Amazon Kindle DX
Manufacturer: Amazon.com Part number: 892685001928
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/23/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Amazon Kindle DX price range: $379.00
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy and John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 08/02/2010
The good: Large-screen e-book reader with improved, higher contrast e-ink screen; large library of hundreds of thousands of e-books, newspapers, and blogs via Amazon's familiar online store; free 3G wireless access; can store up to 3,500 books; eight fonts available, including two new extra-large sizes; decent battery life; displays image files, PDFs, and plays MP3 and AAC audio.
The bad: Though it's more affordable than the previous DX model, the price is still within spitting distance of the more versatile iPad; heavier weight (than smaller Kindle) could make long reading sessions tiresome; doesn't support EPUB files; no protective carrying case included; battery is sealed into the device and isn't removable; no Wi-Fi option.
The bottom line: Though it has a hard time competing with Apple's iPad in terms of functionality, the less-expensive 2010 Kindle DX will appeal to those looking for a large, dedicated e-reader with an e-ink display.
Editors' note: Amazon announced on April 20, 2011, that a software update adding the ability to read e-books from participating local libraries will be added by the end of 2011.
Among leading e-book readers, a 6-inch screen--which approximates the size of a paperback book--is standard: it's what you'll find on the Amazon Kindle, the Barnes & Noble Nook, and at least one version of the Sony Reader. But for those who prefer the more spacious pages of a magazine or newspaper, that size can be a bit cramped. With that in mind, Amazon released the Kindle DX in the summer of 2009, supersizing the Kindle experience with a 9.7-inch e-ink screen.
With the subsequent arrival of the Apple iPad in April 2010, many tech pundits wrote off Amazon's similarly sized--and identically priced--Kindle DX as a nonviable product. But just a few months after Apple launched its much-hyped tablet, Amazon is making efforts to resuscitate the DX with a price cut to $379, a new graphite finish, and a screen that offers higher contrast and darker fonts. The device still has "free" integrated 3G wireless connectivity from AT&T, and aside from the new "high-contrast e-ink screen" doesn't add any additional hardware enhancements.
Features
The Kindle DX boasts 4GB of internal memory. It's not expandable, but that space is enough for about 3,500 e-books. Should you ever run out of room (since you can also store images, PDFs, MP3 audio, and Audible audio books), you can delete your e-books with impunity and redownload them later as needed--Amazon keeps all of your e-book purchases readily available in an online "digital locker" tied to your account.
Though the Kindle is designed as a primary reading device, the e-books you purchase aren't trapped there. You can also download Kindle software apps for nearly all other major platforms (Windows PCs, Macs, BlackBerry phones, Android phones, iPads, and iPhones/iPod Touch devices) to access all of the same titles, syncing up between them where you left off with Amazon's WhisperSync feature. (Barnes & Noble's rival Nook reader also supports all of those devices.)
Notably, unlike the Nook and the iPad, the Kindle does not support the EPUB file format standard, so you can't use it to read loaner e-books from library, nor any of the myriad free titles available online from a variety of vendors such as Google Books. However, that issue is somewhat ameliorated by the fact that Amazon offers its own library of almost 2 million free, public-domain titles (mostly pre-1923, out-of-copyright titles), including a large range of classics by Mark Twain, Arthur Conan Doyle, H.G. Wells, Jane Austen, and the like.
In addition to hundreds of thousands of e-books, you can also subscribe to a good number of newspapers, magazines, and blogs, all of which are delivered wirelessly to the Kindle. The AT&T 3G wireless should cover most of the U.S., and it's completely free. It also will work in many countries overseas, but additional charges may apply. Unlike the new, smaller Kindles, there's no Wi-Fi option, but you can download content to your PC and side-load it to the Kindle via USB.
The Kindle has a built-in QWERTY keyboard for searching and notation; you can also tie the device to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, and share relevant passages among your social network. Anyone who's used an iPad or a modern smartphone will have an impulse to touch the screen, but, alas, that's not how the Kindle works. (That's probably for the best: Sony's attempt to add touch-screen functionality to its e-readers comes at the expense of screen clarity.) Instead, navigation is accomplished using the thumbstick and the page forward/back, menu, back, and home buttons along the screen's right border. It's definitely less intuitive than a touch screen, but most users will get the hang of it quickly enough.
