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| Brand: Amazon
Category: Amazon Devices
Buy New: $359.00
as of 9/10/2010 12:44 CDT details
New (1) Used (8) Refurbished (1) from $289.99
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  2130 reviews
Sales Rank: 71
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.4
Model: D00801
UPC: 892685001232
EAN: 0892685001232
ASIN: B0015TG12Q
Release Date: January 19, 2010
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 26-30 of 2130
 Which Kindle Should You Choose? August 12, 2010
B Guenther (Albany, NY)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
I am a dedicated Kindle user. I've owned and loved the K1 & the K2. I had every intention of buying the K3. I may still. But only as a secondary reader.
What do I love about the Kindle? Just about everything. I love the instant access to just about anything I want to read no matter where I am. (My K2 traveled to Brazil with me last Summer) I love that I am absorbed into reading even more than with paper because I'm not continually fighting the pages. I say this as one who has a great love of print books. I have a library of nearly 1,000 books in my office, and a couple hundred more at home. I love that I can carry a vast library of indispensible professional books and PDFs, alongside whatever I am reading for pure enjoyment, the NY Times, and my favorite blogs and magazines in such a small package.
When I ordered the new K3, I sold my K2. But when the reality of spending at least a month without a Kindle sunk in, I ordered the DX figuring, if nothing else, I would send it back before the 30 days are up and just about when my K3 should arrive. After spending 15 (almost non-stop) hours with it, I'm ready to say I don't think it is going back.
True, the DX is noticeably heavier. You can hold it with one hand, but not for an extended period of time. This is two-handed reading. Reading with the 6" Kindle is such an enjoyable and intimate experience in part due to the small, comfortable size. Also true that the page turn buttons only on one side will be an issue for some to get used to. But due to the necessity of two-handed reading, I don't think this is a big issue either way. (see 8/13/10 update below)
Alright, so why spend the extra cash to get the DX? Three words: SCREEN REAL ESTATE. I can't get over the screen! What a difference! I can actually read the PDFs without zooming. The layout of the NY Times is much more like reading a paper edition. I have to turn the page much less often. If I'm reading a professional book I need to study, I can get enough text on the screen that I don't have to page back and forth to get all I need.
Which Kindle is right for you? It all depends on what you read. If you read mostly for pleasure (in bed, at the beach, etc), not many magazines or newspapers, and no PDFs, then get the 6" Kindle and enjoy! However, the DX is clearly designed with the professional reader in mind. You give up a little comfort and portability, but you get a lot back.
Why not just buy an iPad since the price is within about a hundred dollars? The iPad doesn't do anything as well as my smart phone, laptop, and Kindle. Once you get beyond the Apple wow-factor, you realize it does a lot of things in a sub-par fashion. It is the tech version of the Leatherman. It'll do in a pinch, but I'd rather use a screw driver when I need a screwdriver. If you are a reader, get a Kindle, use the other things you already have for the rest, and spend the money you saved on some great books.
Update___8/12/10
A couple more quick thoughts:
1. The improved screen resolution is noticeable, especially on well-formated pictures (if you are used to the screen saver pictures on the K1 or K2, you'll instantly notice the difference). The faster page turn is a slight improvement. However, neither is dramatic, unless you are looking at a lot of pictures on the Kindle. That said, I never really had a problem with either point, as it has always been faster and easier than turning a page and resettling my eye on the first line.
2. Yes, the keyboard is awful. It is too spread out to use your thumbs. Given the size of the DX, I'm not really sure of a better solution. The most comfortable and productive solution seems to be laying the DX flat on a tabletop and pecking out each letter. If you are planning on making copious notes in your books, you'd better plan on loading Kindle for PC.
Neither of these points diminish my initial excitement over the DX, but I felt that they were worth noting in case either is a major concern for a prospective buyer.
3. I am hoping for a software update that will give the DX the same capability as the K3 to highlight and make notes within PDFs. I find it somewhat befuddling that both are released within a month of one another and the DX which is a more natural PDF reader did not include it. As a satisfied Amazon customer since the late 1990s, I have great faith that they will make it right. The sooner the better.
Finally, just a thought for those of you who are wondering what kind of books you should buy on the Kindle and which you should buy in print (bury deep the notion of doing away with all future print book purchases). Here are my rules of thumb: (1) Buy disposable reading on the Kindle - if it is pleasure or periodical reading, I will not likely return to it (though you do have the ability to clip periodical articles if needed)so I'll save the space, money, and trees and buy the Kindle version; (2) Indispensable Professional Resources - buy both print and Kindle versions that way you can carry it with you and have it in a version that will last long, long into the future. If you can only afford one, buy the print version.
Update _____ 9/13/10
Briefly: My time appears set on GMT -8. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to correct it from the Kindle. I'm sure it gets its time from the ATT network, but it is still somewhat annoying. Anyone know how to fix it? I've had the wireless on since it arrived.
I'm somewhat disappointed with the battery life. As I noted above, the battery was charged Wednesday morning and with the wireless on continuously, it is now notifying me (Friday afternoon) that the battery is low. Three days is still much better than anything else I own (My Droid is only good for about 8-10 hrs), but not what I'd expect after owning the K1 and K2.
