Buy the Kindle Fire 8.9″ starting today for $269 for 16GB ($30 less) and $299 for 32GB ($70 less).
Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ 4G LTE Wireless is also price lower: $399 for 32GB ($100 less); $499 for 64GB ($100 less). These are price drops, not limited-time offers.
The prices above include special offers. You can pay $15 more to purchase the Fire without special offers.
• 1920×1200 HD display with polarizing filter and anti-glare technology for rich color and deep contrast from any viewing angle
• Exclusive Dolby audio and dual stereo speakers for crisp, booming sound without distortion
• High performance 1.5Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics core for fast and fluid performance
• Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi for 40% faster downloads and streaming (compared to iPad 3)
• Over 22 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, books, audiobooks, and popular apps and games such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, HBO GO, Pandora, and Angry Birds Space
• Integrated support for Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo! and more, as well as Exchange calendar, contacts, and email
• Free Skype video calls with front-facing HD camera
• Free unlimited cloud storage for all your Amazon content
• Includes special offers and sponsored screensavers. • Kindle Owners’ Lending Library – Kindle owners can choose from more than 180,000 books to borrow for free with no due dates, including over 100 current and former New York Times best sellers and all 7 Harry Potter books.
Click here to purchase Kindle Fire HD 8.9″
Tough Going
Amazon has experienced a few weeks of rough road:
1. The one-click buy button continues to disappear and the Christian Science Monitor offered this opinion.
2. The United Kingdom wants more in taxes from Amazon according to this article in the Boston Globe.
3. France says that Amazon owes $252M in taxes according to the Christian Science Monitor.
4. Reader reviews have been removed and one reviewer told all about it in the Huffington Post.
5. The third quarter earnings were below expectations as reported in this Marketwatch article.
If all this has made you feel blue, this may be the news you have been waiting to receive:
6. Amazon announced that they are hitting the bottle with Amazon Wine. Only a few states are eligible to order wine through the website. At launch, shipping will be available to California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and the District of Columbia, with more coming soon.
Amazon Prime being offered for $7.99 a month
If you have been thinking about Amazon Prime, but were concerned about the $79 once-a-year fee, you can now try the program free for one month and then purchase it for $7.99 a month after the trial period. The benefits of Amazon Prime include:
• FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items
• No minimum order size
• Unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Videos
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month from the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library
Read about the program and sign up for your free trial period here.
Kindle Fire 8.9” ships today
If you ordered the Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ (from $299) previously, Amazon has announced that shipment starts today. The Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ 4G (from $499) will begin shipping next week.
Still plenty of time before Christmas to order one, thought. If ordered today, the webpages states that shipment is expected the week of December 3.
A Cheap Read to Pre-Order
For a limited time, and at a special price, discover Peter Robinson’s Inspector Ian Bank’s series with Aftermath. Pre-order this crime mystery for only 99 cents and receive it on your Kindle December 4.
Plus, receive an excerpt from Peter Robinson’s new book Watching the Dark, ($12.99 pre-order) available January 2nd.
Book description: One phone call from a concerned neighbor has inadvertently led police to Terence Payne, the elusive serial killer known only as “Chameleon.” Now the fiend is in custody, perhaps dying, and a long nightmare appears to be over at last. But is it? In Acting Detective Superintendent Alan Banks’s mind too many questions remain unanswered at the chamber of horrors the press will dub the “House of Payne.” Because the darkness has not yet lifted, the casualties are still mounting…and there are still monsters loose in the world. Pre-order this book for 99 cents.
Click here to purchase Aftermath
Review of the PaperWhite – 3G and Wi-Fi model, no special offers
I have been using my trusty Kindle 2 (K2) as my primary e-reader since the day it arrived in February 2009. When the UPS man handed me the PaperWhite (PW) box, my first thought was, “This is sure different from my K2!”
My K2 arrived in a box inside a box, surrounded by air pillows. The PW came in a small, black box. One tug of the tab to open it and the PW was in my hands. I was reading on the PW in about the same time it took me to get my K2 out of the box years earlier.
