Amazon.com expected to unveil e-book reader today

SEATTLE — Amazon.com Inc. is expected to unveil its long-awaited e-book reader at a media event today in New York, according to CNet Networks Inc.'s technology news site.

Word of the Kindle, as the device is called, made its way onto blogs more than a year ago, but the Web retailer has remained mum on details. CNet reported that the reader will cost $399 and be able to connect to Amazon's e-book store via a Wi-Fi connection or with a Sprint Nextel Corp. cellular connection.

Craig Berman, an Amazon spokesman, declined to comment. The company sent out media invitations for an event at the W Hotel in New York's Union Square neighborhood today but would not discuss the reason for the event.

The device is reported to have a headphone jack for listening to audio books. And, just as one can subscribe to podcasts, the Kindle reportedly can be set to regularly download publications such as The New York Times.