eBook Reader Guide

Kindle DX

It’s not available over here yet, but Amazon have announced that an international version of their 9.7″ eBook Reader, the Kindle DX, will be available “sometime next year”. Just as a guide, the US Kindle DX sells for $489, while a 6″ International Kindle sells for $259. There’s likely to be a small premium on the International version of the FX, so it might be expected to retail at $509 or so.

Even at that price, the Kindle DX will be worth considering for anyone who needs to read ‘regular’ PDF documents, as there are two significant enhancements in functionality over the standard Kindle that complement the larger 9.7″ screen. The primary one is that the Kindle DX includes native PDF support, rather than requiring them to be converted prior to loading onto the device. The secondary enhancement is an auto-rotating screen – when you simply turn the reader on it’s side, it will detect that change in orientation and zoom the open document to show it across the full width of the display.

It should be noted that at the moment, you’ve not able to use annotations nor follow links within PDFs, but despite that, the Kindle DX is worthy of serious consideration as a PDF viewing device.

Features

Note: These are taken from the US version and some details such as book prices and number may be expected to change by the time an international version’s available.

• Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
• Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents
• Beautiful Large Display: 9.7″ diagonal e-ink screen reads like real paper; boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and sharp images
• Auto-Rotating Screen: Display auto-rotates from portrait to landscape as you turn the device so you can view full-width maps, graphs, tables, and Web pages
• Built-In PDF Reader: Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go
• Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle DX, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, no annual contracts, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
• Books In Under 60 Seconds: You get free wireless delivery of books in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
• Long Battery Life: Read for days without recharging
• Read-to-Me: With the text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable
• Big Selection, Low Prices: Over 360,000 books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs; New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are only $9.99, unless marked otherwise
• More Than Books: U.S. and international newspapers including the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, magazines including The New Yorker and Time, plus popular blogs, all auto-delivered wirelessly

written by ebook_reader_guide