Daily Marauder

TECHNOLOGY

Ever since Amazon launched the Kindle last November, we’ve been wondering about just how successful it’s been. The electronic book initially sold out and supplies have been tight. The Kindle is such a small part of Amazon’s overall business that the company does not break out how many it’s sold. But we found out anyway: 240,000 Kindles have been shipped since November, according to a source close to Amazon with direct knowledge of the numbers. (http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/08/01/amazon-to-acquire-abebooks 8/1)

Speaker designer Matthew Polk demonstrated a new speaker system designed for the slim profile of flat-screen TVs, the SurroundBar 360. The speaker system, measuring 44 1/2 inches wide and 4 1/8 inches high, can fit beneath a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The SurroundBar 360 will be available for sale this September at a suggested retail price of $1,199. ElectronicHouse.com (8/1)

Sharp has launched a home cinema rack system available with an integrated, upscaling DVD/CD player. The AN-PR1500H system also is equipped with HD-enabling technology and 2.1 front surround speakers. The unit comes with a USB port so users can upload photos or link up an iPod. Pocket-lint.co.uk (8/1)