Amazon unveils the Kindle 2

Not surprisingly, the leaked photos we showed you over the weekend weren't part of an elaborate Photoshop hoax. Amazon has announced the Kindle 2, which is thinner than an iPhone, weighs in at 10.2 ounces (0.29kg) and one-ups the original Kindle in a number of key areas.

The 2GB of storage equates to seven times that of the original Kindle, with room for 1,500 books - and to help you burn through all those words, the Kindle 2 has 20% faster page turning than the original.

The battery is 25% more capacious than the original Kindle, and will last four days with wireless turned on, or two weeks with wireless turned off. When you need a recharge, you can use the redesigned travel-friendly charger or the included USB 2.0 cable.

The 6-inch 600x800 e-ink display is capable of 16 shades of grey, versus the 4 shades of the original Kindle.

What's new?

A new 5-way controller allows easier navigation and highlighting.

Whispersync allows you to sync content between your old Kindle, your new shiny Kindle 2 and, in the future, another mobile device - and pick up a half-read book where you left off.

A read-to-me function will (you guessed it) read to you in a male or female voice at a speed that suits you.

Includes the New Oxford American Dictionary and its 250,000 definitions.

Pricing and availability

The Kindle 2 will set you back US$359. Pre-orders are open now, to ship on February 24. Those of you on the waiting list for a Kindle will receive a Kindle 2 instead (hope you like the new design).

Pre-order the Kindle 2