The PW does exactly what it is touted to do. It allows me read with ease in a darkened room without cumbersome add-on lighting. The resolution and contrast are sharp and crisp. Other features such as the time left to end of chapter or changing the font are nifty, but they don’t add much to my reading experience.
The glow light feature is wonderful. Others have complained about the bottom of the screen where there is a shadow from the light source. The light has to come from somewhere and it is not distracting to me.
The device is feather light and small. Compared to the K2 with its keyboard and wider borders, the PW is easy to carry and hold in one hand. Because of its small size, it is easily misplaced. So far I’ve lost it in my laptop case, on the sofa and in the car.
On the downside, I miss turning the page with a click. Because the device can be held in one hand, I grip the device with the fingers curled on one side and the thumb holding the other side. Because it is a touch device, to turn the page I either have to use my other hand or stretch my thumb around the device to do it. That isn’t as smooth as the click feature.
I miss having the book title in the upper left corner. I would gladly give up the time left in chapter for the book title. I can tap on the top of the page to display the title, but the font is tiny white on black font and not the easiest to read for these over-40 eyes.
I’m not happy that the home page displays only three book covers at a time because about 30% of the screen is devoted to recommended books. Amazon has responded to complaints about the recommendations and has released an update that will allow the user to disable the feature.
One quirky little thing: I often carry my Samsung Tab 7” tablet without a case. If the Tab and the PW slide against each other, the PW wakes up. Somehow there is an electrical signal that will activate the PW.
Overall, I’m pleased with the PW and would buy it again. If you are considering giving a PW as a Christmas gift, order quickly. According to the webpage, PWs ordered today are expected to ship the week of December 17 December 21. That’s a change from earlier today.
PaperWhite with wi-fi: $119 with Special Offers/$139 without
PaperWhite with 3G and wi-fi: $179 with Special Offers/$199 without
Cheap Reads Bundle
Cheryl sent a note alerting us to this cheap read bundle of mysteries selling for only 99 cents – for all three books. She said this:
I enjoy checking this site often for good deals on good books, so it is my turn to supply info!
For a limited time fans of the Michaela Bancroft Mysteries can receive the first three books together for one great low price on your Kindle.
In Saddled with Trouble Horse trainer Michaela Bancroft has worked hard to make it in the man’s world of training and showing quarter horses. After her husband leaves her for a twenty-two-year-old rodeo queen, she’s left with a broken heart and mounting debts. Michaela is trying to rein in her life when she finds her Uncle Lou 
murdered in his prize stallion’s stall. When she’s nearly run off the road the night after her uncle’s funeral, Michaela is convinced she’s on the fast track to becoming the next victim.
Michaela’s adventures continue in Death Reins In as Michaela is headed out for a day at the Quarter Horse Races with her dear friend Audrey Pratt. However, a fun day under the Southern California blue skies turns dark and gloomy rather fast, when Audrey reveals that her brother (racetrack veterinarian) Bob Pratt has been missing for a few days. When Audrey winds up murdered at the races, out on the back forty lot next to the parked horse trailers, Michaela suspects that Bob’s disappearance and Audrey’s murder are related.
In the third segment in this mystery series Tacked to Death, a new tack shop and a gala polo match are reasons to celebrate for Michaela-until equestrian Sterling Tabor is found clubbed to death with a polo mallet. Worse yet, suspicion falls on Michaela… The weapon belongs to Michaela, her prints are all over it, and rumors of her alleged affair with the victim aren’t helping.
You will get all three books in the series in this bundle for only 99 cents. That’s cheap!
Click here to purchase The Michaela Bancroft Mysteries 1-3
I always thought of my beloved Kindle Fire as an ereader that allowed me to check e-mail and Facebook.
The new Kindle Fire HD ($199) is more like a tablet that you can read books on.
