Kindle DX: Looks Good, Works Fine, Costs Too Much

The Kindle DX, which shipped June 10, is the latest iteration of Amazon’s family of black & white digital reading devices to be released. And since I reviewed  the original device in 2007; as well its redesigned upgrade, the Kindle 2, in March of this year; here’s my review of the DX.  If you read my

review

debut press conference

Amazon has also redesigned the keyboard as well as the keys, creating a new and awkward layout and key-shape that is hardly an improvement.  The device’s keys—oddly stretched into a pill capsule-like shape—are laid out to conform to the space leftover from the screen rather than to any sense of keyboarding efficiency. And while the keyboard works just fine, it’s virtually impossible to key with any speed, comfort or confidence because of the way the keys are spaced. Indeed it’s virtually impossible to key at all unless the device is resting on the edge of something.

by Calvin Reid

Are we ready to say bye to books?

With technology constantly evolving it comes as no surprise to see Amazon launching a larger version of their e-reader, only three months after the original release.

The latest version of the Kindle DX is 250% bigger than their Kindle 2 gadget.

With a screen roughly as big as an A4 page, the device is aimed at reading newspapers, magazines and documents.

The question is, are people in Northern Ireland ready to say goodbye to books and papers?

Currently, the Kindle DX is not on sale in the UK. However, with other e-readers on the market and the Kindle brand becoming more well-known, it seems like a question of when will we see it, not if.

Once you have bought your Kindle DX reader, you then gain access to the Kindle store. The virtual store has more than 225,000 books available to buy as well as 37 newspapers and 28 magazines which you can subscribe to. And they say that this is just the beginning.

Amazon’s vision is to allow user access to every book that has ever been printed, in any language, and all in less than 60 seconds. Titles already available include Irish classics such as Ulysses and the Narnia books, and the works of famous literary greats, Seamus Heaney, Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.

However, at a cost of £340, an increase of £87 from the original Kindle 2, will we actually benefit from Kindle DX?

Well apparently we will, or at least students will, especially if you’re studying literature.

Without printing and shipping costs, books could be cheaper and struggling with your books would be a thing of the past. A whole term’s worth of books could easily be stored in the device.

Kindle DX allows users to download from a virtual book shop

Ciarnan Helferty, president of the University of Ulster’s Students Union, thinks it could work.

“The initial price of the Kindle DX is quite expensive but if you worked it out the overall costs of textbooks students have to buy it doesn’t seem too bad.

“On average students spend £200 per term, with six terms in a three-year degree then they spend on average £1,200.”

With the Kindle DX costing only one third of the average amount spent then it seems quite reasonable.

However, as Mr Helferty pointed out: “All of the students’ textbooks and documents would have to be available in order for it to work.

“Perhaps if students could pay over a fixed term, say 12 months, like mobile contracts, that would work out better for them.”

U.S. and International Newspapers

The Kindle Store offers top U.S. and international newspapers. Subscriptions are auto-delivered wirelessly to your Kindle DX so the latest edition is waiting for you every morning. And because Kindle DX is wireless, your favorite publications follow you wherever you go, whether you are at home or on the road. We’d like you to try them out risk-free, so every newspaper subscription starts with a free two-week trial.

Kindle DX - An Improved E-Book Reader

Kindle DX Features

Advanced Design

Sleek & Trim

Kindle DX is as thin as most magazines. Just over a third of an inch in profile, you’ll find Kindle DX fits perfectly in your hands.

Beautiful Large Display

Kindle DX’s large display is ideal for a broad range of reading material, including graphic-rich books, PDFs, newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Kindle DX’s display is two and a half times the size of the Kindle display. Whether you’re reading the latest bestseller or a financial report, text and images are amazingly sharp on the 9.7″ screen.

Auto-Rotating Screen

By simply turning the device, you can immediately see full-width landscape views of maps, graphs, tables and Web pages.

Built-In PDF Reader

Unload the loose documents from your briefcase or backpack, and put them all on Kindle DX. From neighborhood newsletters to financial statements to case studies and product manuals–you can take them all with you on Kindle DX. Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go. With Amazon’s Whispernet service, you can send your documents directly to your Kindle DX and read them anytime, anywhere. Some features such as annotations and read-to-me are not currently supported for PDF. You can magnify PDFs by viewing them in landscape mode.

