Editor’s Update: As of July 2010, we have updated the Amazon Kindle DX review below to include the changes incorporated into the device recently. In addition to sporting a new look, the Kindle DX price tag also dropped to $379. The latest DX is now available in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. Click here to order your latest generation Amazon Kindle DX with Global Wireless today!
Even before the Amazon Kindle 2 had a chance to warm the hands of the reading enthusiasts who own one, Amazon then unveiled its newest addition to what is getting to be a longer line of Kindle bestsellers: the Amazon Kindle DX.
Here is Amazon’s Video Demonstration of the latest Kindle DX:
Click Here to See What Actual Customers Are Saying About The DX!
Prior to the official launching of the Kindle DX way back in 2009, features of this latest Kindle was leaked out in tech and gadget blogs, effectively preparing the way for another revolutionary device from Amazon. When it finally arrived, the question foremost on everybody’s mind was, “Is it worth all the hype?” This Amazon Kindle DX review puts the ebook reader under the magnifying glass – although with its size now, we wouldn’t actually need one.
Note that this Amazon Kindle DX review already includes the enhancements recently made to the Kindle including its new graphite shell and more affordable price.
Amazon Kindle DX Basic Features
Without necessarily going into boring detail, let’s first check out what the Kindle DX has inherited (or not) from its older siblings:
At 0.38 inch deep, it’s just a tad thicker than the Kindle 2 (0.36 inches) and is still as thin as any magazine. Unlike its predecessors however, the Amazon Kindle DX now sports an auto-rotating 9.7-inch diagonal screen, which is one of the most obvious and best improvements of this latest Kindle. I’ll have more on that later.
The Kindle DX still uses the e-ink technology and 16 shades of gray for text and images that are clear, crisp, and unaffected by any glare from the sun. With its 4G storage capability (3.3G of which is available for user content), this newest Kindle can now store up to 3,500 books so you can practically bring your whole library with you!
What’s New: The Pros and Cons
So, is the Kindle DX really as innovative a product as Amazon visionaries would like the public to think? Here’s my take on the so-called dramatic changes in the device.
50% Better Contrast. With its all-new e-ink screen, the latest Kindle DX delivers a much improved contrast that renders the text more clearly and therefore easier on the eyes. And it comes in a sleek graphite shell now to add to the contrasting effect.
Large, 9.7″ Display. That’s a screen bigger 2.5 times than its older version which makes it an easier read especially when you’re reading PDF files, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books containing images. Some textbooks are available in the Kindle format as well and a few universities are already on board to have their students test the Kindle DX. Plus, one of the problems present in the old Kindles which is best addressed by the DX’s larger screen is the e-ink screen’s innate slowness when it comes to scrolling up and down. The bigger screen eliminates the need to scroll. Amazon’s catchphrase for this is “No panning, no zooming, no scrolling.”
Of course, the larger display has also made the Kindle DX longer and wider than the past Kindles — about the size of a magazine, according to Amazon. It also weighs a bit heavier at 18.9 ounces but even that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. That said however, it’s really not as portable as the Kindle 2 and unless you always carry a briefcase with you, lugging it around would pose some inconveniences.
Auto-Rotating Screen. If you’re one of those who need to look over maps, images, tables, and charts, the new auto-rotate screen could be just the thing for you as it allows the user to have a full view of these pages at better angles. Just rotate the device to automatically switch from portrait to landscape mode, and vice versa.
PDF Support. The native PDF support of the Amazon Kindle DX is another welcome improvement from the past Kindles. This sure beats the hassle of having to email your PDF files to Amazon for conversion and paying for this service besides.
Improved Storage Capability. The Kindle DX already has a storage capacity of 4G, which Amazon says can hold up to 3,500 books already. With its built-in PDF support however, that number could drastically go down if you’re constantly dealing with PDF files and any other image-rich books and periodicals. A pity that Amazon didn’t just bring back the external drive slot that the Kindle 1 had.
International Availability. Whether you’re in the US, or in the more than 100 countries where the Kindle DX can be shipped too, it’s easy to get the content you want. Using 3G wireless coverage. Kindle users worldwide can download books and periodicals of their choice in less than 60 seconds.
Improved Battery Life. If the wireless feature is turned off, the Kindle DX allows uninterrupted reading without needing to recharge for up to three weeks, and seven days with the wireless enabled. Battery charging takes about four hours which can be done with either the power adapter or via your computer using the included USB cable.
The Price. The 9.7-inch Kindle was originally an eye-popping $489 when it first came out. But luckily for those who still have to get one, the price tag now is down to just $379 for the latest graphite version and $359 for the original white casing. Not too pricey actually, considering its great features.