The new HD Fire with its 7-inch screen is slim and lightweight. It’s easy to hold for reading and the bigger screen feels more like a book page. The display is brighter than the original and I’m still adjusting the brightness level, but it seems my eyes get tired more easily.
For viewing movies, the square shaped screen is perfect. Best of all, Amazon added an external volume button. Finding the on/off switch, however, is like going on a scavenger hunt.
There are some other upgrades from the original. The on-screen controls are easier to operate. A star button always takes you back to your favorites. I liked the original wooden-look bookshelf and yellow buttons. The new carousel is sleek black. Amazon, could we please have the option of a little color here?
Overall, I’m surprised how much I like the new HD, mostly due to the bigger screen and lightweight feel. It’s not quite as convenient to carry when traveling, something to keep in mind if you like to slip your Kindle in your purse or backpack.
The Fire HD would be a good entry-level device if you don’t have a Fire. It may be worth the upgrade particularly if you use it for web surfing and movies. I got the $199 version with special offer ads. I’m thinking of requesting an upgrade for $15 to avoid the ads.
Amazon just announced an update for the HD that will allow you to turn off the personal recommendations.
If you have the Kindle Fire HD, tell us what you like or don’t like about it.
How do you use your Kindle Fire?
Movie and Music
For a cheap movie on the new Kindle Fire HD, I watched Nacho Libre for just $2.99 on Amazon Instant Video. It’s PG rated fun that reaches a rare combination of stupid yet inspiring.
Nacho Libre: ($2.99 rent/$9.99 purchase) Berated all his life by those around him, a Friar (Black) follows his dream and dons a mask to moonlight as a ‘Luchador’ (wrestler).
If you enjoy music while reading on your Kindle Fire, purchase this mp3 album. 
66 Must-Have Sensual Classics ($1.99)
Bolero;
The Magic Flute;
Wine, Women and Song;
La Traviata and
62 more classic selections.
A box was waiting on the porch when I got home this afternoon – the new Kindle Fire HD.
One thing I love about Amazon is they have great packaging. It’s a small thing, but it does make things fun. I ordered the Kindle Fire HD for $199.
I love my Kindle Fire just as it is, so it will take a bit for me to switch loyalties.
Two hours out of the box, here’s a quick review.
- The colors are amazing and the screen pops.
- An external volume button. Amazon listened to me!
- It’s thin and light and more square, like an iPad. (I do not necessarily consider this an improvement.)
- There’s a quick tutorial when you first start it. I don’t think the original Fire had this.
- I can’t find the Facebook button. Help!
- I should have spent $15 more and got the one without special offers.
- Lots more options than the original.
In the interest of writing a full review, I’m going to pop some corn and watch a movie on it this evening.
If you have purchased the Kindle Fire HD 7″, you might want to purchase this case which is selling today for $5.23.
• Built-in magnetic strip provides sleep/wake feature
• Case transforms into a comfortable viewing stand
• Made from durable synthetic leather with soft interior
• Secures Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7 inch tablet in place for a snug fit
• All tablet features are accessible through cut-outs and openings
• And most importantly, the built-in magnetic strip provides the sleep/wake feature.
Click here to purchase CaseCrown Bold Standby Case (Black) for Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7 Inch
It’s on its way! Maybe
If you ordered the Kindle Paperwhite early, you may already be using your device as the first shipments were sent earlier this week. Has your PW arrived? What are your initial thoughts? You are welcome to post comments.
If you order a PW today, the expected arrival date is 4 – 6 weeks out. All versions (wi-fi, wi-fi with 3G; with or without special offers) are limited to two orders per household.
According to the last e-mail I received from Amazon, my PW will ship the week of October 17. That’s fine as I have 42 AAA batteries in stock to use in my external reading light.
Kindle PowerFast Charger
Before the price was reduced by half, I purchased the Amazon Kindle PowerFast for Accelerated Charging ($9.99) for my Kindle Fire. I’ve been pleased with how quickly my Fire re-charges.