5-Way Controller

Kindle DX has an easy-to-use 5-way controller, enabling precise on-screen navigation for selecting text to highlight or looking up words.

Simple to Use, No Computer Required

Kindle DX is completely wireless and ready to use right out of the box–no setup, no cables, no computer required.

Long Battery Life

Long Battery Life - Read for Days Without Recharging

With Kindle DX’s long battery life, you can read on a single charge for up to 4 days with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to 2 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store and downloading content. In low coverage areas or in 1xRTT only coverage, wireless usage will consume battery power more quickly.

Charge via USB

Kindle DX supports wall charging via the included Kindle DX power adapter, and charging from your computer via the included USB 2.0 cable. Kindle DX fully charges in approximately 4 hours.

Wireless Access with Whispernet

Fast 3G Network - Get Books in Under 60 Seconds

Whispernet utilizes Amazon’s optimized technology plus Sprint’s national high-speed (3G) data network to enable you to wirelessly search, discover, and download content on the go. Your books and periodicals are delivered via Whispernet in less than 60 seconds. And unlike Wi-Fi, you never have to hunt for a hotspot. Download times can vary based on wireless coverage strength and file size.

National Wireless Coverage

Kindle DX’s national coverage includes cities and areas in all 50 states, enabling wireless downloads of books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Check our wireless coverage map for availability.

No Wireless Bills

No monthly wireless bills, data plans, or commitments. Amazon pays for Kindle DX’s wireless connectivity so you won’t see a wireless bill. There is no wireless setup–you are ready to shop, purchase and read right out of the box. See Wireless Terms and Conditions.

Carry Your Library in a Profile As Thin As a Magazine

Holds Up To 3,500 Books

The ultimate travel companion, Kindle DX is as thin as a magazine and holds up to 3,500 books, newspapers, magazines, and documents. No longer pick and choose which books fit in your carry-on. Now you can always have your personal and professional libraries with you.

Automatic Library Backup: Download Your Books Anytime for Free

A copy of every book you purchased from the Kindle Store is backed up online at Amazon.com in case you ever need to download it again. You can wirelessly re-download books for free anytime. This allows you to make room for new titles on your Kindle DX, knowing that Amazon is storing your personal library of Kindle books. We even back up your last page read and annotations, so you’ll never lose those, either. Think of it as a bookshelf in your attic–even though you don’t see it, you know your books are there.

Enhanced Reading

Paper-Like Screen

Utilizing the latest in electronic-ink display technology, Kindle DX provides a crisp black-and-white 9.7-inch diagonal screen with the same appearance and readability of printed paper. Sharp and natural with no glare or backlight, reading on Kindle DX is nothing like reading from a computer screen. Those who see it for the first time always do a double-take. The screen works using ink, just like books and newspapers, but displays the ink particles electronically. And unlike a laptop or smart phone, Kindle DX never gets warm so you can comfortably read as long as you like.

Sharp Display of Images and Photos

Kindle DX’s high-resolution screen boasts 16 shades of gray, so images and photos are sharp and clear.

Full Image Zoom

Whether you prefer reading in portrait or landscape mode, images and photos display crisply on Kindle DX and can be zoomed to the full size of the 9.7″ screen.

Read in Sunlight With No Glare

Kindle DX’s screen reflects light like ordinary paper and uses no backlighting, eliminating the glare associated with other electronic displays. As a result, Kindle DX can be read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room.

Adjustable Text Size

Kindle DX has six adjustable font sizes to suit your reading preference. You can increase the text size of your favorite book or periodical with the push of a button. If your eyes tire, simply increase the font size and continue reading comfortably. Now every book in your library can be large print.

Read-to-Me Feature

Kindle DX can read to you. With its Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle DX can read books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable. You can switch back and forth between reading and listening, and your spot is automatically saved. Pages automatically turn while the content is being read, so you can listen hands-free. You can speed up or slow down the reading speeds or choose a male or female voice. In the middle of a great book or article but have to jump in the car? Simply turn on Text-to-Speech and listen on the go.

Enhanced Newspaper Reading Experience

With Kindle DX’s large display, reading newspapers is more enjoyable than ever. The 5-way controller lets you quickly flip between articles, making it fast and easy to browse and read the morning paper. Want to remember the article you just read? Clip and save entire articles for later reading with a single click.