The DX comes with a USB cable and AC charger, but no case--you'll almost certainly want to invest in the latter, but be sure to seek one out that maximizes protection while adding minimal weight.
Kindle DX vs. iPad
If you're considering the DX, chances are you've also considered the iPad, which has a 9.7-inch screen and starts at $500 for a Wi-Fi-only version. Obviously, in terms of functionality, the Kindle DX simply can't compete with the iPad, which not only allows you to read books using your e-reader app of choice, including the Kindle or Nook apps, but it supports video playback, true (albeit Flash-less) Web surfing on a color screen, and a variety of apps that let you do everything from play games, do e-mail, read comic books, and everything in between. The iPad is also a strong PDF viewer, and there are several apps available for viewing documents and other graphic images.
The main things the DX has going in its favor are its e-ink screen and superior battery life (up to 2 weeks with wireless off). Amazon says that the display's contrast has been improved by 50 percent over the previous Kindle DX, and though we didn't think the difference was like night and day, we did think the lettering looked darker and sharper overall. It offers 16 levels of grayscale, and the flat matte screen can be viewed in direct sunlight. That's opposed to the iPad, which has a reflective LCD screen. The iPad's touch screen is invariably smudged with fingerprints, too. Unlike the Kindle, it's backlit; that's a boon for some, but many others find reading a backlit LCD screen to be tiring on the eyes for the long haul.
On a more cosmetic level, we also liked the graphite-colored border, which helps to distinguish this Kindle from the older DX. (Unlike the new 6-inch Kindle, which is available in white or graphite versions, the DX is, for now, graphite only.)
The reality is that the Kindle DX is for a very specific user who wants a large-screen e-ink display that allows you to see more text on a single page or increase the font size and still have more than three words per line (at the third largest font size, which should be plenty large for most people, you get about six or seven words per line). Its size also makes it superior to other e-ink e-readers for viewing PDF files and image-heavy textbooks (however, the textbook market and adoption rate of students for the Kindle DX has not taken off as Amazon had hoped). Newspapers and magazines also are better suited to the larger screen, but the iPad's ability to display color and its zippier touch-screen interface give it a big advantage in this department.
The Kindle DX offers a rudimentary Web browser that Amazon lists as "experimental." That's a generous assessment: except for the most basic of text Web surfing, it's not terribly useful. This may change with a future firmware update (Amazon is adding a WebKit-based browser to the new, smaller Kindle that may be ported to the DX as well), but for now, anyone who needs a more robust tablet device to access the Web should stick with the iPad.
Another unimportant but often overlooked consideration is weight. The DX tips the scales at 18.9 ounces, whereas the iPad is 22 to 23 ounces (depending if you go with the Wi-Fi or 3G versions). Add a case (likely for both devices), and they'll be even a bit heavier. Now, both are quite light compared to a laptop, but they're comparable to the heft of a 350-page hardcover book (25 ounces). If you're holding them upright during a long reading session, they could begin to become tiresome, especially compared to a magazine, paperback, or 6-inch e-book reader.
Conclusion
Obviously, lowering the Kindle DX's price and improving its screen are something Amazon had to do to keep the DX relevant--and we're glad it did. With a price delta between it and the entry-level iPad now standing at $120, those considering a larger, dedicated e-reader might be tempted to opt for the DX. Still, its lack of versatility (no video, limited Web browser) and Amazon's price cut to its 6-inch Kindle ($139 for Wi-Fi, $189 for Wi-Fi plus 3G), hurt some of the DX's appeal and leave as niche product. But at least the new look, and improved pricing and screen contrast give it a better chance of survival in a post-iPad world.
User reviews
-
-
The large format ebook reader - it's the daddy!
by Jeremy Chappell on August 7, 2010
Pros: Large display, excellent reading experience. Lightweight with excellent battery life. Huge range of titles.
Cons: Personally I don't like the new colour, it a bit "techie" compared with the older DX. It is still quite pricey, though if you're a avid reader this probably isn't so much of a problem. Why the review even mentions the iPad I don't know.
Summary: The hardware itself isn't the main draw here, as it should be. This device has an excellent large display, it isn't quite as good as actual paper to ...
