Amazon's e-book reader

With Amazon having got its start in paper books, the company is now preparing to push the e-book concept with its own hardware. The "Kindle" reader has been public knowledge for some time; only this week however has concrete information surfaced on the device. Publishers Weekly confirms that people will be able to buy files through the Kindle itself, and the software will be supplied by Mobipocket, which is owned by Amazon and designed the reader used on the latter's website.

Critically, though the Kindle is scheduled for an imminent release, it is expected to cost at least $400 -- more than many customers may be willing to pay. It is also unknown what form of Internet connection the reader will use. MobileRead believes it may be EVDO, but since reliance on cellular networks may exclude too much of the public, WiFi may be more probable.

By Electronista Staff