Taking the market by surprise when online retailer Amazon unveiled it late last year, this unassuming e-book device can store around 200 non-illustrated books in a variety of formats, including Amazon’s own Kindle format. The online Kindle Store launched with around 90,000 titles on offer, from classics to modern bestsellers.
What’s really excited buyers in the US, though, is its wireless capability: Kindle uses Amazon’s Whispernet system, which connects to a mobile data service via on GSM cellphone networks. It’s accessible for free through the device, and allows book downloads from the Kindle Store while you’re on the move – the price is charged to an Amazon-registered credit card, and your book arrives in seconds. There’s an experimental web browser which allows free surfing through the Kindle as well. (By comparison, its only electronic-paper competitor - Sony’s SNE reader from 2006 - relies on USB transfers from another computer.)
Skilled tinkerers and fans in America have already found a bunch of hidden goodies, including basic games and applications – and a locator that uses the Whispernet technology to pinpoint the Kindle’s location. Americans can net the Kindle for $US400 via Amazon.com – on the few occasions when any are in stock – but there’s no word yet on availability outside the States.