Bookmarks and Annotations

By using the QWERTY keyboard, you can add annotations to text, just like you might write in the margins of a book. And because it is digital, you can edit, delete, and export your notes. Using the 5-way controller, you can highlight and clip key passages and bookmark pages for future use. You’ll never need to bookmark your last place in the book, because Kindle DX remembers for you and always opens to the last page you read.

Personal Document Service Via Whispernet

Kindle DX makes it easy to take your personal documents with you, eliminating the need to print. Each Kindle has a unique and customizable e-mail address. You can set your unique email address on your Manage Your Kindle page. This allows you and your approved contacts to e-mail Word, PDF documents, and pictures wirelessly to your Kindle for a small fee–see details

Built-in Dictionary With Instant Lookup

Never get caught without a dictionary. Kindle DX includes The New Oxford American Dictionary with over 250,000 entries and definitions, so you can seamlessly look up the definitions of words without interrupting your reading. Come across a word you don’t know? Simply move the cursor to it and the definition will automatically display at the bottom of the screen. Never fear a sesquipedalian word again–simply look it up and keep reading.

Wireless Access to Wikipedia

Kindle DX also includes free built-in access to the world’s most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia–Wikipedia.org. With Kindle DX in hand, looking up people, places, events and more has never been easier. It gives whole new meaning to the phrase walking encyclopedia.

Search

Kindle DX makes it easy to search within a book, across your library, in the Kindle Store, or even the Web. To use the Search feature, simply type in a word or phrase you’re looking for, and Kindle DX finds every instance in your book or across your Kindle library. Looking for the first reference of a character in your book? Simply type in the name and search. You can extend your search to the Kindle Store to find related titles you may be interested in. Explore even further by searching Wikipedia and the Web.

Whispersync

Have more than one Kindle? Our Whispersync technology allows you to seamlessly switch back and forth between your Kindle devices and iPhone while keeping your reading location synchronized–now you can read a few pages on your iPhone or Kindle and pick up right where you left off on your Kindle DX.

Own an iPhone?

The iPhone is a perfect companion for your Kindle. To read Kindle books on your iPhone or iPod touch, simply download our freeKindle for iPhone application. Just like all Kindle devices, Kindle for iPhone includes Amazon’s Whispersync technology so you can easily switch back and forth between your Kindle and iPhone.

Audiobooks

With Kindle DX, you are able to download and enjoy more than 60,000 audio titles from Audible.com, including bestselling audio books, radio programs, audio newspapers and magazines. Due to their file size, audiobooks are downloaded to your PC over your existing Internet connection and then transferred to Kindle DX using the included USB 2.0 cable. Listen via Kindle DX’s speakers or plug in your headphones for private listening.

Experimental Features

The experimental category represents features we are still working on to enhance the Kindle DX experience even further. Try them out and let us know what you think.

Read-to-Me

Kindle DX can read to you. With its Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle DX can read books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable. You can switch back and forth between reading and listening, and your spot is automatically saved. Pages automatically turn while the content is being read, so you can listen hands-free. You can speed up or slow down the reading speeds or choose a male or female voice. In the middle of a great book or article but have to jump in the car? Simply turn on Text-to-Speech and listen on the go.

Basic Web Browser

Kindle DX’s basic Web browser works well to read simple, text-centric Web sites, such as Google and Wikipedia. Reading a book or article about solar power and want to research further? Now it’s easier than ever to find the information you’re looking for right from your Kindle DX.

Listen to Music & Podcasts

Transfer MP3 files to Kindle DX to play as background music while you read. You can quickly and easily transfer MP3 files via USB by connecting Kindle DX to your computer.

Included In the Box

Kindle DX electronic reader, Kindle DX power adapter, and USB 2.0 cable (for connection to the Kindle DX power adapter or optionally to connect to a PC or Macintosh computer).

By Amazon Kindle DX

Kindle DX : Customer Reviews

What Gives?!

I haven’t received my Kindle DX yet, but when I do I will enjoy it for what it is. I keep reading the reviews and what I don’t understand is why some people keep knocking the Kindle DX for what it isn’t. It isn’t a microwave, a television, or anything else that isn’t listed in the description. So, to get on here and complain because it’s not color, the price is too high, or a myriad of other things just blows my mind. Did you not read the description before making your purchase? One thing to keep in mind though if price is a concern; if you are an avid reader (and purchaser of books), then the lower cost of the ebooks will soon pay for the Kindle DX in less than a year…at least in my case it will. Eventually, as technology progresses you will have your color screens, lower prices, and who knows, you may also be able to heat lunch up in it as you read. But for now, all you “glass half empty” people, enjoy your new toy for what it is and be glad you aren’t reading your books on the wall of a cave!!!

