Amazon.com Inc. is releasing a slimmer version of its Kindle electronic reading device, but it still costs $359 - making it unclear how mainstream even an improved Kindle can be during a brutal recession.

Rather than lowering the price, Amazon touted several upgrades to the e-book reader and a novella from Stephen King that will be available exclusively for the device. The new Kindle is expected to begin shipping Feb. 24, with owners of the first Kindle at the front of the line if they want to upgrade.