That's the cost of 10 paperback books - and ignoring the fact of whether you can read 10 books per year, let's not forget that you also get free shipping and Fox TV shows and movies for the same $80. Let that sink in for a moment: for $80 per year, you would get unlimited library-like access to Amazon's e-books.

Earlier today, Amazon announced that Prime subscribers (free, two-day shipping for $80 per year) will also get free access to almost 3,000 Fox TV shows and movies (Opens in a new window) - an awesome prospect for any web surfer or tablet user - but more importantly, there are tantalizing hints that Prime users will also get access to a Kindle e-book library. You see, first and foremost the Kindle Fire will be designed for consuming content, and in all likelihood, the Kindle Fire will be the best content-consumption device in the world. Obviously, though, front and center will be Kindle for Android - or, perhaps, a brand new, tailored-for-the-Kindle-Fire version. There'll be an easy, touch-friendly one-poke shopping experience, too. Amazon MP3 and Cloud Drive will be built right in - kind of like iOS and iCloud, but with streaming, web access, and cross-platform compatibility. The Amazon Appstore will provide easy access to thousands of cheap or free apps.

On Wednesday, Amazon is expected to release or announce the Kindle Fire, an Android-based 7-inch touchscreen device that will embrace, extend, and enhance Amazon's bag of highly-successful tricks.

Amazon kindle tablet