Kindle customers set for long delays

The latest Kindle starts at just £109

Amazon's latest Kindle ebook readers, announced at the end of July, are expected to ship this Friday but only customers who placed their orders weeks in advance are likely to receive their devices on or around the release day.

Both the Amazon UK and US sites show the new Kindle Wi-Fi and Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi versions as being sold out, with UK shoppers being advised that if they place their order today they can expect to take delivery of the device by 17 September.

“Due to strong customer demand, Kindle is temporarily sold out. Order now to reserve your place in the queue. Orders are prioritised on a first-come, first-served basis,” reads a notice on the page.

Amazon UK has so far not confirmed the new Kindle's shipping date, but the forums on its web site show that a number of users have already received notices that suggest Friday is indeed launch day.

One poster claims to have had a response from Amazon saying “orders placed before 4am(BST) on 2 August would ship by 27 August”, while another was told that orders placed between the 2 and 6 of August would ship on the 4 September.

The latest Kindle devices are smaller and lighter than earlier models, and boast improved contrast and quicker page turns. They are also cheaper than their predecessors, with prices starting at £109.

Launching the new models, Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos said: "Kindle Wi-Fi has all the same features, same bookstore, same high-contrast electronic paper display, and it's even a tiny bit lighter at 8.5 ounces. At this price point, many people are going to buy multiple units for the home and family."

The ebook reader currently holds four slots in Amazon’s list of top ten high selling gadgets, but the e-commerce giant is facing strong competition in the ebook reader market.

Samsung Electronics announced today that its Samsung eBook Reader E60 will be available to buy in WHSmith stores from 26 August.