Amazon Kindle Touch 3G now available from Dick Smith

Amazon's Kindle Touch is now available over the counter and online from Dick Smith stores.

The fourth-gen ebook reader starts at $185 for the wifi-only model, with the WiFi+3G version priced at $249.

Apart from connectivity – with the 3G model allowing you to browse, buy and download books from anywhere, rather than relying on a nearby wireless hotspot – the specs are the same: a 6 inch touch screen which uses digital ink technology, around 215 grams weight, several weeks' of battery life and room for some 3,000 books on tap.

Amazon began direct shipments of the Kindle Touch to Australia in February for US$139, while local ebook specialist ReaderShop.com.au offers the Kindle Touch WiFi for $219 and the WiFi+3G model at $279 and includes an AC adaptor, spare USB charge cable and 12VDC car charger.

(ReaderShop.com.au also stocks Amazon's Android-powered Kindle Fire tablet, which is still restricted to US-only shipping if you order from Amazon, for $349. However, you won't have full access to movies and TV shows available for download through Amazon.com.)

Our take? As nifty as the Kindle Touch is, if you're looking for the best value Kindle we suggest DSE's $99 refurbished Kindle Keyboard Wi-Fi. It's covered by the same one-year warranty as a new Kindle so there's zilch risk factor.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.