As expected (and leaked) Amazon unleashed their Kindle 2 e-reader today. The pics and price we detailed on Friday were 100% accurate, but now we’ve got the official details for you to salivate over. This version of the Kindle is much more svelte, measuring a 1/3 of inch thick and weighing just 10.2oz, which is apparently less than most paper back books, at least as far as Amazon is concerned. They’ve updated its connectivity to 3G enabling books to be delivered in under 60 seconds. And while slimming down the e-reader, and rounding the corners, they’ve managed to improve battery life by as much as 25% and increase ‘page turns’ by 20%. Another big notable is the ‘read-to-me’ function that will fill the void in case Mom or Dad aren’t around to read you bed time stories. The Kindle 2 will be released February 24th and cost $359. Kindle 1 owners will get first priority if they place their order by Feb 10th, that is assuming Amazon sells out to the general public. Ton o’ videos on the product page including a drop test, which makes the Kindle 2 look suitable for military application.

My only disappointment? No college/text book integration as first rumored. Amazon could’ve been a major factor in the fight against Scoliosis.

More of the Kindle 2 Review here.