Jeff Bezos unveiled the Amazon Kindle 2—an update to the original Amazon Kindle, a stand-alone electronic book reader utilizes electronic-paper / e-ink technology—at a special Amazon press event held on Monday, February 9th, 2009 at Morgan Library. Two different official videos highlighting the features of the new device are available on Amazon.

The international version of the Kindle 2 is now shipping. It adds the hardware needed to connect to AT&T's 3G wireless network, which offers service in more than 100 countries.

It initially cost $279, but Amazon dropped the price to $259 on October 22nd, 2009 in response to competition from the Barnes & Noble Nook. Folks who bought the international Kindle at the old price are receiving $20 refunds. It was also revealed that some web browsing functionality (limited as it is) makes an appearance on the device.

• Device measures 8 inches x 5.3 inches x 0.4 inches
• Weighs only 10.2 ounces
• 7 times more storage than the original Kindle
• Holds over 1,500 books
• Automatic magazine and newspaper delivery
• 25% longer battery
• 2 weeks of reading on a single charge
• Whispersync: sync data between Kindle, kindle 2, and other wireless devices
• New 5-way controller for use by either hand
• 16-shades of gray in display
• 20% faster page turning
• Built-in text-to-speech: any document on the device can be read out loud
• $359 pre-order available immediately and ships on February 24th.

Amazon has also posted a drop-test video of the Kindle 2.