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Amazon Kindle DX (U.S. Wireless) Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Bottom Line

8K views 16 replies 7 participants last post by  angelad 
#1 ·
http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-readers/amazon-kindle-dx-u/4505-3508_7-33643953.html#cnetReview
The good: The Kindle DX offers 2.5 times the screen real estate as the Kindle 2; native PDF support; you can switch from portrait to landscape mode by just turning the device; large library of tens of thousands of e-books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs via Amazon's familiar online store; built-in free wireless "Whispernet" data network--no PC needed; built-in keyboard for notes; faster processor speeds up the device; with 4GB (3.3 usable) of internal memory, it's capable of storing 3,500 electronic books; font size is adjustable; decent battery life; displays image files, and plays MP3 and AAC audio.

The bad: Expensive; somewhat heavy compared with the Kindle 2; no expansion slot for adding more memory; no protective carrying case included; battery is sealed into the device and isn't removable.

The bottom line: The pricey Kindle DX offers improvements over the Kindle 2, but its larger chassis has its pluses and minuses.

Editors' note: As of January 19, 2010, Amazon has discontinued this version of the Kindle DX and replaced it with the international Kindle DX model. That new model runs on AT&T's network and can access content on cellular networks inside and outside of the U.S. It's otherwise essentially identical to the Sprint-powered Kindle DX reviewed below.

Even before the Kindle 2 launched, there was talk of an even newer, larger digital reader from Amazon that would be geared more toward reading textbooks and periodicals. We all assumed it would be bigger, but it was unclear exactly what form it would take. Well, now that it's finally arrived, what is a little surprising is how much the Kindle DX--bigger face aside--is a dead ringer for its little sibling.

In profile, the two devices appear equally svelte: the 0.38-inch-deep DX is just a tad thicker than the 0.36-inch Kindle 2. Obviously, the big difference here is the Kindle DX's 9.7-inch e-ink display (1,200x824-pixel resolution), which technically offers 2.5 times more screen real estate than the Kindle's 6-inch display. That extra screen comes at a price, both figuratively and literally, as the DX weighs almost twice as much (18.9 ounces) as the Kindle 2 and costs $130 more, at $489.

That said, while the DX is significantly larger and heavier, it doesn't feel too burdensome to carry or hold. However, it clearly isn't as portable as the Kindle 2; its larger footprint requires a larger bag or briefcase for stowaway purposes. Most women's handbags, for instance, just won't be big enough to contain the thing.
* Manufacturer: Amazon.com
* Part Number:B0015TCML0

General

* Product Type eBook reader
* Width 7.2 in
* Built-in Devices Display , Keyboard , Speaker(s)
* Depth 0.4 in
* Height 10.4 in
* Dimensions (W x D x H) 7.2 in x 0.4 in x 10.4 in
* Weight 1.1 lbs
* Features 5-way controller , Built-in PDF reader , Auto-rotating screen , Read-to-me , Built-in dictionary , Text-to-Speech
* Included Accessories Power adapter , USB 2.0 cable , Battery

Memory

* Total User Available Memory 3.3 GB

Display

* Display type 9.7 in E Ink
* Image 4-bit (16 gray levels)
* Display Resolution 1200 x 824

Audio

* Audio Output Speaker(s)
* Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3

Telecom

* Modem Wireless cellular modem - Integrated
* Cellular Enhancement Protocol CDMA 2000
* Wireless Connectivity 3G Wireless

GPS System

* GPS Navigation None

Expansion / Connectivity

* Interfaces Hi-Speed USB , 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

Power

* Power Device Power adapter
* Recharge Time 4 hour(s)
* Power supply device Power adapter

Input Device

* Type QWERTY keyboard

EBook Reader

* Supported Text Formats DOC , PDF , RTF , TXT , HTML , PRC (Mobipocket)
* Supported Still Image Formats BMP , GIF , PNG , JPEG

Miscellaneous

* Cables Included 1 x USB cable

Manufacturer Warranty

* Service & Support 1 year warranty
* Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
 
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#3 ·
I just put it out here for people to look at so they dont have to look for specs and stuff elsewhere
 
#8 ·
The article talks about specifics and not opinoins, readers can draw information they might need from the specs
 
#16 ·
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