Amazon is launching an ad-supported version of its popular Kindle 3G on the AT&T network for a flat fee of $139.
If you can endure sponsored screensavers and “money-saving special offers” visible at the bottom of your Kindle screen, then the AT&T sponsored Kindle 3G can be yours for a cool $139 – which is $50 less than the standard $189 Kindle 3G.
Available in white or graphite, the Kindle 3G with Special Offers is basically identical to the Kindle 3G apart from the ads and sponsored screen savers.
“Kindle 3G is more convenient – customers never have to hunt for or pay for a Wi-Fi hotspot – they simply download and read books anytime, anywhere,” said Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
“Kindle 3G customers read 20 percent more books, and take advantage of twice as many special offers… A big thank you to AT&T for helping to make the new $139 price possible.”
AT&T is subsidizing the service, which means no additional monthly fees for the user. With 3G service, users can connect to the Internet and download over 950,000 books and periodicals.
The Kindle also has an app for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Android, PC, Mac, BlackbBerry and Windows Phone, which allows users to access all their Kindle books on other devices.
Amazon launched a WiFi version of the Kindle with Special Offers in April, lowering the price from $139 to $113 with support from sponsors like Buick, Visa, and Olay. With the launch of a 3G version with Special Offers, it seams users are willing to deal with ads in exchange for a lower price point.
