The Kindle 2 has 2GB of internal memory of which 1.4GB is user-accessible. Amazon estimates that the Kindle 2 will hold about 1500 non-illustrated books. Unlike the Kindle First Generation, Kindle 2 does not have a slot for SD memory cards. To promote the new Kindle, author Stephen King made UR, his then-new novella, available exclusively through the Kindle Store. On October 22, 2009, Amazon stopped selling the original Kindle 2 in favor of the international version it had introduced earlier in the month. see Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)
According to an early review by iFixIt, the Kindle 2 features a Freescale 532MHz, ARM-11 90 nm processor, 32MB main memory, 2GB moviNAND flash storage and a 3.7V 1530mAh lithium polymer battery. On November 24, 2009, Amazon released a firmware update for the Kindle 2 that it said increases battery life by 85% and introduces native PDF support. There is concern about the specific hardware choices made for the device.[23] For example, the Kindle 2 lacks the memory expansion slot which was part of the original Kindle, which not only affects the potential number of e-books which can be stored on the device, but also removes potential capabilities to import e-books onto the device via memory card.
There are concerns that the Kindle 2's contrast in small text is poor compared to the original Kindle. Side-by-side comparisons show slight differences attributable to factors such as slightly darker background and different fonts on the two devices. Some Kindle 2 users have reverted back to the original Kindle due to this issue.
The Kindle 2 was criticized for its high original retail price of US$359, compared to the $185.49 it allegedly costs to manufacture. On July 8, 2009, Amazon reduced the price of the Kindle 2 to $299. On October 7, 2009, Amazon further reduced the price of the Kindle 2 to $259.