Also, after two days of use, I continue to feel that the answer to which Kindle you would use depends on what you want out of it. I couldn't be happier with the DX all throughout the day. The only place I've noticed missing my 6" Kindle is reading in bed. The size is a bit of an issue, but the main thing I've noticed is the lack of page buttons on the left. I tend to read on my right side in order to diminish the level of disturbance my reading light causes my wife, and I keep finding myself reaching to turn the page with my left hand. I'll probably just save up for a 6" wi-fi model that will stay next to the bed. However, if I could only have one, I would still choose the DX. Still love it, but would probably give it 4 1/2 stars if I could.
Traveling Reader. July 3, 2010
lookingatwalls (Fort Lauderdale Florida)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
I have been a user of the Kindle DX for almost a year and even though I do not use all of the features I am ready to give this device an extremely high rating.
I travel for a living and I am the guy who always has several books in his bag just to pass the time, of course carrying books really adds to the weight load. The kindle solved all of that, I now travel with this slim light weight device , not only does it hold the 3k plus books it also carries a good conversation too. I have met more people who want to know more about the device and of course since I am willing that leads to other conversations.
As of now I have only seen one Sony reader in the airport everyone else with ebooks all have kindles, all generations but not as many Dx's. I think the new model with the price drop will change that.
Now recently I did have a problem, the screen on my kindle was acting up, I could not get it to display anything correctly ( I do not know if I dropped it without realizing it or if it was screen malfunction) I was traveling on a flight and when I got to my hotel I called tech support to help find a fix , their was none but since I was still under warranty they overnighted me a new one to my hotel, I had it the next day. I did not expect to get service like that. Awesome!
All in all, the connivance of traveling with my books, a book store ( Amazon) no monthly fees, Long lasting batteries ( I charge it every few weeks.) Previews of books before you buy and the changing of the fonts to a larger size are all features for both kindles ( II and DX.) that I love. The DX adds to that with a larger screen , crisp black and white images that fit the screen and taking pdf files from work and reading them on the kindle., I also like the new feature of posting excerpts of what you are reading to face book and the new folder system for organizing books
The features under experimental tab like voice and web are things that I have played with but I do not use them or depend on them.
The one thing I pondered on before buying my kindle was would my mind miss the look of the print, I was half way through my first book on the kindle before I asked myself that question again. The answer, I didn't notice the change.
First e-reader, never looking back... August 9, 2010
Joanne
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
There are a lot of reviews here and I wanted to add my thumbs-up for this product (and address some of the product features I was looking for).
1. PDF reading (the biggee): I'm a student and have taken to inhaling documents like it's going out of style. This includes mostly lecture notes in econ, organizational behavior, and accounting. There aren't often small graphs or text (and you *can* zoom the PDF but it does make reading a little difficult). Pre-kindle I would print these docs out because my eyes need the rest, but then to conserve paper I usually print 2 pages per side, double-sided. This is a long-winded way of saying that I'm not afraid of small print. My school PDFs read brilliantly on the Kindle. I immediately replaced a 5 inch binder of paper with my sweet, sweet Kindle.
2. PDF organization: totally possible (despite what you might have read in other reviews)!!! I just downloaded the PDFs to my Kindle then arranged them into "collections"
3. Contrast: brilliant. Like I mentioned before, I'm a (former) paper-purist and the Kindle has been an easy switch. If you look really closely you can still see the dots but, honestly, who reads 1" away from the screen. When I opened my Kindle there were instructions (step 1: plug in, step 2: turn on Kindle) and I thought it was screen printed to the protective plastic...but NO! it was actually the e-ink. COOL! Should also mention here that for those not totally versed in e-ink tech (like myself), the "dots" position themselves and then use no power (hence the long battery life) and there's also no "image burn" effect with this technology.
4. Screen size: YES! The biggest selling point for me. I checked out the Nook at B&N but didn't feel like it gave the experience of reading a book. The bigger screen size is more comfortable to my eye and I find myself getting lost in the reading, even more so that I did with paper (odd but cool).
5. v. iPad: I am an Apple junkie but also easily distracted. I chose the Kindle because I didn't want to be able to check FB, email, surf the web, etc. I wanted to be able to read and focus. For all the other stuff, I have my macbook. :) Also, I previously thought the reading in the sun thing wasn't going to be a huge bonus for me but I recently took my Kindle to the river and under an umbrella where it was shady but still sun glare/reflection, Kindle was a champ. Can't imagine taking my macbook into that kind of environment with such clarity.
Cover: I chose the moleskin cover, even though according to CA law it might give me cancer. I LOVE it. The cover is protective but sleek looking. It provides some weight and subtstance to the Kindle and makes it hold/read more like a book. Plus, I love having a paper notebook included to jot notes down.
As a side note, the packaging was clean and no-nonsense.
One last note, the Kindle is making a reader out of me! So for those of you out there who want to read more but never find the time or have the book handy, Kindle is not just for uber-bookworms. I've already purchased two books that I was interested in but never made it to the bookstore to buy (or would leave abandoned on my bookshelf). This way I can read whatever suits me at the time.
