Can I just tell you....DX Update

[3DisneyKids]

Ok, Kevin...you've had the DX for 24 hours now, and the verdict is....???

 

[DisneyKevin]

Ok, Kevin...you've had the DX for 24 hours now, and the verdict is....???

The Kindle DX is a very cool piece of gadgetry.

The entire Kindle 2 is the same size as the screen on the DX. That should give you some idea how much bigger it is.

I have some opinions....and they are just that....opinions.

The pros:

- The DX is much BIGGER
- It only has buttons down the right side (instead of both sides like the K2)
- Having the larger screen allows for more words on a page, much like a
regular book.
- You can store 3000 books as opposed to 1500.
- I imagine the larger size would be great for newspapers and magazines.

The cons:

- The DX is much BIGGER
- It's not as convenient "size wise" as the K2
- The screen rotates so that it can be read in portrait mode or landscape
mode. This would be a pro except for the fact that I read in bed alot.
Unless you keep the DX straight up and down, the screen rotates with the
slightest angle. I can lay on my side and read the K2. I cant do that with
the DX unless I read in landscape mode which means the buttons are
across the top or the bottom.
- I read in a lot of dark places. I read in bed. I read while John is watching
TV. You get the idea. Because of this....I use a book light frequently. I
found a really bright light for approximately $13 at Books A Million. It has no
name on it. The page on the DX is too long for the booklight to work
effectively. It works fine on the K2 screen and illuminates the entire page.
This is not the case with the DX. I find myslef squinting or worse
yet....moving the light around.
- The size of the DX makes it cumbersome to hold unless you are sitting in a
chair or in the car. If you enjoy reading in any other position, it's hard to
find a comfortable way to hold the DX...and I have big hands.

As you can see....the cons have nothing to do with the way the DX works or doesnt work. All of the cons have to do with my comfort. I'm just having a hard time getting a feel for it. This is not something that happened with the K2. I fell in love with that out of the box.

I guess my thought is that I dont see a benefit for me as far as the DX is concerned. I dont read pdf files. I dont read technical jourmals etc. I read pretty much for enjoyment.

With all that being said...I can imagine taking my Kindle 2 anywhere and everywhere. I imagine coming up with reasons to leave the DX home. I think that it's something that would eventually get pushed aside and ignored.

This is just way too pricey a toy to be ignored.

For me....the Kindle 2 is a far more successful purchase. I'm pretty sure the DX is being returned.

Hope that helps

 

[FireDancer]

Nice review Kevin. I am not a Kindle user but do follow a lot of the technology podcasts and news since I am in technology. The contention out there is that the main reason for the DX will be for newspapers and textbooks. Amazon hasn't really stated this definitively but it does make sense.

The ability to natively support PDFs is pointed at as a way to allow professors to get notes and presentations onto the device easier. The NY times has tossed around the idea of a subsidized reader that can be included with subscriptions and there have been magazine publishers that have mentioned that as a future model.

The Kindle seems to be acting as a proof of concept device for Amazon. I don't believe Amazon is interested in selling the Kindle as a hardware device as much as selling the ebooks that go onto it. I find it interesting that instead of waiting for someone else to make a good ebook device they stepped up and did it.

I know this isn't a review but might give you pause to consider that the DX is not really meant to be an alternative to the K2 as much as a different product that has been put out in anticipation of a change in the way information such as text books, newspapers, and magazines is distributed.

 

[mommyceratops]

No questions but just wanna whine I really want one!!

 

[Plutes]

I LOVE my Kindle!!
Love it,
Love it,
Love it!!

I got the Kindle 2 as a belated Christmas gift, and I couldn't be happier with it!

I resisted getting one for a long time - DH kept trying to buy me one, but I insisted that I would miss 'Real' books too much. In addition, I had just recently (finally!) begun utilizing my library, since the money I was spending on books was getting astronomical. So, it seemed silly to start 'buying' books once again.

I actually found a happy medium. I do a few rewards programs, so when I acquire enough to cash out, I always get Amazon gift certificates. I also get them from family and friends for holidays, birthdays, etc. This way, I never feel like I'm shelling out a lot of money. I also still use the library. I trade off. I'll read a kindle book, then I'll read a library book. This way, I'm getting the best of both worlds!

Also, books have always been my 'feel-good' item, if you know what I mean. When I'm down or depressed, I don't go buy myself a new wardrobe or a big box of candy - I buy books - LOTS of books! lol So, there are still times when that mood will strike me. For example, some of you may know that I lost my Grandma three weeks ago. Needless to say, I was very sad and depressed. So, off I went to Barnes & Noble to buy a whole bag of books! Yes, I've read them and am ready to pass them on already, but so what - they filled a need!

So, I love my Kindle, but I still love 'real' books, too!! For traveling, there is NOTHING better than a Kindle. I love sitting in the airport, not needing to hold anything more than my little Kindle. I can also fit it in my handbag, so I'm always taking it out while waiting in Doctor's offices, etc. I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

 

[3DisneyKids]

The Kindle DX is a very cool piece of gadgetry.

