Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2
Editor’s Update Oct. 2009: The Kindle is now available at a reduced price of $259. In addition, there is already a Kindle with U.S. and International Wireless that can be shipped to over 100 other countries. Priced at $279, the international Kindle version is available for preorder before shipping starts on Oct. 19, 2009. Visit Amazon.com for more details on the Kindle international version.
| Amazon Kindle DX
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Kindle
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| Display | 9.7" diagonal e-ink | 6" diagonal e-ink | |
| Size | 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38" | 8" x 5.3" x 0.36" | |
| Storage | 3,500 books | 1,500 books | |
| PDF Support | Native PDF reader | Via conversion only | |
| Rotating Display | YES | NO | |
| 3G Wireless | YES | YES | |
| Books in under 60 seconds | YES | YES | |
| Text-to-Speech | YES | YES | |
| Whispersync | YES | YES | |
| Price | $489 | $259 | |
| Availability | Summer 2009 Click here for official date |
Now |
With the recent release of the Amazon Kindle DX, tech circles were all abuzz with this latest technology wonder. Aside from the obvious curiosity as to what new features this all-new ebook reading device brings, the other nagging question that many Kindle followers were eager to address was how the Kindle DX differs from the Kindle 2, which was released only last February. As it turns out, there are actually a lot of differences.
This Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2 comparison stacks up both Amazon devices against each other to see which of them reigns supreme in the Kindle family.
Display
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. Adding to that large display, the Kindle DX is also the only ebook reader to introduce the auto-rotating screen, a feature which allows the user to view the screen from either a landscape or portrait mode. And it switches from one mode to the other automatically by just a mere rotation of the device. This makes the Amazon Kindle DX 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 than that of its predecessor. The Kindle DX measures 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″ compared to the Kindle 2’s 8″ x 5.3″ x 0.36″. The Kindle DX also weighs a heftier 18.9 ounces against the Kindle 2’s 10.2 ounces. Both Kindles however, are 1/3 of an inch thick or as slim as a typical magazine.
Storage Capacity
The much larger 4GB storage capacity of the Amazon Kindle DX doubles that of the Kindle 2’s 2GB. If calculated as to the number of books it can store, the Kindle DX can hold about 3,500 books while the Kindle 2 can carry around 1,500. While the greater storage capability of the DX is certainly a huge advantage over the Kindle 2, either way, those books are still way more than you can read in one – even hundreds of – sitting(s).
Built-in PDF Support
The fact that the Amazon Kindle DX now has native PDF support is a testament to Amazon’s continued commitment to improve the ebook reading device. I can’t say I was particularly happy with having to email a PDF file to Amazon for conversion every time I had such a file that I wanted to read in my Kindle 2. The Kindle DX’s built-in PDF capability totally eliminates that tedious step, and the accompanying fees too.
Price
If you’re happy with all the changes that have been incorporated into the Amazon Kindle DX, I’m not sure that you’ll be as pleased to know that these improvements come with a steep price tag. Yep, a $230-difference to be exact! The Kindle 2 costs $259, while the Kindle DX is pegged at a price of $489. Some say that it’s too much money to shell out for such a gadget, and in these times, it probably is. I still say though that the price difference is actually worth it when you factor in all the significant enhancements that Amazon has introduced into the Kindle DX.
Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2: Which gives the better value for money?
Amazon has clearly put a lot of thought into the concept, design, and functionality of the Amazon Kindle DX, and the effort definitely shows in the product. Even if the two Kindles remain similar in many aspects, the Amazon Kindle DX is truly an upgraded version of the Kindle 2 in the features where it matters most. But with the huge difference in the price tag, both Kindles therefore are priced just right. Now, whether you choose the Kindle 2 and put up with its smaller display and storage for a more affordable cost, or splurge on a Kindle DX and enjoy all its advantages is entirely up to you.
@ 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?