Kindle 2.0 and Kindle DX – a Comparison
It’s the newest member of the Kindle family – the Kindle dx. Larger and with more features than its older siblings, the dx packs a real punch. But is it what YOU need? Or do you need the Kindle 2.0? Here are a few points to consider when making your decision:
Size Matters:
I love my Kindle 2.0 because of its size. It drops right into my purse. It measures 8″X5″. Compare that to the Kindle dx unit, which is larger in size (10″X7″). Now while that may not seem like much of a difference, some reviewers have mentioned that the increased size makes it seem bulkier and it may not fit into your standard purse. For reference, think of the Kindle dx as being quite close to the size of a piece of printer paper (which is 11″X8″).
One of the great things about that added size however is the added screen size. The Kindle dx now sports a screen that is 9.7″ (diagonal). The Kindle dx has a reduced keyboard size and the entire ebook reader is almost all screen. The Kindle 2 has a screen size of 6″ (diagonal). The enhanced screen size makes it a great choice for anyone reading maps, technical drawings, and the like.
How Much Do You Work with PDF’s?
Which brings us to the next Kindle advancement – pdf’s. The Kindle 2.0 allows you to view pdf’s but you must send them through Amazon for “conversion” and then they are sent to your Kindle. I know some folks have issues with the quality/formatting of the pdf’s on their Kindle 1 and Kindle 2 units. Amazon picked up a huge market when they made pdf a part of the Kindle dx. The Kindle dx fully supports pdf’s and seems to have actually been designed to display pdf’s. You can turn your Kindle dx to view your images in landscape mode (great for drawings, spreadsheets, etc.).
Weighing In:
The Kindle 2.0 is lighter in weight, weighing in at just 10 ounces. I can easily hold it in my hand for long periods of time without discomfort. But what about a Kindle dx? It weighs nearly 19 ounces, almost twice as much as the Kindle 2. Would you want to hold on to a 19 ounce unit while sitting at the beach?
In summary, the decision to buy a Kindle 2.0 or a Kindle dx comes down to function.
- Kindle 2: If you’re an avid reader and read mostly/exclusively “traditional” books, I think you will find that the Kindle 2.0 has a better overall size and weight for the everyday reader. It is portable and stores easily in a purse or bag. It is easy to hold and the screen size is great for reading books. Just ask the 2700 reviewers who gave it 5 stars on Amazon.
- Kindle DX: An Amazon source told me that the Kindle dx was created for a different market and I think that’s spot on. While it certainly does allow you to read your “traditional” books, it really shines when you start to think of the business functions it supports. If you regularly read pdf documents, want to keep spreadsheets on the Kindle for handy reference, or have a need to review technical drawings, this is the Kindle for you. And with the upcoming support from college textbook vendors, I think the Kindle dx will make a big splash on college campuses over the next few years.
After reading my opinion (and it is just that – my opinion), consider what you will primarily use your Kindle for. And then you can decide which Kindle features support your needs.
Related posts:
- Clean Your Desk with the Amazon Kindle 2
- Should I Stay or Should I Go Now by Kindle 2
- Your Kindle 2.0 + Favorite Periodicals = LOVE
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