People love their Kindles.

But the electronic book reader from Amazon is a huge target. Everyone, including Apple, is scheming to eat their lunch.

How is Amazon responding to that threat?

They’ve announced the next generation, available January 19, 2010, called Kindle DX:

3G Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle DX; no monthly fees, no annual contracts, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots

Global Coverage: Enjoy 3G wireless coverage at home or abroad in over 100 countries. See details. Check wireless coverage map.

Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents

Longer Battery Life: Now read for up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on, a significant improvement from the previous battery life of 4 days

Cost $490. About $10 / book. But no monthly charges. Sweet.

Many of the competitors require a monthly internet connection service.

Click through to Amazon to see details and videos on how it works.

… I’d still wait to hear about Apple’s Kindle killer device the end of January before ordering a DX.