Amazon Debuts Kindle for $114, Packed With Visa, Olay, Buick Ads, Sponsored Screensavers

BY Gregory Ferenstein | 04-11-2011 | 6:27 PM

The ad-fortified Wi-Fi-only e-reader will save you $25 but beg you to ultimately spend more with its sponsors. Then again, you're used to solicitations in your digital reading, aren't you? (Hint: Look up, right.)

Kindle with ads

Amazon just released a discounted Kindle model that displays advertisements on the homescreen and screensaver. The "Kindle with Special Offers" model mere $114--$25 cheaper than the most inexpensive model. A 3G version will retail for $189

"We're working hard to make sure that anyone who wants a Kindle can afford one," said Amazon founder and CEO, Kindle with Special Offers is the same #1 bestselling Kindle - and it's only $114. Kindle is the best deal in consumer electronics anywhere in the world."

Visa, Buick, and Amazon.com Reward Visa Card are among the first round sponsors of the new device, with specially designed advertisements for the digital ink screen.

Among the first deals to be beamed on the device are:

$10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card
$6 for 6 Audible Books (normally $68)
$1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store (choose from over 1 million albums)
$10 for $30 of products in the Amazon Denim Shop or Amazon Swim Shop Free
$100 Amazon.com Gift Card when you get an Amazon Rewards Visa Card (normally $30

Amazon with Special Offers is available for pre-order now and will ship May 3rd.