Possibly launching the device as a response to the Kindle DZ, Sony today quietly slipped out the Danielle Steel Limited Edition of its second-generation Reader. The e-paper device comes in red with a matching cover that features the author's logo; it also comes with a store code to download Bungalow 2, Echoes and Sisters from Sony's e-book store. A message from Steel herself is also included.

In spite of the extras, Sony doesn't charge any more for the special reader than it does normal versions and puts the Limited Edition at the same $280 as conventional models. The new Reader is already in stock and should ship by the end of the week. [via Chip Chick]