In what can be seen as Amazon's response to Barnes & Noble's recently-announced $259-priced 'Nook' e-reader, the Kindle-maker has slashed $20 off its new $279 international version of the e-reader; and is issuing $20 rebates to those who have already paid $279 for the device.

In addition, Amazon will now market only the new AT&T 3G wireless-enabled international Kindle, for both US as well as overseas market; thereby doing away with the older US-specific, Sprint-powered Kindle, whose price had also been recently reduced to $259!

Talking about its most recent move in a note to its customers, Amazon said: "Due to strong customer demand for our newest Kindle with U.S. and international wireless, we are consolidating our family of 6-inch Kindles. As part of this consolidation, we are lowering the price of the Kindle you just purchased from $279 down to $259."

The note further said: "You don't need to do anything to get the lower price--we are automatically issuing you a $20 refund. This refund should be processed in the next few days and will appear as a credit on your next billing statement."

Moreover, noting that for the older Sprint-powered Kindle devices, Amazon will continue with Sprint's service, Drew Herdener, director of communications at Amazon.com, confirmed that the not-yet-announced international version of Kindle DX will also use Sprint's data network.