What Is the Kindle With Special Offers, and Is It Worth the Money?

What is this new Kindle with Special Offers that Amazon has offered since the beginning of May? What features does it have? Is it any better or worse than the previous models? You'll find all the answers right here.

How is the Kindle Special Offers device different from the other Kindles?

This new Kindle is identical to the WiFi-only Kindle that Amazon currently offers in addition to the WiFi and 3G enabled Kindle. It has the same features as the WiFi-enabled device, which allows you to freely connect to a wireless Internet network whenever you're within range of one at a café or your own house.

How is this Kindle different from the others?

The device itself is identical in features to the other models, but it comes with one big difference. Whenever the old Kindle device was idle, it would flip on a screensaver with a picture of a famous author. But with the new model, you'll see a full-page "special offer." This is essentially an ad that offers you a gift card or significant product discount for signing up with a new credit card or making a purchase.

These ads will also appear in the bottom row of the Kindle screen when you're reading your book. They're fairly small and discreet, so they aren't really in the way.

How much does this new Kindle cost?

There has to be a reason Amazon can get away with displaying ads on a device you paid over $100 for. It's the fact that they reduced the price from $139 (the price of the ad-free Wi-Fi only model) to $114.00. Basically, you're getting the same exact WiFi-enabled device, just for $25 less because you're willing to look at or consider taking advantage of the ads.

What ads will I see?

The Kindle with Special Offers device will display ads from car companies like Buick, hygiene companies like Olay and banking and credit card companies, like Chase and Visa. Amazon also gives away coupons from time to time.

Which Kindle is the best option for my needs?

If you want to save money, then you definitely need to get the Kindle with Special Offers, especially if you don't need 3G access wherever you go. If you planned on getting the WiFi-only version in the first place, then save yourself $25 and get the Special Offers Kindle.

Remember, there's nothing different about this Kindle than the previous WiFi-only one, so you're not sacrificing any quality or features. You're just leaving out the regular screensaver option in favor of seeing offers and ads instead.

There's just one thing about the Kindle with Special Offers that I didn't go over here, but that you need to know before you make a purchase. Head on over to http://www.squidoo.com/3g-kindle to find out it is!