Called the Amazon Kindle, the device has a high-resolution electronic paper display that looks and reads like paper – even in bright sunlight – and is priced at US$399 (A$452).
“Our top design objective was for Kindle to disappear in your hands – to get out of the way – so you can enjoy your reading,” Amazon.com founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos said.
“We also wanted to go beyond the physical book. Kindle is wireless, so whether you're lying in bed or riding a train, you can think of a book, and have it in less than 60 seconds,” Mr Bezos said.
“No computer is needed – you do your shopping directly from the device.”
Kindle is lighter and thinner than a typical paperback and fits in one hand. Its built-in memory stores more than 200 titles, and hundreds more can be stored with an optional SD memory card.
The Amazon wireless delivery model in the US uses the mobile phone network, and books can be downloaded in less than a minute, while newspapers and blogs are delivered automatically to subscribers.
Amazon pays for the wireless connectivity bills for Kindle, so there are no monthly wireless fees, data plans, or service commitments for customers.
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