Launchpad: Kindle Fire HD

Pocket-friendly tablet

One of the biggest iPad rivals in the US is now available in India. Online retail major Amazon has launched Kindle Fire HD in two screen sizes,7 and 8.9 inches. The 7-inch device is available for Rs 15,999,while the 8.9-inch version is for Rs 21,999. Indian users can order the tablet from amazon.in,where the e-retailer will make it available from June 27. The device has an HD display and good speakers,which will appeal movie buffs. Amazon claims the 8.9-inch version has a battery life of 10 hours,a thickness of 8.8 mm and the weighs 570 grams. Though both tablets support WiFi,the lack of 3G connectivity in these tablets is disappointing.

Kindle Paperwhite 3G

Rs 13,999,value for money:

For travelling bibliophiles

Days after launching amazon.in,an online store for books and movies in India,Amazon announced a major push in the ebook market. The older fifth generation Kindle is available on the website for Rs 5,999,while the Kindle Paperwhite will be available from June 27. Till then,the company is offering one free ebook every day. The Paperwhite WiFi is available for Rs 10,999,while the WiFi3G version costs Rs 13,999. The Paperwhite has a 6-inch display and Amazon claims that the battery lasts for up to two months. Since the Paperwhite has a backlit LCD display,users can read ebooks on the device in low light.