BY Rayzer

I’m Very Pleased, Except with the IBD

This morning I’m playing with my new Kindle DX. Overall, I’m very happy. I will have no difficulty reading books on the Kindle DX.

However, I do have one complaint about my subscription to the newspaper Investor’s Business Daily. I bought the Kindle DX specifically for the IBD and reading books is a big bonus for me. However, the IBD subscription is not a complete paper. All the stock quotes are left out and only the written articles are in the Kindle subscription version. I NEED those stock quotes and stock ratings from the IBD.

A paper subscription to the IBD is about $295 a year. I thought I was saving money to buy the Kindle and get a subscription for $5.99 a month. Now, if I have to subscribe anyhow, I’m a couple of hundred in the hole from what I intended to do. I guess I’ll complain to the IBD and Amazon and maybe someone can talk W.J. O’Neil into adding the stocks into the Kindle version of the paper. And, yes I would pay a little more for the subscription if it contained the additional info.

An awesome ebook reader

The Kindle DX is my second ebook reader. The first one was Foxit eSlick. I ordered the eSlick because it supported pdf. I was disappointed by it’s size(as big as Kindle 2) but I decided to keep it… till Kindle DX showed up.

The pdf support is great. I can finally read my Safari bookshelf collection on an ebook reader. The landscape mode is great in that it increases the text size but I think it’s prone to miss a line on some pages. A separate zoom feature is needed and I will expect Amazon to build on the pdf features.

The keyboard is ok, I am not too excited about using the Alt key for numbers all the time but I can live with it.

The screen is superb. I like the Kindle store very much. Everything is nice. I am very excited and happy to have this device.

BY U.Kambli

Kindle DX : The Sync Function Saves Me

I think I expected the Kindle DX to replace the 2, but instead it’s going to complement it. I’ll use the DX at home and the 2 when I go elsewhere. The DX is too big to carry around, since I can’t just tuck it in my purse as I do with the 2. The thing that saves me is the Sync function.

Incidentally, the same USB/power cord works on both the Kindle DX and the 2. I’d bought an extra for the 2, as well as a car charger, and I’m very pleased that these work for the DX as well.

The native PDF function is wonderful. NASA puts out all its technical papers in PDF so I can read them on the Kindle DX. This is helpful as I’m in the process of updating a paper I wrote in the early ’90s to be part of a history series. Using the DX saves switching from window to window as I write. The figures and photos are easy to read, too.

I miss the page controls on the left side, as I like to hold my reading material in my left hand. However, I can turn the Kindle DX upside down, with the display following the rotation, and that puts the page controls under my left thumb, where I like them.

I really wish that Amazon would come out with some way to organize books, such as folders. I’ve got over three hundred titles and it can be a real struggle to find what I’m looking for. There’s a surprising amount of variation in how author names are formatted, so that’s not a fool-proof way of finding things.

If I had to choose between the Kindle DX and the 2 I’d have a really hard time. For just plain text, particularly away from home, the Kindle 2 wins. For figures and PDFs, particularly at home, the Kindle DX wins. I’m just glad I’ve got both of them and don’t have to pick one.

BY Mary Shafer

Kindle DX Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. I am a Biomedical science and Biomathematics enthusiast. I read articles ranging from NEJM to applied mathematics and I find that the Kindle DX lives up to its descriptions. The pdf files come out beautifully and even if one were to not rotate, the two column text are still legible.
2. Textbook viewing: I read Physiology texts as well as heavy equation filled texts as well and find that both are very well displayed on the Kindle DX provided that they are real pdf files. Even if the files are not formatted correctly, the text comes out great when rotated to landscape mode.
3. Size: Despite the other reviewers saying that the Kindle DX is slightly on the heavy side, I believe that the weight distribution is well put together. Also, a little weight makes it feel…more sturdy perhaps.
4. So if you are a science student wanting to spend some money to get the Kindle DX, your investment here will surely benefit you. I have been waiting for such a device to come out for years and finally…a step into the future.

