Kindle DX 9.7″ – a bigger better reader from Amazon
If you’re one of those who mumbled about the screen size of the Kindle 2, well… it’s time to be happy, cause Amazon just launched a bigger better version, the Kindle DX. This new reader might not seem to bring up many improvements, but in reality, i consider it to be a lot more useful than any other such devices on the market.
The new Kindle DX Reader is better suited for displaying complex content
First of all, you’ll notice the size difference, as the Kindle DX comes with a bigger screen ( 9.7inches ) with better resolution ( 1200 x 824 pixels ) and auto-rotation function (a function similar to the accelerometer from mobile phones, that changes the image from portrait/landscape depending on the way you’re holding the gadget) . A bigger display means easier way to display more content, thus the new Kindle being more suitable for displaying content that has text and pictures (newspapers, magazines, etc) . With the bigger screen comes a new arrangement of the keyboard and the main buttons, one that i consider more ergonomic .
The new Kindle DX can use tons of types of materials, for almost all the text formats to images (JPG, GIF, PNG) and audio files (MP3, WAV). The good thing is that the new Kindle offers PDF compatibility (the Kindle 2 didn’t , as you had to convert PDF files via a proprietary Amazon application). Storage space has been increased also to 4 GB, thus more space is available for your content. The new Kindle uses a standard micro-USB port for charging and connecting to a computer, and that’s a plus also.
Other technical details remained more or less the same: the slim size and reduced weight, the very good build quality, the e-ink technology behind the screen (monochrome, 16 shades of grey) , the wireless connectivity that works via mobile operators and only in US (allows you to connect to Internet from your device and buy content easier or read RSS feeds), etc . Also, alongside the new Kindle DX, Amazon worked on their book store also, making it the biggest in the world: it contains now nearly 250.000 books, papers, magazines, feeds, all for very good prices. And you can access this store only if you own a Kindle.
I for one consider the new Kindle DX better because of the bigger screen (i’m one of those unsatisfied with the 6″ screen of the older readers) and the minor improvements it brings. Like i said, it’s better suited for displaying complex content, with pictures, graphics, etc. Some might still prefer the smaller version because it’s more portable and easier to carry around, that’s why Amazon will keep both models available at the same time.
The two Amazon readers: Kindle 2 (left) and the Kindle DX (right)
In the end all these tiny changes might not seem like much, but they fix some of the things potential costumers disliked about the previous Kindle reader models. On the other hand, I’m not sure how much will they like that the new reader costs now $489 ( while the Kindle 2 has a price tag of only $299 at the moment). If you’d ask me, I’d go for the DX. But i’m sure some will still preffer the smaller version. Anyway, the Kindle DX will hit the stores in August 2009 . But if it will become more popular than the Kindle 2, that’s somthing only time can tell us.
———— Important ————
Click here for more details about the new Kindle DX, pictures, reviews and the option to buy it
————
If you want to see other alternatives to the Kindle DX, you can also read this review of the best ebook readers on the market at the moment .
————
I think I’d like to try this one. I never thought they can still enhance Kindle DX but seemed that this one is fun. Thanks
I think I’d like to try this one. I never thought they can still enhance Kindle DX but seemed that this one is fun. Thanks
It is my dream, but while impracticable. I work in this direction.
With this you are able to upload your blog to amazon. It is a way to gain exposure for your blog.
I have really wanted to get a Kindle for a while now because I love reading and I love technology. But I think I may wait for the new Kindle DX to lower in price a little bit before I invest in one. 500 bucks just seems like a little too much to spend to read books more conveniently.
I like it, may be gonna try it one day
wow..the bigger the better. I’ve was thinking of buying, but its a bit expensive now, maybe i should wait a bit longer for the price to go down? my BF says Apple might release a similar version of this one.. is this true?
how many hours does the battery life usually last?
I’m buying a DX for my Mom who is 84 and suffering from macular degeneration. I’m splitting the price with my Dad and brother. Mom loves to read and can only read her books now with a magnifying glass and a strong light. The large format, variable text size, easy-on-the-eyes e-ink and landscape capability means she can now enjoy her favorite novels and not feel like she’s ‘going blind’. It will give back her independence and pride.
In light of all this, it’s more than worth it!
Aug 2nd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
[...] Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX. Also, Sony has new products too. Here you can read about the Kindle 2. Here you can read about the Kindle DX . And in this article you can find a comparison between the best readers in the summer of 2009 [...]