The product specs state that it charges Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ in under 5 hours, Kindle Fire HD 7″ in under 4 hours, and Kindle Fire in under 3 hours.
If you pre-ordered one of the latest Fire HD models, did you notice that there’s no charger shipped with the device. You will only receive a USB cord. The PowerFast charger is only the charger and does not include a USB cord. You need both pieces to charge the Fire through an electrical outlet.
The printed insert states that the adapter is designed only for use with Kindle E-ink and Fire devices. If used for anything else, you may damage that electronic device.
Cheap Reads
Many of the books featured this month are of the scary variety. Ghosts and goblins, sci-fi and suspense, vampires and villains, witches and werewolves, horror and Halloween – we will be posting the great cheap reads all month long.
Below are three novellas on the scary and suspenseful side selling for only 99 cents each.
If you have a naked Fire or are planning to purchase the new 7″ model, this leather cover is only $4.95 today.
• Compatible Model: Kindle Fire Full Color 7″ Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi Tablet (newest model)
• Designed with protective composite high-quality polyurethane leather with soft interior lining.
• Built-in stand conveniently transforms into a magnetic closure for ease and ultimate protection.
• 60 Day Warranty from MiniSuit
Which new Kindle device to buy?
If I were to buy just one of the new Kindle devices, I would buy the Kindle Paperwhite. The reason I bought my first Kindle is the same reason I would buy the Paperwhite: I want to read books. The Paperwhite is an improved e-reader that makes reading electronic books even better.
Forget all the naysayers who say it’s a single-use device. I can read books, magazines and newspapers and play games. That’s several more activities than I can do than with a traditional hardback or paperback book which truly is single-use.
Just a few of the technical specs are enough to make even a non-techy person smile: The resolution is better; the contrast is higher for sharper text; and there’s no glare even in bright sunlight. The fonts and text size options have been increased to add variety.
I can have 1,100 books active on the device. That’s a book a day for more than three years.
The Paperwhite also supports children’s books that were previously only available for the Kindle Fire or other devices. With parental controls included, the Paperwhite can become a family Kindle.
Three features that have convinced me
1. Amazon has added the Time to Read feature which is just brilliant. The device measures your reading speed and then estimates how much time it will take you to finish the chapter. We all know how it will work. I will see the time left to finish, look at the clock, calculate when I’ll be done with the chapter, then figure out if I can shave a few minutes off my morning routine if I sleep 10 minutes later to make up for the 17 minutes more I’ll be reading. After that mental exercise, my brain will be wide awake and I’ll read an extra hour or more. It’s an ingenious plan that leads me to read more books.
2. After three plus years of fiddling with an external light source, buying AAA batteries in 32-count packs, and carrying batteries in my purse, laptop case, overnight bag, work satchel, my car, Tiger’s car and Tiger’s pickup, the built-in light technology has me dancing for joy. What a liberating feature. Yes, Nook had it first, but Amazon was able to examine that technology and supersede it by light years. Being second to the market isn’t always a bad thing.
3. The most compelling reason I’m buying the Kindle Paperwhite is the battery life. Amazon defines it as lasting 8 weeks reading 30 minutes a day. That’s 28 hours of battery life with the wi-fi or wireless off and the light on. Of all the improvements, this one is the best one for me.
Which one of the four options?
I’ll be ordering the Paperwhite with 3G because I don’t want to have to find a wi-fi connection if I’m traveling. The special offers don’t bother me as they have been unobtrusive in my experience. Priced at $199 for the 3G model without special offers, that’s almost half the amount I paid for my first Kindle.
With four options of the Paperwhites available, every user who is buyng an e-reader will find one that is the best one for them.
Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi only with Special Offers $119 pre-order; delivery October 1
Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi only without Special Offers $139 pre-order; delivery October 1
Kindle Paperwhite Free 3G + Wi-Fi with Special Offers $179 pre-order; delivery October 1
Kindle Paperwhite Free 3G + Wi-Fi without Special Offers $199 pre-order; delivery October 1
