The online retailing giant announced that the third-generation of the e-reading device had shot to the top following massive sales over the Christmas period.

The third-gen Kindle, which was released in July 2010, surpassed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the seventh book in the series) to reach the best-seller mantle. A Kindle currently costs US$139, compared with the original US$14.99 price tag for a paperback edition of the hit novel.

Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos said consumers were increasingly purchasing Kindle devices in addition to tablet computers.

“They report preferring Kindle for reading because it weighs less, eliminates battery anxiety with its month-long battery life, and has the advanced paper-like Pearl e-ink display that reduces eye-strain, doesn’t interfere with sleep patterns at bedtime, and works outside in direct sunlight, an important consideration especially for vacation reading,” he said.

Australian book printers have previously expressed concern at the growing popularity of e-readers and tablet computers such as the Apple iPad.

The Gillard government last year launched a Book Industry Strategy Group to “address the challenges for the future of this increasingly digital industry”.

The group is expected to deliver a completed report by next month.

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