Today, Amazon unveiled its newest version of the Kindle, their popular e-book reader, now available for pre-order in Wi-Fi and 3G + Wi-Fi versions.

The newest version of the wireless reading device still has the 6-inch screen, but now has a smaller, sleeker frame, eliminating a lot of the extra useless space from the previous version, and weighs only 8.7 ounces. Most importantly, it has a new high-contrast e-ink screen, making it even more like reading a paper book; plus, you’re still about to read from the Kindle in bright sunlight with no glare.

The new Kindle — Wi-Fi available in graphite; 3G in both white and graphite — has faster page-turns and quieter keyboard buttons, and can store up to 3,500 ebooks. Also, you can download books in under 60 seconds, and with the wireless turned off, the device lasts for one month on a single charge.

The Wi-Fi model is priced at $139, while the 3G + Wi-Fi model, which includes FREE 3G wireless coverage, is priced at $189. Both versions ship on August 27, 2010.

Watch video of the new Kindle here below.

I already own the previous generation Kindle, and as I’ve said many times before, I totally love it. It’s perfect for reading long stretches at a time, and if you like reading outside on sunny days like I do, the Kindle can’t be beat. It’s easy on the eyes and has no glare, which was my major concern in moving over to e-book reading devices. And yes, I have an iPad, and yes, I do occasionally read on it, but I find that the iPad is too heavy to read comfortable for lengthy periods, and is not as easy to read on in sunlight. There’s a Kindle app for the iPad, so if necessary, if I’m out without my Kindle, I can read my Kindle books right on the iPad (I’ve also read my Kindle books on my cell phone with their Android app, as well as on my Mac).

The iPad (which I love as well) is great for its purposes, but if you are an avid reader and want to replicate the feeling of reading a paperback book in bed, outdoors, on-the-go, etc., the Kindle is the wise choice, especially at this insanely affordable price. Ever try holding up an iPad with one hand while standing on a packed NYC subway car during rush hour? Exactly, it not happening. But you can hold this new smaller-sized, lighter Kindle on the subway or anywhere else, just like you would a mass market paperback book. Even though I already own a Kindle, I’m definitely upgrading to one of these new versions and pre-ordering today!

Features

• All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen – 50% better contrast than any other e-reader
• Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
• New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
• New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
• 17% Lighter – Only 8.5 ounces, weighs less than a paperback
• Battery Life of Up to One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
• Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 Books
• Built-In Wi-Fi – Shop and download books in less than 60 seconds
• 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
• Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
• New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

Video