 The book reader is already listed on the Amazon site |
The paperback-sized Kindle is expected to cost $399 (195) and be able to store up to 200 books in its memory.
Although details are scant, Kindle is also believed to use a wireless service so owners can buy e-books from Amazon while out and about.
Amazon is thought to have signed deals with publishers to prepare a long list of books ready for the Kindle launch.
New edition
Prior to the launch at New York's W Hotel in Union Square, information about Kindle has appeared in American magazine Newsweek.
The magazine interview with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos revealed that Kindle has a digital ink screen; gives about 30 hours of reading time on a full battery charge and uses wireless for restricted web browsing and buying books.
The device will also be able to give people access to magazines, newspapers and blogs.
Anyone buying a Kindle gets an associated e-mail address so if that person is sent Word documents or PDF files, these are converted for reading on the device.
There is no information yet about when the device will go on sale or which territories will get it first.
Information about Kindle first emerged in 2004 and the device's debut is thought to have been delayed to iron out teething troubles with the prototypes.
Amazon is not the first company to produce an e-book reader. Many other companies have tried and failed with similar devices.
In early November, Sony released the second version of its Reader that also sports a digital ink screen. The first version of the Reader was criticised because of the restrictive digital rights management system it used.
Also this month, Epson Seiko showed off a prototype e-reader that is only three millimetres thick. There are no announcements about when, or if, the gadget will go on sale.Population crisis Jerusalem diary The week ahead
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