This Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 3 comparison review has been updated for 2011. Both of these devices have come a long way since this was originally posted in 2009 when we did the Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2 comparison. For detailed reviews of each of these devices, please visit the Amazon Kindle DX review and Kindle 3 review pages respectively.
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Amazon Kindle DX
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Amazon Kindle 3
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| Display | 9.7" Diagonal | 6" Diagonal |
| Size | 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38" | 7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335" |
| Weight | 18.9 ounces | 8.7 ounces |
| Display Type | E-Ink Pearl | E-Ink Pearl |
| Battery Life (Wireless Off) | 2-3 Weeks | 1 month |
| Battery Life (Wireless On) | 7 Days | 10 Days |
| Storage | 3,500 books | 3,500 books |
| Nativd PDF Support | YES | YES |
| Rotating Display | YES | YES |
| Wi-Fi | NO | 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 |
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Click Here to see the Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 3 at Amazon.com |
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Both the 9.7-inch Kindle DX and the 6-inch Kindle have proven themselves as forerunners in the ebook reader industry. And to be able to maintain its lead over the competition, Amazon is consistently improving its ebook reading devices, introducing welcome changes, improving the technology used, and even reducing prices.
This Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 3 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
For both models, Amazon has touted its use of the latest e-ink “Pearl” technology which offers 50% better contrast and sharper text. In addition to providing a glare-free, strain-free read, it assures the Kindle owner of a simply better reading experience.
Size-wise, the dimensions 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-inch diagonal screen compared to the 3rd generation’s 6-inch diagonal screen which it inherited from the Kindles 1 and 2.
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 the obvious choice for reading newspapers and textbooks, or looking over maps, graphs, charts, and tables – without needing to squint or zoom in and out.
Overall Size of the Device
Owing to the larger display, the Amazon Kindle DX naturally sports a larger frame size and weighs heavier than that of the other versions. The latest Kindle on the other hand, has become a more compact and portable device, shedding off 21% of the size and 15% of the weight of the Kindle 2.
Now there is an even more marked difference between the dimensions of the Kindle 3 at 7.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.335″ and its 8.7-ounce weight, versus that of the Kindle DX which measures 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38 and a heftier 18.9 ounces.
Battery Life
Battery life for the Kindles have also greatly improved — and how! With the wireless turned off, the Kindle 3 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.
With Wired Magazine saying in its review of the Kindle 3, “Battery life is long enough for space shuttle missions,” the 6-inch Kindle certainly gets the upper hand here. But considering that the DX can also offer more-than-decent battery life, you can’t lose with either device.
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. 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, the latest generation of the Kindle holds the edge as it is equipped with both 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, while the DX has no Wi-Fi capability. Potential buyers of the Kindle 3 can opt for the Wi-Fi plus 3G model, or the Wi-Fi only edition at $50 less ($139).
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.
Built-In PDF Support
Both devices have built-in PDF support with pan and zoom capabilities. This hasn’t always been the case. The first generation Kindle did not have native PDF support but those inconveniences are a thing of the past now.
Other Marked Changes
The Kindle 3 has also upped the ante for a more seamless reading experience with 20% faster page turns and 8 adjustable size options of “crisper, darker fonts.”
Also, while the Kindle DX and the Kindle 3 were designed to be dedicated ebook readers and not multi-tasking gadgets like smart phones or tablet PCs, they have slowly morphed into just dedicated readers. Both models are now capable of connecting to Facebook or Twitter right from your Kindle. You may also connect online with their basic web browsers, or listen to music and podcasts.
Price
If you’re happy with all the changes that have been incorporated into the latest-generation Amazon Kindles, I’m sure you’ll be even more pleased to know that these improvements have come with lower price tags. The Kindle DX now costs $379, while the Kindle 3 is priced at $189 for the 3G + WiFi model, and $139 for the WiFi-only version.
Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 3: Which gives the better value for money?
Other than the significant difference in size, the two Kindle generations have become similar in many other aspects that it has become more difficult to choose the better device. The Kindle 3 wins in price and portability, and is the better choice for long form reading, while the DX edges out the smaller device when it comes to reading books and documents which have images, tables, maps, and graphs.
But whether you opt for the Amazon Kindle DX or the more affordable Kindle 3, one thing’s for sure – Amazon has gone out of its way to provide more value for would-be Kindle owners.