Amazon on Monday introduced a new discount version of Kindle electronic books reader that carries special sponsored screensavers, which allow to make it more affordable than previously. The Kindle with special offers is the fully fledged third-generation Kindle, but with $114 price-point as well as special ads that end-users should watch to receive special offers.

"We are working hard to make sure that anyone who wants a Kindle can afford one. 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," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and chief executive.

Kindle with special offers is the same third-generation Kindle, plus special offers and sponsored screensavers. Kindle special offers and sponsored screensavers display on the Kindle screensaver and on the bottom of the home screen. Kindle with SO is now available for pre-order to customers in the U.S. and will ship on May 3.

Kindle's sponsored screensavers are specially-designed display advertisements that take advantage of Kindle's high-contrast, no-glare electronic-ink display. Before these advertisements can be presented to Kindle customers, they are first previewed by customers using AdMash. Users are presented with pairs of sponsored screensaver candidates and asked to select which one they prefer. Screensavers with the most preferred votes qualify to become sponsored screensavers. In addition, Kindle with SO customers can give Amazon hints on the style and types of sponsored screensavers they would like to see.

Buick, Olay (Procter & Gamble), Visa, and Amazon.com Reward Visa Card (Chase) are sponsoring the first series of screensavers specially-designed for Kindle's electronic ink display.

To make sure customers don't miss any of the offers, a full list of active offers will be available from the menu of Kindle with SO at any time.

Tags: Amazon, Kindle