Landing on Amazon’s Kindle page can be a confounding experience, especially for those who are unprepared. A typical visitor is expected to make a selection from the following mind-boggling variety of Kindle models.
- Base Kindle WiFi (2 choices)
- Classic Kindle Keyboard (4 choices)
- Kindle Touch (4 choices), Kindle DX (1 choice),
- Kindle Paperwhite – 4 choices
- Kindle Fire is available in 4 Choices (See our Kindle Fire Comparison in case you are looking for a tablet)
This Kindle Comparison with detailed comparison tables and discussion on Kindle Models is designed to help you make an informed decision on which Kindle really to buy.
Kindle Tablet or Kindle eReader?
The first thing that you need to decide is whether you need a tablet or an e-reader. The way to figure this out is to track where most of your free time is spent and what really gets you going.
You definitely need a Kindle e-reader in case you are most likely to read books in your free time, and count reading as an activity that is exciting, relaxing and fulfilling.
While you certainly can read books on tablets, a dedicated e-reader allows you to read books for hours without experiencing the eye strain associated with LCD screens of tablets. (See our Kindle Fire Comparison in case you are considering a tablet)
Kindle 3G or WiFi?
There is practically no difference between Kindle 3G and Wifi models in terms of hardware, the only difference between the two is in how they connect to the Internet (via 3G or WiFi network).
It makes all the $$$-sense to go for the WiFi model of Kindle, considering that you are likely to have a WiFi network at home for downloading books from Amazon.
However, you might like to go for Kindle 3G in case you strongly agree with the following
- Why not make use of the Free 3G service (Amazon pays for it!)
- Global availability of Kindle 3G in over 100 countries is really impressive.
- You travel frequently and do not want to be bothered with having to hunt for a WiFi hotspot.
- Kindle 3G is handy for checking email, twitter and Facebook updates.
Kindle with Ads or Kindle Without Ads?
The price difference between Kindle with ‘Ads’ and one without ‘Ads’ is just $20, which means you can simply choose to go for Kindle without ‘Ads’ in case you feel that you do not want to be bothered with ‘Ads’.
However, going for ‘Ad’ supported version of Kindle does not really hurt at all. Kindle ‘Ads’ are totally non-bothering type and do not interfere with your reading. Also, Amazon lets you switch to Kindle without Ads at any time you decide to get rid of ‘Ads’ on your Kindle .
Regular Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite is the latest addition to Amazon’s Kindle Family. It brings the built-in lighted screen to Kindle eReaders, a feature that was so far missing in Kindle and available in rival Nook.
As Amazon emphasizes on its website, Kindle Paperwhite is much more than just a lighted screen. It is totally new screen design that claims to offer 62% more pixels and 25% better contrast over the existing models.
Kindle Comparison – Selecting the Best Kindle
Once you have figured out these common Kindle buyers questions, the final step is to decide on the model of Kindle.
Our Kindle Comparison tables arranged in a head to head specs and features comparison format should help you choose the best Kindle model that fits your own unique requirements and budget.
Kindle Comparison Table
| Features | Kindle | Keyboard | Paperwhite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |
 |
 |
| Size | 6.5″ x 4.5″ | 7.5″ x 4.8″ | 6.7″ x 4.6″ |
| Thickness | 0.34″ | 0.34″ | 0.36″ |
| Weight | 5.98 Ounces | 8.7 Ounces | 7.5 Ounces |
| Display | E-ink Pearl | E-ink Pearl | Paperwhite |
| Resolution | 167 PPI | 167 PPI | 212 PPI |
| Storage | 1,400 Books | 3,500 Books | 1,100 Books |
| Cloud Storage | Free | Free | Free |
| Battery Life | 1 Month | 2 Months | 2 Months |
| Speakers | None | Stereo | None |
| Network | WiFi | WiFi & 3G | WiFi & 3G |
| Music/Audio books | No | Supported | No |
| Price | $69 ~ 89 | $139 ~ $159 | $119 ~ $199 |
User reviews/ratings/Offers : Amazon.com
Conclusion
We have not considered Kindle DX in our Kindle Comparison and do not recommend this model of Kindle unless you have special requirements that require a large screen e-reader.
Kindle DX makes a good fit for educational use and is suited for viewing Maps, graphs, organized data and reading textbooks.
Kindle Keyboard separates itself from the rest by being the only model with a physical keyboard and is popular with those who like its Keyboard, large size and unrestricted Free 3G.
Kindle Paperwhite is recommended for those who like the touch screen interface, are likely to read in poor lighting conditions and those who like to keep up with the technology.
Kindle Paperwhite is the latest model of Kindle and offers the latest in e-reader technology.
- Budget Conscious Readers – Kindle
- Latest in eReader Technology - Kindle Paperwhite WiFi
- Free/Unrestricted 3G - Kindle Keyboard 3G