The folks at Amazon have released an upgraded version of the highly successful Kindle DX, featuring a new design, faster page turn times, a better high-contrast screen, and newly updated software. And to top it all off, the new 9.7 inch Kindle DX now sells for the lower price of $379.
While the newly refreshed Kindle DX was initially announced at the beginning of July, it has only actually been on sale for a week or two in most centres. At first glance, the new DX is easily distinguished from its predecessors, with a new graphite coloured paint job and a lovely high contrast screen which really improves the reading experience.
For those of you not up to date with your eBook technology, the Kindle DX it the larger version of the Kindle line, with a bigger screen and more hard drive space than its smaller non-DX brother. With the ability to store 3,500 books in a package that is only 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″ in size and 10.2 ounces in weight, this is a very handy piece of kit indeed.
However, while its thin size may be a big selling point, it is the new display which really catches your eye. With a 1200 x 824 screen resolution, and better contrast and clarity than ever before, the Kindle DX provides a solid and satisfying reading experience. It still looks good in the sun as well, which is great news for anyone who has unsuccesfully tried to read a reflective notebook in the park or at the beach.
Some of the other features of the Kindle DX include global 3G wireless coverage, a built-in PDF reader, social network integration, and a built-in accelerometer for an auto-rotating display.
However, while the reading experience offered by the DX is generally great, the same can not be said for the typing experience, which many users find to be frustrating. The DX still lacks the ability to export notes as well, which seems like a big oversight and may turn off the student crowd.
The newly updated Amazon Kindle DX is a clever and well designed piece of technology, which still has a lot to say to the iPad and swarm of similar devices hitting the shelves. With a book selection that is second-to-none (over 630,000), and easy access to magazine and newspaper subscriptions, the Kindle DX is not only well designed, but also the best equipped device to handle the demands of any heavy reader.