Summary: The hardware itself isn't the main draw here, as it should be. This device has an excellent large display, it isn't quite as good as actual paper to read, but it isn't that far behind. The refresh cycle is faster than older models and while still slightly distracting it isn't really a problem anymore. The typeface looks great, and has sizes to suit almost all readers. Reading PDFs is a little "hit and miss", especially with PDFs designed for a colour display, but mostly they are okay.
The real attraction of this device isn't actually the device at all, rather the excellent bookstore for Kindle Books, there is a huge selection of titles and they load quickly. It is this that is the secret of why a Kindle is worthwhile and even an e-reader with better specs wouldn't measure up in the short term.
Of course, this device is rather pointless if you're just wanting to read novels - the new "Kindle" been a better bet, but if you're wanting to read textbooks especially those with illustrations, graphs and charts the extra screen size make the Kindle DX a natural fit.
As for as a comparison with the iPad, I don't think the devices compare at all. The iPad is a general purpose device, the Kindle DX is a purely one use device - an e-reader, it does other jobs so poorly that it isn't worth considering them. Conversely if does e-reader so well that for most buyers that's more than enough to justify the cost (or its smaller sibling the "Kindle"). The only caveat being that the iPad does glossy colour - if these are the kinds of books you wish to read then it is a better device for you. For everyone else the light weight, greater battery life and e-ink display of the Kindle DX make it a better choice (as an e-reader). Additionally the iPad has an excellent "Kindle App" and I can see either the Kindle or the Kindle DX appealing to many iPad owners (the books can be read across devices with both keeping in sync with the current position in the text).3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
A serious price for a not serious device
by UncleOalof on August 7, 2010
Pros: Ample screen size makes this the best e-reader for reading. As always the e-ink allows extending reading not only for the battery, but for my eyes. There is a lot of potential for the wireless for free local publications.
Cons: The price is still too serious for what you get. No screen lighting of any fashion. It may kill on power but reading in my bed would be easier for others if I didn't need an external source of lighting. More newspapers need to be on board.
Summary: Despite the price, the Kindle DX is still a great performer. If they would knock it down to about $250 I think we will finally hear the end of reviewers ...
Summary: Despite the price, the Kindle DX is still a great performer. If they would knock it down to about $250 I think we will finally hear the end of reviewers and people wrongly trying to compare it to an iPad. If only more newspaper publications, espeically free ones, would make themselves available. Can you imagine traveling and having local papers synced at your desire to the device?
In one area where I will bring up the iPad, is the book pricing itself. No thanks to Apple's book deal prices on Kindle books have risen. It is ridiculous for the Kindle version of new releases to be $3 more than the printed version. There is no justification for that. It eliminates the primary advantage one once came to enjoy with the Kindle.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Now looks like a winner
by mzungu45 on July 31, 2010
Pros: Very clear text, reads PDF better than first DX, works as a basic web browser with no charges using 3G (not realistic with earlier DX); long battery life
Cons: No color, understandably slow and very basic as web browser
Summary: With the right kind of cover (available from third party), the Kindle DX can be propped up. It's hard to find a book as easy to read as the ...
Summary: With the right kind of cover (available from third party), the Kindle DX can be propped up. It's hard to find a book as easy to read as the Kindle DX in that position. (Even with a reading stand, one needs to deal with the pages which often won't stay in position.) The ease of reading is, of course, mainly due to the clarify to of the font (which can be adjusted), which is one of the Kindle DX's strongest features.
For the first time a Kindle reader is genuinely usable for PDF files. This is partly due to the new hardware and partly due to software improvements which, for example, allow zooming. This does require some adjustments on the part of the reader and may not offer the perfect PDF reading experience, but it works acceptably (without color).
Another first is the existence of an adequate even if basic web browser. On previous Kindles this was either so slow or so primitive that it was, in my experience, too frustrating to use. But on the new Kindle DX, one could reasonably go online to read email, check the weather (radar maps are, of course, sluggish), or read an online newspaper, and this can be done with 3G for free (unlike the iPad). Of course it won't work if you need color or fast graphics, so it's no substitute for a laptop and won't do what a 3G iPad will do. But I would certainly use it rather than pay the outrageous daily fees some hotels charge for wifi.
Overall, I think it is an excellent product worth considering if it meets your needs, understanding its limitations.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Still too expensive
by geneven on August 7, 2010
Pros: Bigger than the other Kindle.
Cons: Too expensive.
Summary: Its obvious that the prices of these readers is falling. The price fall is needed to emphasize the advantages of these Kindles to the iPad. I think that another version ...
