ambient light in your room starts to lower, then reading can prove difficult. These devices act just like a real book, so in a similar fashion it is up to you, the reader to supply the light.
Amazon sell several leather covers to protect the Kindle 3, but the more interesting one also has a white LED built into it. It is £20 more expensive, at £49.99, which is a considerable investment considering the low asking price of the eReader itself. Amazon were kind enough to send us one of these to test.
The leather cover takes power directly from the Kindle 3 battery, so there is no need to stock up with AAA or AA batteries. This is an elegant solution to the common light problem and once fitted, it also locks the unit into the cover (above right). As this product is specifically designed for the Kindle 3 it is a perfect fit. We have to say that the quality of leather is also very high.
The light is built into the top right corner of the leather cover and when fully extended it turns on. You can disable it, by either sliding it back in, or by turning off the power on the Kindle 3 itself.
I was surprised by how good the light actually was – it is an LED design and very bright indeed. There is some play in the flex of the light extension so you can move it a little. Out of the box however it seemed in a perfect position.
The Kindle 3's six inch E-Ink screen is the best I have seen to date and as they have enhanced the contrast level, I never found myself straining to read text even at the smallest sizes. This is an issue I experienced with the Sony PRS 600 – the smallest text size with this eReader is basically unusable particularly as there is a slight reflection apparent in the semi glossy screen.
When the device is powered down into standby mode, there are a plethora of randomly selected images which make an appearance. The quality of these is fantastic and you would swear you are looking at a monochrome magazine the quality really is that good. The depth of black really shows through on the Kindle 3, far exceeding other eReaders we have seen in recent months.
I have ordered the 3G version of this 2 weeks ago. still waiting on delivery 🙁
I want to get one of these for christmas now. I used to read a lot of books, but I never make the time anymore. its sad 🙁
Very good indeed. I like the interface system on this one better than the sony unit.
My friend has the DX, the V2. and its great, but I found the text a little weak. great to see them boosting the contrast with this one.
Not for me, I hate books, but it looks well developed. the kindle 2 was quite big looking, ipad size really. too cumbersome for travelling.
Nice design and you can tell its a revision 3 as they have fixed a lot of the stupid design issues.
Been interested in this product for a while, more as a gift for my father than for myself. It looks really well done. very cheap too, the sony products were released at three times this price initially.
Would love this, but I bought the V2 last month, bad move I know, but its pretty good. I am tempted though for the added contrast levels as this is the one part of it I dont like. in daylight I have to strain sometimes to read.
arrrghhh im sick of tablets! Donjt like kindles at all.
Ordered one last week in the UK. I didnt like the sony tablet review here last month as I saw it and the screen is a reflective mess. this is what I want ! thanks!
my girl has the original kindle and its time for an upgrade. Guess ill have to buy it 😉
the reviewer needs to point out that the amazon book store has over half a million books for download and that they are often only a few pounds each. the Apple store is terrible for books and they are often 4 times the price ! the stephen fry book for instance was 16 quid on itunes, and 9 dollars on amazon.
This gets my vote as gadget of 2010.
Would never leave home without mine
I already have one of these for reading PDF documentation for work. and I love it.
I need to get the light leather cover though after reading this. brilliant addition.
Id love to know a percentage of people on KitGuru who would use this. I dont think the active gaming/enthusiast audience read many books anymore. its refreshing to see these reviews here though, just not sure a high percentage appeal to this product.
I would think a lot of people read books, even still. At least I would like to hope so. food for the brain. I read a book a week. even with a busy lifestyle both in work and at home.
I received mine 4 months ago, really satified with it. Also had the kindle 2 but the screen of the kindle 3 is decent ad offers sharper and clearer text.