Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2
Editor’s Update August 2010: Both the Amazon Kindle DX and the Kindle 2 are now available in reduced prices and upgraded versions. The Kindle DX now costs $379 only, while there are two versions for the latest 6-inch Kindle (also known as Kindle 3) — a Free 3G + WiFi model available for $189, and a WiFi-only version priced at $139. For the full specs and features of the different Kindle generations, check out the comparison below or read the updated Amazon Kindle DX review and the Kindle 3 review. Or better yet, visit Amazon.com to buy your Kindle today!
| Amazon Kindle DX
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Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi
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| Display | 9.7" diagonal e-ink | 6" diagonal e-ink | |
| Size | 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38" | 7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335" | |
| Weight | 18.9 ounces |
8.7 ounces | |
| Battery Life (Wireless Off) | 2-3 weeks | 1 month | |
| Battery Life (Wireless On) | 7 days | 10 days | |
| Storage | 3,500 books | 3,500 books | |
| Native PDF Support | YES | YES | |
| Rotating Display | YES | YES | |
| FREE 3G Wireless | YES | YES | |
| Global Wireless Coverage | 100 countries and territories | 100 countries and territories | |
| Books in under 60 seconds | YES | YES | |
| Text-to-Speech | YES | YES | |
| Whispersync | YES | YES | |
| Price | $379 | $189 | |
| Availability | Now |
Now |
Both the Amazon Kindle Dx and the 2nd generation Kindle have proven themselves as forerunners in the ebook reader industry. But Amazon’s not quite done yet. Only recently, they’ve made more than a few pleasant changes to the two devices, and the reduced prices are only a tip of the iceberg. So how different are they now than when the Kindle DX was first launched a year ago?
This Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2 comparison stacks up both ebook readers against each other, noting the upgrades made to each, in an effort to determine which of the two reigns supreme in the Kindle family.
Display
Even with the recent changes made, the sizes of their respective display screens remain the same. That said, a person would need to be completely blind not to notice the huge difference in the Kindle DX’s 9.7″ diagonal screen compared to the older version’s 6″ diagonal screen. But while only the DX was previously equipped with an auto-rotating screen, now both devices can switch from landscape to portrait mode by a mere rotation of the device. Still, the Kindle DX’s larger display makes it a better option especially when it comes to reading newspapers and textbooks, or looking over maps, graphs, charts, and tables. No need to squint or zoom in and out.
Overall Size of the Device
Owing to the much-improved display, the Amazon Kindle DX naturally sports a larger frame size and weighs heavier than that of its predecessor. And with the latest Kindle 2 made 21% smaller (with the same 6″ screen) and 15% lighter, there is an even more marked difference between the dimensions of the Kindle 2 at 7.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.335″ and 8.7 ounces, versus that of the Kindle DX which measures 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38. and a heftier 18.9 ounces.
Global Wireless Coverage
Whereas Amazon’s ebook readers were only available in the US when they were first introduced, they have since said hello to the rest of the world with the upgrade to International Kindles a few months back. With global wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories, those who travel overseas as well as book lovers from other countries can experience ebook reading at its finest.
Free 3G and WiFi
When it comes to connectivity however, the latest version of the Kindle 2 holds the edge as it is equipped with both 3G and WiFi connectivity while the DX still has to be equipped with WiFi capability. It’s also worthwhile to note that there are now two models of the Kindle 2 — the WiFi-only and the 3G + WiFi version. Amazon has named these two as the Kindle WiFi and Kindle 3G + WiFi respectively.
Storage Capacity
Storage-wise, the smaller Kindle has caught up with the bigger model as well and both can now store about 3,500 books and documents.
Battery Life
Battery life for the Kindles have also greatly improved — and how!! With the wireless turned off, the Kindle 2 can now last up to a month and the DX up to 2 to 3 weeks. This is drastically reduced with the wireless on: 10 days for the smaller Kindle and 7 days for the larger model. The Kindle 2 gets the upper hand here, but considering that the DX can also offer more-than-decent battery life, you can’t lose with either.
Built-In PDF Support
Without built-in PDF support, having to email a PDF file to Amazon for conversion was an inconvenience that owners of the older Kindle had to contend with. But not anymore. Just like the DX, the Kindle 2 is now a native PDF reader too.
Price
If you’re happy with all the changes that have been incorporated into the two (or three technically) Kindles, I’m sure you’ll be even more pleased to know that these improvements come with a lower price tag. The Kindle DX now costs $379 while the Kindle 2 priced at $189 for the 3G + WiFi model and $139 for the WiFi-only version.
Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2: Which gives the better value for money?
Clearly, the two Kindle generations have become similar in many aspects that it has become more difficult to choose the better device. Whether you opt for the Amazon Kindle DX or the more affordable Kindle 2, one thing’s for sure, though. Amazon has gone out of its way to give more value for money to would-be Kindle owners. It would simply be a matter of picking out the ebook reader that best fits your needs and budget.
@ softballer09: Hi! I’m just as excited as you are about getting a new Kindle because I’m gonna have one for Christmas too. The thing is though, I’ve done some research and at this point, there aren’t any Kindle applications like the ones you would find for the iPhone for instance. There are a few built-in games and you can listen to mp3 music, maybe access Wikipedia dictionary and that’s about it for now. But if you’re as much a reading enthusiast as I am, then the Kindle is still the must-have gadget
I asked 4 a kindle 4 cristmas this year and IDk wich one i will get but ,do they have any really cool application on them I should know about if so what are they thank you!
Again, thank you for taking the time to compare these two Kindles. I have ahd a hard time choosing the best reader for my money. I work very hard for my money and I have four children, so the last thing I want to do is shell out too much and decide I needed the smaller one or pay to little and need the bigger one. I am glad you had the insight to be the person who placed this one the web.
To GadgetGal: I’d go for the Kindle DX anytime. Its huge screen makes reading so easy on the eyes, and I love it how PDF documents look and read as they should. Of course, if you use it while on the subway or standing in lines, those behind you or beside you could see what you’re reading as well… lol. But once you’re home, you’d be hard-pressed to put that “book” down.
GadgetGal:
So you like your gadgets, do you? lol. I like the moniker;) At any rate…this is a tough one to answer. If money is no object, then definitely go with the Amazon Kindle DX. It’s a bigger screen, has portrait and landscape views, and has native PDF support. Yes, it is bigger than the Kindle 2 but if you’re not a hardcore traveler (which it sounds like you’re not), then it’s not a big deal. However, if you don’t want to spend that much, then the Kindle 2 will work just fine too.
TravisVS
Site Admin
I already own a Kindle 1 and am seriously considering an upgrade to a Kindle 2 or Kindle DX. But even after the Kindle slashed down its price to just $299, I’m still undecided. I hold a 9 to 5 office job and don’t do a lot of traveling. Which Kindle do you think is better for me?