Amazon unveils Kindle eBook device
Electronic book will allow users to download electronic content straight to the device via wireless, with books, newspapers, magazines and even blogs on offer...for a price.

Online retailer Amazon has launched its highly-anticipated electronic book reader with wireless access, the latest attempt to build consumer interest in portable reading devices.
The battery-operated Amazon Kindle will sell for $399 (199) in the US at first, with an international launch to follow shortly. It will let users download books, newspapers and blogs over a wireless connection. It can carry about 200 books downloaded from Amazon.com at about $10 for new releases.
Wireless functionalities, based on US mobile phone broadband technology EVDO, are built into the 10-ounce, thin white device. Downloading content does not require a computer and takes less than a minute for a full-length book, the company said.
"The question is can you improve upon something as highly evolved and well-suited to its task as the book? And if so, how?" Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos said at a press conference in New York. "It has to disappear."
Like a book, the device's screen is not back-lit and uses electronic ink to mimic paper. An e-book reader offered by Sony employs similar technology, but does not include wireless access.
The service will also offer subscriptions to newspapers, magazines and blogs for a monthly fee. Subscriptions to newspapers such as the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal range from $5.99 (3) to $14.99 (7.50). Magazine subscriptions range from $1.25 (62.5p) to $3.49 (1.75) per month.
Amazon will also offer subscriptions to blogs that cost about 99 cents (50p).
How to scale your organisation in the cloud
How to overcome common scaling challenges and choose the right scalable cloud service
Download nowThe people factor: A critical ingredient for intelligent communications
How to improve communication within your business
Download nowFuture of video conferencing
Optimising video conferencing features to achieve business goals
Download nowImproving cyber security for remote working
13 recommendations for security from any location
Download now