A portable reader (eReader) based on electronic paper technology. The purpose of the Kindle is to provide a solution for getting and keeping a large number of books on one small device, and for reading them in a more natural and enjoyable way than is possible with other electronic devices.
Models
1st Generation Kindle
Released 2007. Discontinued.
2nd Generation Kindle
Released 2009. Discontinued. A slimmer form factor, improved battery life, and a higher performance E Ink display.
This model does not support WiFi. It can connect via Whispernet using the Sprint cell phone network. You can also connect it to a PC with the USB cable and copy downloaded books from the PC to the Kindle 2.
There is a hack which can allow the Kindle to network to the PC via the USB cable for tcp/ip connectivity as an alternative to Whispernet. Ref: Kindle 2 hacks: bypassing Whispernet
Kindle 3
Released 2010.
Whispernet
Amazon has an agreement with Sprint so that the Kindle may use a Sprint cell tower free of charge for the Kindle owner. Within the U.S. use of Whispernet (Kindle accessing Sprint) is free. Webbrowsing is free, receiving of books and SINGLE-issue magazines are free.
Whispernet makes use of the high-speed network established by the wireless cell phone provider Sprint. This network, in turn, uses EVDO technology, which is faster than other mobile wireless networks.
When you activate a menu (by pressing the Menu button), your wireless status is indicated by a 1X or 3G icon that appears to the left of the wireless coverage bars on the top line of the Kindle screen. The Kindle uses the 3G network when it’s available; otherwise it uses the slower 1X RTT network.
Web and Internet
The Kindle isn’t a fully-functional Web browser, but it lets you browse Wikipedia and other text-oriented Web sites, where you can check your e-mail and perform other common functions. The Kindle gives you free wireless access to the Web. And you don’t have to pay a monthly fee to use your Kindle to go online.