An "insider" told TechCrunch that one model, a smaller, updated version with an improved interface, would be available as early as October, in time for the holiday season. The source also said that Amazon has "skipped three or four generations" and compared the old Kindle to the first-generation iPod and the new version to the sleeker iPod Mini.

TechCrunch said the second new model, which should be available next year, is shaped like a 8.5-by-11-in. sheet of paper and is much bigger than the current model, which is the size of a paperback book.

Both models will most likely come in a variety of colors and may be aimed at younger readers, according to TechCrunch.

Amazon.com could not be reached for comment.

Although Amazon has refused to release the numbers of Kindles sold, the company has said the original Kindle, which first went on sale Nov. 19, sold out in five and a half hours. From that date until sometime this past spring, Amazon said it had a hard time keeping up with the demand for the device.

The Kindle allows users to wirelessly download books, newspapers, magazines and blogs. The reader, which costs $399, is the size of a paperback book and weighs 10.3 oz. The device uses electronic paper, a high-resolution display technology that provides a sharp black-and-white screen that's as easy to read as printed paper, the company said. Kindle uses Sprint Nextel Corp.'s high-speed Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) data network for its wireless broadband connection.

Read more about mobile and wireless in Computerworld's Mobile and Wireless Knowledge Center.

Comment Recommend Digg Twitter ShareThis

Email Print Send Feedback Reprints

Jump to comments

Amazon

Additional Resources

WHITE PAPER

EFD vs. HDD - What You Need to Know

Enterprise flash drives provide a new Tier 0 storage layer capable of delivering high I/O performance at a very low latency. Proper use of EFDs in an Oracle environment can deliver increased performance compared to fibre channel drives. Read the recommendations for identification of the best DB components for EFDs.

WHITE PAPER

Gartner Research Report: Magic Quadrant for Application Delivery Controllers, 2009

The market for products to improve the delivery of application software over networks remains dynamic and innovative. Vendors focused on solving enterprises' most-pressing application problems have become the top players.

WHITE PAPER

Eight Criteria for Server Load Balancing

Server load balancers are a simple yet highly effective means to scale an application environment while ensuring its availability. Today's solutions should also address application performance and security. Read about the top eight criteria you should consider when choosing a server load balancer and how Citrix NetScaler meets those requirements.

What People Are Saying

5 comments | Add new

See all comments (5) | Add new

White Papers & Webcasts

How to Calculate ROI & TCO of Enterprise BlackBerry and iPhone Uses
Download Now

Accelerating Your Mobile Workers: Controlling the Uncontrollable
Today's workforce is truly mobile. Unlike the managed environment of the office LAN, remote users face many challenges to being productive while out...

eGuide: Enterprise Security
Smart Security Strategies for 2010. Read now!

Managing Laptops Outside the Office
Learn how you can reduce costs by tracking mobile computers no matter where they are located.

How to Improve Remote User Satisfaction and Maximize ROI by Using SSL VPNs
Download this white paper today!

Mobile U Webinar
Watch Now!

The New Mobile Order
Download Now

4G Ahead Video Program
Uncover the features and benefits of the two leading 4G technologies for enterprises considering future deployment.

WAN Application Delivery for Executives
Learn how to simplify server and application administration without creating performance problems for distributed users.

Horror stories: Managing IT Across Multiple Locations
How one extra sharp IT manager eliminates daily agony, hassle and repetition.

All White Papers | All Webcasts