Amazon to Debut Kindle E-book Reader

The online retailer is ready for a major media event next week in NYC to unveil its new e-book.

Amazon.com is set to announce its e-book reader in New York on Monday. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is expected to show the device, called the Kindle, at an event at the W Hotel in Union Square.

The Kindle is equipped with a Wi-Fi connection that allows users to buy and download electronic books from a newly created Amazon e-book store.

Amazon reportedly has a deal with Sprint for EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized), a standard for high-speed wireless broadband access. The device comes with a headphone jack for audiobooks, and a small reading light attached to an adjustable arm. However, it won't have a calendar or address book.

Users will also be able to download digital editions of The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. The Kindle is priced at $399.

News of the device first leaked on the Web last year when Amazon filed an detailed application with the FCC for Kindle's wireless modem. This modem will actively allow users to connect to an online Amazon e-book store wirelessly via a high-speed EVDO network.

A September New York Times article speculated that the Kindle could retail for up to $500. Those who examined it, however, complained about the Web browser experience, since Kindle's screen (made by E Ink) cannot display color or animation.