Kindle 2 Hype

Several sites have been live blogging the kindle 2 launch (Bits) (CNet) and at the presentation Jeff Bezos was supported by none other than Stephen King who extolled the virtues of said gadget. From their press release here are some highlights:

Kindle 2, the new reading device that offers Kindle’s revolutionary wireless delivery of content in a new slim design with longer battery life, faster page turns, over seven times more storage, sharper images, and a new read-to-me feature. Kindle 2 is purpose-built for reading with a high-resolution 6-inch electronic paper display that looks and reads like real paper, which lets users read for hours without the eyestrain caused by reading on a backlit display. More than 230,000 books are now available in the Kindle Store, including 103 of 110 current New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases, which are typically $9.99. Top U.S. and international magazines and newspapers plus more than 1,200 different blogs are also available. Kindle 2 is available for pre-order starting today for $359

Bezos said he wants to provide every book ever published available for download in 60seconds or less. Among the features touted; it is about the width of a number 2 pencil, lighter than any book of similar size, has 2gig of memory, 25% more battery life that is said to last 14 days, a 250K dictionary, text to speech that enables a reader to listen to the book rather than read. 1200 blogs are available on the device as well as magazines and newspapers which are available for separate additional subscriptions. Pricing remains the same as the earlier version and the company is giving preferential treatment to current owners who want to upgrade. Not a price break but you get to go to the head of the line.