Love you Kindle!
***UPDATE: 8/30/10 - okay maybe some of the controls are a little clunky BUT the e-ink (verified: hours of reading = no eye fatigue!) and free 3G (I already pay AT&T enough $) + access to Amazon's extensive and immediate library is worth the Kindle. I needed to read up quickly on import/export and had samples of multiple books sent to my Kindle. I literally clicked the "Send Sample" button and then turned around to find it on my Kindle. Sweet.***
The Joy of Reading on the new Kindle DX Graphite July 8, 2010
ZenPoet (Cincinnati, OH USA)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
I've had several days with my new Kindle DX2, I had been waiting for a price drop and purchased it in the first hours of its availability. Have several dozen books on it (had been building a wish list for a year) and have had the days free to read and play with the device. I'm a voracious reader, have thousands of books, and the idea of always having new books, and my favorites at hand is a dream-come-true. The larger DX size was a requirement for me, the basic unit is too small because I use larger fonts and read quickly, and PDF's display better.
Best features:
* the display is excellent. Indoors or out in the sun, it is easy to read, and I forget about the electronic display and get absorbed in the reading, just like a book. The larger screen makes it possible to take advantage of larger fonts and more white space. This makes text much easier to read, and it helps PDF display.
* variable font size - I've been purchasing some large-print versions of my favorite books, my aging eyes require reading glasses, and this alone would justify the purchase (assuming the display is great).
* book access - the Kindle store, free books, PDFs, could hardly be easier.
* PDF files - I've imported several PDF files. Depending on the source, some are displayed well but the variable font size only magnifies or decreases the page size (zoom); PDF's that are crudely formated in the source, are not so well presented.
* FOLDERS! - called Collections, I can organize the books into categories and easily navigate to them (this was my number one requested improvement), though it is tedious to assign many files as each must be done individually with several steps required to complete the assignment.
* size of storage - it will hold thousands of books; this is really important because when I travel, I never know what I'll be in the mood to read. (I have that problem with my audio devices' music selection). A large selection and the ease of adding new ones (wireless) will provide the variety of selection I'd like to have with me.
* bookmarks, notes - though the keyboard is very slow for typing
* battery life - many days of reading
What could be better:
* the keyboard is very cumbersome to use (really voice-recognition is what I'd prefer, my PC's have that and I use it, like now, or a touch screen)
* weight is acceptable, but lighter would be nice
* assignable buttons on both sides (I often use it "upside-down" so I can turn the pages with my left hand, that works okay, but the center of gravity is reversed, and the device is then top heavy)
* more supported file formats and some easy to use re-formating options
* lower prices on some books
* faster display (though I'm happy with it now), cursor movement and repainting is slow
** book selection. Surprisingly, many of my favorite books are still not available for Kindle. "One Hundred Years of Solitude", "Narcissus and Goldmund", Rilke's poetry, lots of esoteric writings and many specific translations of great classics (Dante, the Iliad, etc.) the free ones are not my preferences.
Bottom line: It's a keeper, I'm very happy with it, I'm sure I'll buy another in a couple of years, when there's enough reasons to move on. If you read enough to justify the cost, then it's an easy decision; if you're only an occassional reader, you probably not reading this review.
Update: several days later: I've read through 4-5 books and sampled another dozen. Reading is a total joy on the Kindle, quick and easy, no eye-strain at all. I move from one book to another and Kindle remembers (bookmarks) where I left off and resumes at that point. I am finding that I like to read it in more light, makes the contrast higher, but even in lesser light it's easy to read.
The DX and the Skeptic December 27, 2009
D. E. Miller (NY USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I am a voracious reader. My husband mentioned an electronic book reader would be nice for me. My inventory of books outgrows the space I have to store them even though I trade, sell, or donate books periodically, and use the public library often. However, I wanted to wait a few years for an e-reader because I think the technology will advance quickly over the next few years. I also had my doubts about whether I would like to read using this type of media. However, hubby went ahead and got me a Kindle DX for Christmas this year and I am amazed at how nice it is to read a book on this device. Here is my experience as a newbie to an e-reader and the Kindle DX:
- A few awkward moments learning to use the DX keyboard. It does help to read the brief "Getting Started" directions.
- Fun and easy to learn and navigate the controls
- Very simple to purchase and download books directly to the reader
- A new book is available a few moments after deciding which one to read next
- Good size screen and the print area is easy on the eyes; can also adjust font size
- Reading experience very good and different than reading on a computer which has a "back light glare" - - more like a real book
- More compact than a book and I don't lose my page
- Had to get used to turning the pages at the right time (I usually read the last line of the page of a good book while turning the page.)
- Rotating the device so controls are on left or right side is great and I can conveniently set the rotation (versus it rotating itself)
- No need for additional storage space for more books
Again, I think there will be some great developments with this technology, including a more open architecture. A future upgrade is not out of the question for me. For now, I think the DX and I will get along well.
Showing reviews 26-30 of 2130
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