Amazon Kindle DX Review: The Verdict
Amazon is definitely moving forward in leaps and bounds when it comes to exploring all the possible avenues that the ebook reading device can go. The Amazon Kindle DX is even more amazing in its improvements because it comes quite close to the heels of the Kindle 2 release. As I see it, with a lower price tag and better features, there is even more reason for people to get the latest Amazon Kindle DX.
Is the Amazon Kindle worth all the buildup? Sure. Is it better than its predecessors? Definitely. Is it worth its price? It sure looks like it. But then again, while this Amazon Kindle DX review shows that there have been major upgrades with the device, the real question is: Will consumers find enough value for their money to go out and buy? You be the judge.
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice Review, a friend of mine bought the DX and it’s a well designed device. The kindle DX has a wonderful design, especially the large screen is plus to me. A disadvantage is that the wireless connection is only available for the US and not global, like the kindle 2.
And the price, it’s quite expensive just under $500 if i am right?
By the way I have also found a nice review of the kindle dx
I thought it was worth sharing
I’ve bought a Kindle DX few weeks ago and I’m really impressed with it. It’s wonderful. I love it.
Helen:
I agree the DX is “big” but it’s not that big…lol. Sure it’s no iPod, Kindle 2, or any other “small” ebook reader but it’s not like you’re lugging around a laptop or anything like that. You do bring up a good point though, and that is if you are looking to have something to carry around with you (i.e. you’re looking for portability), the Amazon Kindle DX probably isn’t the best choice. You’d be better off with the Kindle 2.
TravisVS
Site Admin
This thing is really huge! I mean it’s great that we don’t need to go through hoops anymore just to read a PDF file and I think the auto-rotate feature is kinda cool too, but as far as portability is concerned, I can’t bring it around so much like I did with the Kindle 2 (and I used to read every chance I get). Too bad I already sold my K2 to my brother — and for only a fraction of what I got it for
Francesco:
The Amazon Kindle DX has limited PDF functionality. It doesn’t support comments/annotations at this time. Hopefully Amazon will improve the pdf functionality in future firmware upgrades.
TravisVS
Site Admin
I am a researcher and read a lot of articles in pdf.
Can kindle DX pdf reader allow highlighting an annotation into the pdf files? If yes, can the edited pdf file be saved and read by normal acrobat reader on other platforms?
Thanks in advance
Francesco.Venier@econ.univ.trieste.it
RMV:
I agree. The DX is overpriced but believe it or not, it sold out not too long ago – and some in the industry predict it may sell out again during the upcoming Christmas season (like what happened with the Kindle last Christmas season). So while I agree it’s a bit steep in price, it’s still in strong demand. I have a feeling, however, that Amazon will lower the price soon as Sony will be releasing their latest ebook readers at lower prices.
TravisVS
Site Admin
The Kindle DX may be a great piece of technology but personally, I think it’s still an overpriced gadget. They’ve already lowered the Kindle 2 price to $299 (which convinced me to get one I must admit) and I wonder how long it will take for Amazon to do the same with the DX. Just thinking out loud here…
Levas:
There are rumors that the Kindle DX and the Kindle will be available worldwide. When that will actually happen, however, is anyone’s guess. In the meantime, you can definitely manually download to your DX via the USB cable. As for writing on it and then posting to your blog…no, that is not something you can do with it.
TravisVS
SiteAdmin
Can I write with it (and post the blog on the internet)? (that would be a great feat. if I could type text with it)
Will it ever be available in Europe? if i bought could I transfer my pdf manually vie USB cable?
Great Review, thanks
I’ve just reviewed Kindle DX on my blog. I purchased it as a second reader (I already have Kindle 2). If I were to choose which one to keep I’d definetly keep K2. It’s not that DX is bad – it too big and therefore not portable in the context of my lifestyle. So I’ll keep the DX at home while K2 I will always keep with me.
Greg:
Yes you can. You can highlight text and take notes with the Kindle DX. You can also look up words in the 250,000 word built-in dictionary. This feature is particular handy and one that I use regularly. Thanks for your questions!
TravisVS
Site Admin
What about highlighting text and making notes? Is this possible?
Jean:
I’m not sure I understand your question. The Amazon Kindle DX does NOT have an “external drive slot.” What that means is you can’t increase the storage capacity via an external memory card like an SD card. The original Kindle had one so in theory the storage capacity was unlimited. With the Kindle 2 and now the Kindle DX, there is no external memory slot so the storage capacity is limited (albeit the limit is fairly high – 3,500 book capacity on the DX). What I’m saying in this review is that it would have been nice if Amazon would have brought back the external memory option but they didn’t.
TravisVS
Site Admin
What is the disadvantage to having the external drive slot on the latest versions of Kindle? If none, why not add it?