Summary: Its obvious that the prices of these readers is falling. The price fall is needed to emphasize the advantages of these Kindles to the iPad. I think that another version of the DX will soon appear, so this one is a particularly bad purchase at this time. I sent off for the smaller one, wireless version, myself. I have the older one already. If you already have wireless at home, there is no big reason to have the ability to download books while on the road -- just download more before you leave town.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Biggest issues: SLOWness and Spontaneous Reboots!
by EmbeddedSwEngineer on March 22, 2012
Pros: Performs basics of purchase, download and reading a few books very well.
Cons: When loaded it behaves like Windows ME (remember?). SLOW. I mean maybe a 5 minute wait! SPONTANEOUS REBOOTS may take even longer to complete! Even when all you did was hit the page button.
Summary: Best practices in software engineering have obviously not been followed. No thought has been given to user ease, as seen in such things as inability to easily sort by collections; ...
Summary: Best practices in software engineering have obviously not been followed. No thought has been given to user ease, as seen in such things as inability to easily sort by collections; meaning of the word collection differs across websites, devices and apps. NO systems engineering has been done to make all these applications perform cohesively as a product family. I.e., written and thoroughly reviewed product and software requirements specifications. Thorough system testing with a loaded up device would have detected all the above mentioned issues.
If you will have many books, I suggest getting an iPad for your Kindle books. Then get a Kindle for reading in the sun, but don't load it up.
My biggest suggestion is to Amazon:
FIRE ALL YOUR SOFTWARE TEAMS, TOP TO BOTTOM.
Especially at the top; however, a good team would have made these products successful IN SPITE of MANAGEMENT. Hire American contractors, from Director of Software Engineering, on down. -
Fantastic for reading periodicals!
by justin76here on August 7, 2010
Pros: The screen size is terrific. Big enough not to have to squint, small enough to fit into my book bag. The battery life is super long.
Cons: The price should be less.
Summary: Downloading books on the fly with 3G has to be the best thing about this. The higher contrast doesn't hurt either. The storage capacity of the DX is better ...
Summary: Downloading books on the fly with 3G has to be the best thing about this. The higher contrast doesn't hurt either. The storage capacity of the DX is better than some libraries. Love this thing!
-
Better than a book!
by jcweir on August 3, 2010
Pros: Limitless possibilities!!
Cons: Can't arrange the books how I'd like on the Kindle, minor.
Summary: I love my Kindle DX, a true wonder, the battery lasts for a week with the wireless turned on, and probably two if it was off. So easy to get ...
Summary: I love my Kindle DX, a true wonder, the battery lasts for a week with the wireless turned on, and probably two if it was off. So easy to get new books, news papers. Wonderful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Amazon.com
- Part number: 892685001928
- Description: 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. 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. Kindle DX is completely wireless and ready to use right out of the box - no setup, no cables, no computer required. 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. 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. 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.
General
- Product Type eBook reader
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 7.2 in x 0.4 in x 10.4 in
- Weight 1.2 lbs
- Color Graphite
Display
- Type 9.7 in Monochrome E Ink
- Display Resolution 1200 x 824
- Display type 9.7 in E Ink
- Color Depth 4-bit (16 gray levels)
- Max resolution 1200 x 824
Memory
- Flash Memory 4 GB
- Total User Available Memory 3.3 GB
- Flash memory installed 4 GB
Communications
- Wireless Broadband (WWAN) 3G
- WWAN Protocols EDGE,
GPRS,
HSDPA Location
- GPS Navigation None
Multimedia
- Audio Speaker
- Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3
EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats AZW,
HTML ,
PRC (Mobipocket) ,
PDF ,
DOC ,
TXT - Supported Still Image Formats PNG,
JPEG,
BMP,
GIF - Features 3G wireless
Power
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Recharge Time 4.5 hour(s)
- Power supply device Power adapter
Input Device
- Type Keyboard
Expansion and Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB,
1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 7.2 in
- Depth 0.4 in
- Height 10.4 in
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Amazon.com
Specs: 9.7 in Monochrome E Ink,
7.2 in x 0.4 in x 10.4 in,
1.2 lbs
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Amazon.com products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Amazon.com
- Address:
1200 12th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98144 - Phone: 1-800-201-7575
- Email: orders@amazon.com
