Amazon launches e-book reader with wireless access

ONLINE retailer Amazon.com has launched an electronic book reader with wireless access, the latest attempt to build consumer interest in portable reading devices.

The battery-operated Amazon Kindle will sell for $399 (€272) and let users download books, newspapers and blogs over a wireless connection. It can carry about 200 books downloaded from Amazon.com at about $10 (€6.82) for new releases.

Described as the thickness and size of slimmer paperbacks complete with keyboard, it allows users take notes, search Amazon’s online store, and surf the wider web.