I was looking around at Amazon.com this morning because I have a feeling that something big is about to go down. New Kindles are likely to be announced soon, and I may have just stumbled across an indicator that hopefully means Amazon will be releasing a new basic Kindle this year.
I noticed that Amazon is no longer selling the $69 basic Kindle with special offers. They are still selling the $89 version without ads, but the listing for the $69 model is no longer available and there’s no indication that it’s coming back. The same goes for the $89 international version of the basic Kindle—it’s no longer available either. Update: One day later, and now the $89 Kindle is gone too—it looks like this is the end of the line for the basic Kindle.
Usually when Amazon has a stock shortage, they will simply say that it will be available in x amount of weeks. But not with the basic Kindle. There is no estimated shipping date. Instead they are only being offered used from Amazon marketplace sellers and through Amazon warehouse deals.
Once Amazon does that, it usually means it’s the end of the line for that model of Kindle (unless it’s the Kindle DX).
Personally, I think this is a long time coming. The basic Kindle is outdated and has basically remained unchanged for the past 3 years. It is majorly due for an upgrade before it becomes as neglected as the Kindle DX.
All of the various Kindle Paperwhite models are still available, however. If I were to guess I’d say the current Kindle Paperwhite isn’t going anywhere. I think Amazon will continue to offer it moving forward, but I’m thinking that Amazon is going to take a page from Kobo’s book and introduce a premium Kindle Paperwhite with some hardware upgrades and a 6.8-inch E Ink Carta screen, like the new Kobo Aura H2O.
One could hope that a new Kindle DX is a possibility too, but I just don’t think that Amazon cares about large-screen ebook readers anymore, unfortunately. That’s a shame becasue after reviewing the 9.7-inch Onyx Boox M96, I have a much greater appreciation for large-screen E Ink ereaders. They should be a lot more popular because larger screens and ereading make a great combination.
Guess we’ll have to wait until Amazon makes an official announcement to know for sure…
my 84-year old mom doesn’t like e-readers. but I can’t find her the Large Print books often at the library. she also has a hard time with touch screens. if she screws up her place she doesn’t know how to find it again. the dx doesn’t have a touch screen. although she occasionally loses her place with it, she can manage it for the most part. so I hope the DX continues.
Hopefully Amazon comes out with a new Basic Kindle model.
They should use newer technology to do a cost reduction, i.e. same functionality as current basic Kindle but make something they can sell for $49.
It would also be nice for them to come out with a model that has a screen larger than 6″.
Reading on an e-reader is so much better than using a tablet.
I’m anxiously awaiting new Kindles too because my Paperwhite finally died after I dropped it from about 3 feet flat onto a tile floor. Dropped it several times before without any kind of cover on it, always bounced back before. By far, my favorite reading device ever.
Well, I checked on Amazon today (almost a week after your post), and the $69 basic Kindle is in stock again.
I hope the new Kindle announcement comes soon…but we’ll see.
Really? For me it’s showing “Sign up to be e-mailed when available”. They’ve even removed the third-party merchants offers and the option to choose between the regular and special offers models.
It is still available at this time on the Canadian site.
Hi Nathan,
yesterday KindleWorld* reported that the simpler Kindle desapeared from the Kindle eReaders line-up. I checked now and it’s true. I think you were right and saw that coming.
*http://kindleworld.blogspot.com.br/
Yep, I noticed that too. It’s definitely the end of the basic Kindle. New leaks today have turned up a new basic Kindle with a touchscreen and a successor to the Paperwhite called the Kindle Voyage.