Cons:

1. I have have nothing bad to say thus far, but I do have some things that I thought I should mention.
2. The lack of the ability to store files in folders is a slight problem that can easily be overcome by a little clever naming. (Like how some reviewers proposed) I hope Amazon will provide an update, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
3. The price is a little steep. It will put a dent in a wallet of a poor college student. But work a few more hours and you will be a part of the Kindle DX hype.

Conclusion:

The Kindle DX is something that I have always wanted. Although, a little pricey, I think it is a good investment if one has the money to put into it. The functions are very close to how they are described by Amazon and all in all it was a great investment. I hope this review helped someone out there who are debating whether the Kindle DX will be useful for a student. Good luck to you all! And have fun with your purchase!

By AK “AK”

I could write about the feel of the keyboard, or the weight, the size, and the speed of the screen refresh, but others have done this. These are very subjective and generally a matter of taste. Thanks to all of those who pushed and prodded, lifted, and cuddled (their words not mine) these devices. For the most part you’ve done a great job with the periphery. I read these while waiting for my Kindle DX to arrive. Thanks for giving me the tactile experience. I, however, take a slightly different view: Does the Kindle DX meet the design aesthetic of the creator?

I am an Electrical/Software Engineer, an avid reader, and write as a hobby. I have an interest in all aspects of the Kindle. I purchased the original Kindle DX about a year ago and still today consider it one of the best purchases I’ve made. The primary reason I purchased the original kindle was for an improved experience when reading. I wasn’t sure that was possible. Most people who love to read do so because of the nearly magical feature of the brain to take dead lifeless symbols printed on paper and reconstitute the original intent and image of the writer’s story; taking the reader into places never seen and even to the point of feeling things never felt. People who love to read will often “see” the story and no longer “see” the book. This is the pinnacle of the reading experience and paper books truly become the transport they are intended to be. So the question is…

Does the Kindle DX meet and/or exceed the ability of a paper book to transport the reader to the place the writer wished to go to a point where it “disappears” or “fades away” when used?

From my own experience I can say, yes it does. Both my original Kindle (coined Kindle 1 by many people) and my Kindle DX have proven this. Does my Kindle DX do this as well as my Kindle 1? Yes. Does the Kindle DX improve the reading experience over the Kindle 1? Yes, I dare say it does.

How could the Kindle DX improve on the reading experience of the Kindle 1? While I love the Kindle 1 and have tried over the last year to wear the buttons out on it, I was impressed by one of the features of the huge DX. The pan and scan of the eyes is greatly increased. In fact I sat my Kindle 1 on the Kindle DX and the screen of the Kindle DX is larger than the entire Kindle 1. The size of the screen allows my eyes to have a more natural pan of the text that allows more information to be processed before jumping to the next line. Therefore there are fewer “breaks” in the reading allowing for more immersion into the story. The larger pages allow more time and information to be read before the even larger page turn breaks. Therefore the I have noticed the Kindle DX fades away even quicker than the Kindle 1.

Another unexpected advantage I noticed has to do with the physical dimensions and monotonic concepts. The Kindle DX is quite large and when place in the reader’s line of sight cuts-off much more field of view which really limits distractions. The white chassis does not pull the readers eye and nearly creates a movie screen for the “movie” to play on.

The conscious choices made to limit other perceived needs I think are very good choices. It’s very rare anymore for a product developer to stay true to the intent and purpose of a device. They want to add gimmicky and slick additions that may not benefit and even detract from the pure purpose of the device just to add marketing value. I like the design of the Kindle. It has a number of things that more conventional devices have (like laptops), but each item the Kindle sports is not intended to do anything more than improve the reading experience.

So what about the extras you get with the Kindle? The Blogs, Magazines, News Papers, Personal Documents etc. These are value added components. The primary focus of the Kindle is to read books and make the experience equal to that of a paper book. These other items appear to confuse people as to the real purpose of the Kindles. These are great features and I like them a lot. But when I read these, my purpose is different. I have shifted my focus from entertainment and experience, to information. I read a completely different way and I do not expect to be “transported” as I am with a book. But these are valuable additions to the many features of the Kindle and I believe improve the overall product.

I also understand that some magazines are literary magazines and have the same intent as a book. The Kindles do a great job with these also due to its design. For, in this respect, the magazine has the same intent as the book.

Now that I’ve stated my case for the Kindle DX I would like to make a point about the price.

