Best Reviewed
eBook Readers
- Best e-book reader Amazon Kindle *Est. $110
- Best touchscreen e-book reader Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch *Est. $100
- Color e-book reader Barnes & Noble Nook Color *Est. $200
- Tablet computer/e-book reader Apple iPad 2 *Est. $500
- Best iPhone e-reader app Stanza *Est. $0
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- Large 9.7-inch display
- 3 GB usable memory stores 3,500 e-books
- Free 3G wireless connectivity
- Integrated with huge Amazon e-bookstore
- Can read for weeks on one battery charge
- Text-to-speech feature
- Somewhat heavy
- No Wi-Fi
- Won't read ePub files
With its price cut below $400, the Amazon Kindle DX manages to stay somewhat competitive with the Apple iPad 2 (*Est. $500 and up) , critics say. People who really only want a big-screen device that can read books, magazines, periodicals and PDFs may prefer the Kindle DX's paper-like, grayscale E Ink screen, which gets better contrast for this newest version, over the iPad 2's backlit color touch screen. The Kindle DX uses the same screen technology you'll find on the top-rated smaller Amazon Kindle (*Est. $110) , and its 3 GB of usable storage can hold about 3,500 books. However, the Kindle DX doesn't include the regular Kindle's built-in Wi-Fi (the Kindle DX downloads books via 3G wireless only), and at almost 19 ounces it's nearly as heavy as an iPad 2 and more than twice as heavy as the regular Kindle, which testers say can make the Kindle DX uncomfortable to hold for a long time. The Kindle DX includes a basic web browser, but testers say it doesn't work well; an iPad 2, with its full tablet-computer capabilities, is a better choice if you want a big-screen device that can do more than read books and documents.
PC World, CNET, PCMag.com and MobileTechReview.com all test the Amazon Kindle DX, drawing comparisons with the previous Kindle DX, the previous-generation Kindle and the iPad (now refreshed as the iPad 2) to help readers make the best buying decision. ConsumerReports.org also tests the latest Kindle DX and ranks it alongside other e-book readers in a chart, but with virtually no discussion of what it looks and feels like to use each one. To gauge user opinion, Amazon.com hosts a large number of owner-written reviews.
Apple iPad 2 MC916LL/A Tablet (64GB, Wifi, Black) NEWEST MODEL
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Kindle, Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers
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| Kindle DX, Free 3G, 9.7" E Ink Display, 3G Works Globally | |
(3,673 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
The new Amazon Kindle DX truly does have a clearer, more high-contrast screen than its predecessor, Melissa J. Perenson says after testing them side by side. The new graphite case makes the screen show up better, too. She also notes the Kindle's benefits and drawbacks compared with LCD-screen devices like the iPad.
Review: Amazon Kindle DX (Graphite), Melissa J. Perenson, July 29, 2010
2. CNET
The refreshed Amazon Kindle DX, with its better screen and lower price, still rates a spot on CNET's list of the best e-book readers. However, testers say its "price is still within spitting distance of the more versatile iPad."
Review: Amazon Kindle DX (Graphite, Global 3G Wireless, Latest Generation), David Carnoy and John P. Falcone, Aug. 3, 2010
The Amazon Kindle DX gets high marks from Dan Costa for its excellent display and huge selection of downloadable e-books. However, like most reviewers, he thinks the price is too high.
Review: Amazon Kindle DX, Dan Costa, July 7, 2010
4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org includes the Amazon Kindle DX in its current report on e-book readers. Though lots of e-readers are covered, and ratings and rankings are provided, discussion is very brief.
Review: E-book Readers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
The Amazon Kindle DX is the only affordable big-screen E Ink reader left in the U.S., Lisa Gade points out. Luckily, it's a good one, with a better screen than before and plenty of screen real estate for PDF viewing. She points out that the DX is lighter and lasts longer per charge than the Apple iPad, and shows in photos how the DX's e-book screen looks next to the iPad's.
Review: Amazon Kindle DX Graphite, Lisa Gade, July 9, 2010
6. Amazon.com
More than 3,400 users review the Kindle DX on Amazon.com, giving it an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5. However, many of the reviews are for the previous version, which cost more and had an inferior screen.
Review: Kindle DX, Free 3G, 9.7" E Ink Display, Contributors to Amazon.com
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