Amazon Kindle 2 slideshow

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos unveiled the Kindle 2 at New York's Morgan Library Monday in early February.

The svelte 0.36-inch depth of the device is evident in this photo.

The Kindle 2 looks like a giant iPod from the rear. Alas, Amazon didn't include a protective case--it's available separately.

The new screen offers 16 shades of gray, which provides more detail in images.

Page turns are 20 percent faster than the original Kindle.

Amazon says the new Kindle delivers 25 percent longer battery life than its predecessor.

As with the original Kindle, the new screen is not backlit. The idea is to deliver a more paper-like experience that can be read in direct sunlight (as illustrated in this Amazon-supplied photo).

The Kindle 2 includes built-in 3G wireless, which lets you download titles from Amazon in about a minute flat. If you can't tap into the 3G network, this model toggles down to Sprint's slower 1XRTT data network (if it's available).

Amazon has ramped up the on-board memory to 2GB, so the new Kindle can store up to 1,500 books at a time. If you run out of space, you can delete purchased titles from the device's memory and then re-download them later at no additional charge. However, there's no expansion slot for additional memory.

The Kindle 2's battery is sealed into the back of the unit and isn't user replaceable. To replace the battery, Amazon charges $60.

About 240,000 books are now available on the Kindle, and that number should continue to grow.

The Kindle 2 has a built-in dictionary for looking up words. You can also take notes as you read using the keyboard.

The Kindle 2 includes a text-to-speech function, so it can read any of the content to you via the speakers on the bottom or the headphone jack on top.

The Kindle 2, like its predecessor uses E-ink technology. This model's processor has been upgraded, making the device zippier.

Newspapers, magazines, and blogs are available on the Kindle 2 via paid subscriptions.

Readers can choose any one of six available font sizes.

The Kindle 2 has a new Text-to-Speech feature that allows you to have text read to you by a digitized voice (male or female). There are small built-in speakers on the back of the device.

At just over a third of an inch think, the Kindle 2 is thinner than the iPhone.

The new Kindle has an all-new keyboard, five-way navigator, and page-turn buttons.