Reader's Digest (India)

Rekindle Your Reading

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Thousands of books are available, many free, on a Kindle, the portable wireless e-reader from Amazon. If you were waiting to get one, you’re in luck. Prices are down and you can now pick from the new, more advanced Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Fire HD models. But which one’s right for you? Consider these points, says Deven Kanal, our avid Kindle user Functional­ity: The basic reader is the 6-inch Kindle Paperwhite, weighing about 220 grams, and with a built-in soft light that lets you read in daylight or in the dark. Its Wi-Fionly version has an MRP of ` 10,999 (discounts may vary). The 3G version costs ` 13,999 and offers limited-function 3G, meaning you may freely search and download books from Amazon.com and refer mainly to Wikipedia. If you want full net surfing, it needs access to a Wi-Fi network. If you want multimedia, get the Fire HD version. You can surf and e-mail, watch videos, play music, games, install apps, shoot photos—and, of course, read books. Sizes & weight: The Fire HD comes in 7 and 8.9-inch models. The 7-inch models cost ` 15,999 (for 16GB) and ` 18,999 (32 GB). The two 8.9-inch Kindles cost ` 21,999 and ` 25,999 for 16GB and 32GB, respective­ly. Paying a little extra for double the space is a good idea. The 7-inch model is lighter (395gm vs. 567gm for the 8.9), which is an advantage, since you’re to hold the “book” in your hands. Display: With its higher resolution, the 8.9-inch Fire outperform­s its 7-inch cousin. Even so, buy only according to your requiremen­ts. If you have a computer and broadband at home for surfing and video, you may not really need all this—the Paperwhite should do. Battery life: Amazon claims over 10 and 11 hours (with wireless off) for its 8.9 and 7 inch models, respective­ly, but you may get only half those hours before a recharge, if you use wireless or video functions. Kindles recharge via a USB cable, and unless you have another device (like a PC) with a USB output, you’ll need an adaptor as well. To extend overall battery life, allow your Kindle to drain out completely once a month before full recharge.

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