The entire Kindle 2 is the same size as the screen on the DX. That should give you some idea how much bigger it is.

I have some opinions....and they are just that....opinions.

The pros:

- The DX is much BIGGER
- It only has buttons down the right side (instead of both sides like the K2)
- Having the larger screen allows for more words on a page, much like a
regular book.
- You can store 3000 books as opposed to 1500.
- I imagine the larger size would be great for newspapers and magazines.

The cons:

- The DX is much BIGGER
- It's not as convenient "size wise" as the K2
- The screen rotates so that it can be read in portrait mode or landscape
mode. This would be a pro except for the fact that I read in bed alot.
Unless you keep the DX straight up and down, the screen rotates with the
slightest angle. I can lay on my side and read the K2. I cant do that with
the DX unless I read in landscape mode which means the buttons are
across the top or the bottom.
- I read in a lot of dark places. I read in bed. I read while John is watching
TV. You get the idea. Because of this....I use a book light frequently. I
found a really bright light for approximately $13 at Books A Million. It has no
name on it. The page on the DX is too long for the booklight to work
effectively. It works fine on the K2 screen and illuminates the entire page.
This is not the case with the DX. I find myslef squinting or worse
yet....moving the light around.
- The size of the DX makes it cumbersome to hold unless you are sitting in a
chair or in the car. If you enjoy reading in any other position, it's hard to
find a comfortable way to hold the DX...and I have big hands.

As you can see....the cons have nothing to do with the way the DX works or doesnt work. All of the cons have to do with my comfort. I'm just having a hard time getting a feel for it. This is not something that happened with the K2. I fell in love with that out of the box.

I guess my thought is that I dont see a benefit for me as far as the DX is concerned. I dont read pdf files. I dont read technical jourmals etc. I read pretty much for enjoyment.

With all that being said...I can imagine taking my Kindle 2 anywhere and everywhere. I imagine coming up with reasons to leave the DX home. I think that it's something that would eventually get pushed aside and ignored.

This is just way too pricey a toy to be ignored.

For me....the Kindle 2 is a far more successful purchase. I'm pretty sure the DX is being returned.

Hope that helps

Kevin, it totally helps! Thanks so much for taking the time to type all of that out. It reinforces what I have been thinking...that while the larger screen size of the DX is nice, the reduced portability factor is an issue.

Ordering my "regular" one today!

 

[sacinatl]

Well, I thought I wanted a Kindle too, but then I noticed that Amazon was talking about downloading books to the Kindle IPHONE app. I went to the app store, and sure enough, there was a FREE kindle book reader for my beloved IPhone. I downloaded it as fast as was possible, and I have to tell you - it is Wonderful. I works like perfection, is very easy to use, and the best of all (did I mention this part), it was FREE. Fonts are adjustable. The purchase system works flawlessly. It has booksmarks, and of course easy swipe page turning. And all those 5.00 books that normally cost $20.00 plus. Love it.

 

[robind]

So, can those who own the kindle confirm that there is no annual / monthly fee.

I was in Borders last weekend and a gentleman was discussing the Sony Reader w/ an employee and asking about the kindle. The Borders employee told the customer that the Kindle charged an annual fee whereas the Sony reader didn't.

I don't think he bought the Sony but I thought that was interesting.

I'm going to keep w/ the kindle app on my iPhone for now, I'm trying to keep myself of a money diet. Maybe if I get a good bonus next quarter, I'll get one, but for now the iPhone app is good enough and just the right price.

 

[DisneyKevin]

So, can those who own the kindle confirm that there is no annual / monthly fee.

I was in Borders last weekend and a gentleman was discussing the Sony Reader w/ an employee and asking about the kindle. The Borders employee told the customer that the Kindle charged an annual fee whereas the Sony reader didn't.

I don't think he bought the Sony but I thought that was interesting.

I'm going to keep w/ the kindle app on my iPhone for now, I'm trying to keep myself of a money diet. Maybe if I get a good bonus next quarter, I'll get one, but for now the iPhone app is good enough and just the right price.

First....let me state that I do not own Amazon stock or make a commsion on selling Kindles.

I have owned both the Sony Reader and the Kindle.

I loved my Sony Reader. It was well traveled and well taken care of.

With the Sony Reader, you must purchase your books through the Sony Reader E book website. There is no monthly fee involved. You buy the device and you buy the books.

The biggest "complaint" with the Sony Reader is that you must be able to hook to a computer to buy books. It is the only way to get books to the device.

I would have stayed with my Sony Reader had I not had eye problems. The reader (at least the version I owned) had a grayish background and darker, but still grayish font. I just couldnt read it. Also...it had three font sizes.

Now to the Kindle....

I was intrigued by the Kindle because I had read that there are 6 font sizes available. I got to see one up close and there are 6 font sizes. The largest font is equal to a 20pt font in Word.

