Gadget Carnival

Kindle DX

The Kindle DX is finally available for pre-order at Amazon for $489.00. (It will be released this summer). The new device can hold 3,500 books and has access to over 225,000 titles. The device has a built-in PDF document reader and the company announced deals with three leading textbook publishers to put their content on the reader.

Comparing to Kindle 2, the Kindle DX come with larger display, bigger size, bigger storage and built in PDF reader. Here are the full specs:

• Display: 9.7″ diagonal E-Ink® electronic paper display, 1200 x 824 pixel resolution at 150 ppi, 16-level gray scale.
• Size (in inches): 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″.
• Weight: 18.9 ounces.
• System requirements: None, because it doesn’t require a computer.
• Storage: 4GB internal (approximately 3.3GB available for user content).
• Battery Life: Read on a single charge for up to 4 days with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to two weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store and downloading content. In low coverage areas or in 1xRTT only coverage, wireless usage will consume battery power more quickly.
• Charge Time: Fully charges in approximately 4 hours and supports charging from your computer via the included USB 2.0 cable.
• Connectivity: EVDO modem with fallback to 1xRTT; utilizes Amazon Whispernet to provide U.S wireless coverage via Sprint’s 3G high-speed data network (check wireless coverage). See Wireless Terms and Conditions.
• USB Port: USB 2.0 (micro-USB connector) for connection to the Kindle DX power adapter or optionally to connect to a PC or Macintosh computer.
• Audio: 3.5mm stereo audio jack, built-in stereo speakers.
• Content Formats Supported: Kindle (AZW), PDF, TXT, Audible (formats 4, Audible Enhanced (AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.
• Included Accessories: Power adapter, USB 2.0 cable, battery. Leather book cover sold separately.

So as you can see we finally have a choice of e-reader with advance design that is promising enhanced reading experience. What I’m most interested to see is the large, readable e-Ink Screen. It is great for reading textbooks and newspapers. I also like PDF Reader built in this gadget. Native PDF support allows us to carry and read all of our personal and professional documents on the go.

Kindle DX also offers some experimental features you can try for enhancing your reading experience. These features include:

• Read to me: With its Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle DX can read books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable.
• Basic Web Browser Kindle DX’s basic Web browser works well to read simple, text-centric Web sites, such as Google and Wikipedia. Reading a book or article about solar power and want to research further? Now it’s easier than ever to find the information you’re looking for right from your Kindle DX.
• Listen to Music & Podcasts. Transfer MP3 files to Kindle DX to play as background music while you read. You can quickly and easily transfer MP3 files via USB by connecting Kindle DX to your computer.

Watch a Video Demonstration of Kindle DX here

Conclusion

The Kindle DX is a very good choice if you spend a lot of time reading textbooks, reading books or carrying around documents. The price of $489 is very reasonable for a 9.7″ screen (for comparison the iRex Illiad with a comparable screen retails for $859). With lower textbook and book prices you’ll make it back (figuratively, not literally) in 1.5 to 2 years.

What do you think? Could the Kindle DX enhance your reading experience? If you like what you see feel free to pick it up via Amazon here