Amazon CEO hopes new Kindles, including a version costing $139, stoke desire for e-reader

Amazon hopes new Kindles stoke sales

SEATTLE — Amazon.com hopes to entice consumers with a new smaller, lighter version of its Kindle e-reader, which can wirelessly download e-books over 3G cellular networks, and a cheaper Wi-Fi-only version.

Amazon says that it will start shipping the latest Kindle to customers on Aug. 27. It is 21 percent smaller than the current Kindle, though it continues to sport a 6-inch, grayscale electronic-ink screen. The contrast on its screen is 50 percent better, Amazon said, and it can turn pages 20 percent faster. The new Kindle weighs 8.7 ounces — 15 percent less than the existing Kindle — and can store 3,500 books.

A version that includes 3G and Wi-Fi access will cost $189; one that has just Wi-Fi will cost $139.