Also...the background (or page so to speak) is a much whiter than the Sony Reader. With the increased contrast and bigger font, I am able to read much better.

The Kindle does not have to be hooked to a computer to download books. It uses something called Whispernet technology. It's my understanding that it runs like a cell phone service, but THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE OR SPECIAL FEES INVOLVED. You pay for the device and you pay for books.

With the Kindle, you can subscribe to magazines, newspapers, blogs etc. There is a subscrition fee and the periodical is downloaed to your Kindle at the stated time. No additional fees at all.

With a Kindle you can get a rudimentary internet connection that works best with text only sites. You can read pdf files. There is an onboard dictionary (not on the Reader) With a Kindle you have access to Amazon.com. Most folks feel that this has a much larger book selection that the Sony Reader site. I myself, never had a problem with the Sony site. I always found what I wanted to read.

Some folks complain that all books are not available on e-readers yet. Please dont hold me to these details, but it's my understand that books published between 1922 and 2001 or 2002 may not be available in the Kindle or Sony format. This has something to do with the publishing rights.

Books published prior to 1922 are now in public domain. Digital publishing righst were not negotiated prior to 2001 or 2002. This means that many, many books are not yet "digitalized".

If I am wrong regarding the dates....please dont email me or PM me. I'm just explaining what I know.

Finally....in my experience.....both e-readers perform the same function. Each has it's own bells and whistles. Both are great devices for reasons I've explained earlier. If you do some research....I'm sure you'll find out which (or neither) is right for you.

As for the iPhone App......I think it's great for reading in line at the bank or while picking kids up forrom school but I cant picture sitting in my comfy chair for a couple of hours of reading on my phone.

One of the cool things that Kindle does is remember where you left off...or the last page you read. The other thing is does is sync all of your Kindles, so if you have a Kindle 2 and an iPhone app.....Kindle puts the same info into both devices.

I had read a few pages of the book I'm currently reading on my iPhone Kindle. When I went back to my regular sized Kindle it let me know that I had read further then the last page read and wanted to know if I wanted to jump ahead to where I left off when reading on my iPhone. Pretty cool.

Again....I'm not selling either device....just offering my help.

There are no additional fees for either device other than what you purchase or those associated with that to which you have subscribed.

 

[robind]

I had read a few pages of the book I'm currently reading on my iPhone Kindle. When I went back to my regular sized Kindle it let me know that I had read further then the last page read and wanted to know if I wanted to jump ahead to where I left off when reading on my iPhone. Pretty cool.

Again....I'm not selling either device....just offering my help.

There are no additional fees for either device other than what you purchase or those associated with that to which you have subscribed.

Thanks for the quick answer, I just thought that wasn't very ethical of the salesperson at Borders, but since I wasn't sure, I didn't say anything. And she may have just not known, but I would hate for this gentleman to not get what he wanted based on what the salesperson told him. I work in consulting and it KILLS me when the sales people tell our clients all the wonderful stuff our software will do and then we have to come back and tell them it doesn't EXACTLY do that. So I have to admit to a bit of prejudice against sales people.

That is a pretty cool feature that it can tell you where you left off on your other device. Now if they had my favorite TVGuide available I'd be buying it tomorrow

 

[3DisneyKids]

Just got mine today! And like Kevin, I fell in love with it right out of the box! Having so much fun with it and it is super easy to use.

That being said, my husband came home from work (not knowing that my Kindle had just arrived--I had been waiting anxiously all week) and said that he heard on the news while driving home that the Kindle is back-ordered 4-6 weeks.

He was trying to break it to me gently, since I had been attacking the mail carrier every day! He was relieved to see that mine had just arrived and that we wouldn't be getting sued but the USPS.

However, for those wanting one, move quickly.

 

[FireDancer]

Kevin, I just heard Steve Gibson on Security now talking about the Kindle DX and he mentioned that you can turn off the auto rotate feature. I noticed you had mentioned you had some issues with that.

I don't own one personally but the gist of the reviews I have heard have been to stick with the K2 unless you are doing a lot of work with technical manuals, newspapers, or text books.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin, I just heard Steve Gibson on Security now talking about the Kindle DX and he mentioned that you can turn off the auto rotate feature. I noticed you had mentioned you had some issues with that.

I don't own one personally but the gist of the reviews I have heard have been to stick with the K2 unless you are doing a lot of work with technical manuals, newspapers, or text books.

Hey Frank...

I read this after I sent it back.

I dont work with technical manuals or text books so I didnt personally see a need.

I am however, thrilled with my Kindle 2.

Thanks for the info.

 

[mshoo1]

I just noticed that Amazon has dropped the price of the Kindle 2 down to $299. i wish they would have done that a month ago when I bought mine.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I just noticed that Amazon has dropped the price of the Kindle 2 down to $299. i wish they would have done that a month ago when I bought mine.

I agree.

I passed my 30 day return point on June 29th.

Jeez.....