Thursday, September 6, 2012

Amazon is updating its Kindle Fire tablet computer as it steps up competition with Apple's iPad and refreshing its whole line of Kindle gadgets.

The basic model will cost $159, down from $199 for the old model. It will start shipping Sept. 14. It's also coming with high-end versions, including ones with a screen nearly as big as the iPad.

Amazon also refreshed its line of stand-alone e-readers. Called Paperwhite, the new e-reader model has a black-and-white screen.

The Kindle Fire is an effort to take a larger share of a tablet computer market dominated by Apple's iPad.

Amazon has been selling lower-priced tablets at thin, if any, profit margins to boost sales of digital items from its online store.