A number of people seem concerned with the price. Is this device worth $489? My answer is a strong yes, although I would not go any higher. Here is my reasoning. First, the enjoyment I get from the Kindle is greater than the price I paid. But on the economy of the thing: Many if not all people have hobbies or interests. Consider the costs of your hobby or interest. Some of these are incredibly expensive. Let’s consider a few (there are millions but this is for demonstration).

Gardening: How much does it cost to garden? How much does it cost plants, fertilizers, landscaping materials, equipment, etc. per year?

Motorcycle: How much does it cost to purchase a motorcycle, insurance, fuel, and maintenance?

Boat: How much does a motor boat, sail boat, personal water craft, etc. cost?

Cable: How much do you spend a year on cable?

Hunting: How much does it cost to hunt? I know people who have purchased property just to have a place to hunt.

Piloting: How much is the airplane, fuel, license, insurance, etc.?

Movies: How much do tickets and a snack cost for 1 1/2 hours?

Take the amount spent on the hobby and then divide that price by the hours of use. Then take the Kindle and the price of the books and do the same thing. I think you’ll find the Kindle is one of the cheapest if not the cheapest.

One thing to consider is the cover for the device. I chose the keep the original cover with my Kindle 1. The Kindle 1 in its cover is about the size of a paperback book. But with the Kindle DX, I chose the M-Edge Platform Cover that allows it to stand up like an easel. It has proven itself to me to be a good choice due to the Kindle DX’s larger width. I will be writing a review for that cover also.

I gave the Kindle DX 5 stars because it does exactly what they said it will do and then some more and it met all my expectations. I review on the “what is” and not the “what if”. In my opinion there is no other digital reader that comes close to the Kindle when you look at the whole package including the Amazon service.

Amazon Kindle DX Vs Kindle 2 - Sizing Up the Two Popular Ebook Readers

Ever since the Amazon Kindle DX became available for pre-order in early May, many Kindle users and would-be owners have been wondering how much of a “makeover” the popular device has undergone. If you’re an owner of a Kindle 2 considering an upgrade, or a reading enthusiast undecided on which would be the better fit for your lifestyle, wonder no more.

This comparison is your quick reference guide to what sets the new Kindle DX apart from the previous version.

Display

The Kindle 2’s 6″ diagonal screen is obviously no match for the Kindle DX’s 9.7″ diagonal auto-rotating screen. In addition to being 2.5 times larger than the earlier Kindle’s display, the DX also has an auto-rotate feature that allows you to toggle between a portrait and a landscape mode by simply rotating the reading device. This makes it the more suitable gadget for reading newspapers, image-rich books, or any material that contains maps, charts, and tables.

Size of the Device

The Amazon Kindle DX measures 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″ in overall size while the Kindle 2 is naturally much smaller at 8″ x 5.3″ x 0.36″. While both devices are about as thin as a typical magazine at 0.3 of an inch deep, the DX tips the scales at 18.9 ounces compared to the Kindle 2’s 10.2 ounces. If you plan on using your ebook reader “on the go” then the Kindle 2 is the more portable device.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity is also a major factor to consider. The Kindle DX boasts a 4GB internal memory - double the 2GB capacity of the Kindle 2. That’s storage for approximately 3,500 books and 1,500 books for the DX and the Kindle 2 respectively.

Built-in PDF Support

With the Kindle 2, reading PDF files are a bit of a hassle as you have to go through the process of emailing your files to Amazon for file conversion - a service that you need to pay for, albeit with a minimal fee. With the Kindle DX, PDF support is built-in, so you can just download your PDF files directly to your device and read them immediately. If you read a lot of PDFs, then the DX is the better option.

Price

Here’s the real deal maker or breaker between the two Kindles. The Kindle DX costs a steeper $489, while the Kindle 2 is still priced high at $359. Even for the most avid readers, the price of either of these ebook readers leave a big hole in the pocket. However, students eager to leave behind their heavy textbooks and professionals who usually work with PDF files, will find a way to justify the steep price of the Kindle DX.

Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2 - Closing Thoughts

While the Kindle 2 still packs a punch for its price and features, those looking for the ultimate reading pleasure will find the Kindle DX the best choice between the two devices. Like I said, the price is always the deciding factor in the equation so weigh the costs versus your needs and budget before making the ultimate decision.

By Travis Van Slooten