NEW YORK (AP) — Friday is the day the smaller versions of Amazon.com Inc.'s new Kindle Fire tablet computers become available.
The devices represent Amazon's latest challenge to Apple and its iPad tablets, although larger models that are closer in size to the iPad won't be out until November.
The basic, 7-inch Fire model will cost $159, down from $199 for the original model, which sold out last month. Amazon says it is 40 percent faster, comes with twice the memory and has a longer battery life than the old version.
There's also an HD version with a better screen and two Wi-Fi channels and two internal antennas for faster, smoother transfers. Amazon says that will be crucial for high-definition movies and other large files. The 7-inch model starts at $199.
Kindle Fire HD versions with 8.9-inch screens will be out Nov. 20. The iPad's screen is 9.7 inches.
Amazon has not disclosed Kindle sales figures.
Source:
http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Ahead-of-the-Bell-Amazon-s-Kindle-Fire-3865034.php