Amazon Kindle 2 debuts for $359

Amazon officially introduced its second-generation Kindle 2, this new eBook reader has an improved display that boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and crisper images. The device has 2GB of storage capacity (1.4GB available for user content) and a 25 percent longer battery life. Furthermore, it's also less bulky; the Kindle 2 is just over 1/3 of an inch thick and weighs just 10.2 ounces.

Amazon claims the new Kindle allows you to read for up to two weeks without recharging, and states the device has enough storage capacity for over 1,500 books. One of the new features is Read-to-Me, the eBook reader can now read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud to you. The performance has been increased as well, Amazon promises page turns are now 20 percent faster than on the first-gen Kindle.

The wireless reading device connects to your PC or Mac via USB 2.0, but it's also possible to download books via Sprint's 3G network.

The Kindle 2 is now available for preorder at Amazon for $359 and Amazon sells UR by Stephen King for $2.99, this novel was written exclusively for Kindle. The devices will start shipping on February 24, 2009.