Order A Kindle DX Today Have It Tomorrow
The Kindle DX has started shipping. Currently if you order your DX this morning and pay for Next Day Shipping you can have it in your hot little hand by tomorrow. The DX is the 3rd Kindle in the line. The original Kindle has been replaced by the Kindle 2 which is the 2nd generation Kindle.
The Kindle DX does not replace the Kindle 2 it is just a different version with more functions. The Kindle DX is larger, has more capacity, the screen is larger, and can display pictures and graphs, and native PDF documents. It also switches automagically from portrait to landscape view, just like the iPhone.
The Kindle 2 is still a great choice for reading without graphs and PDFs. It’s smaller size makes it more compact, and it’s smaller price makes it more affordable. You can read the details in my Kindle DX Compared To Kindle 2.
Kindle DX Begins Shipping On June 10th
I know that today is June 5th, because today is my Grandmothers Birthday. She turned 89 years old today. Today is also the last day for Kindle DX pre-orders that will ship in 7-10 days. DX’s ordered before today will begin shipping on June 10th.
Last time I had a shipping day estimate from Amazon, I received my Kindle even before the predicted ship date. So it’s just a matter of days before we have the Kindle DX in our hands. Then we will see if it is worth the extra cash.
I like the idea of being able to read native PDF files with the Kindle DX. I also think that there is going to be a future in e textbooks. One thing I am enjoying with my current Kindle is the light weight portability, and the lack of clutter. All of my book shelves are full and I don’t want to make room for more. I also have been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing, and it was a lot of work dusting all of those books on the shelf.
At least with the Kindle I can still read whatever I want, without having another book, I have to physically store somewhere in my house. Plus, if you are reading several books at the same time, the Kindle will keep your place on each book. So it’s easy to switch books according to your mood.
The Kindle DX should have all of the benefits of the Kindle, with a few more added advantages. Although the Kindle still has the compact size and more compact price. For those who pre-ordered a DX the wait is almost over.
The Kindle And iPod Generation
It’s wonderful to be on the go and have an iPod with you. You can listen to music, books, and podcasts. You can even play games. They are great for waiting rooms and breaks at work. Not to mention trips and bus rides.
When I purchased my first iPod I wasn’t sure how useful it was or if I would even use it. Once I figured out how to use iTunes and discovered free podcasts, I was hooked. I fell in love with my iPod and spent a large amount of time at work, explaining to my co-workers what they were missing out on.
Since then iPods have gotten better and better and cheaper and cheaper. What can easily be purchased now for a low price would of been the most amazing technology ever compared to my first iPod mini with its clunky size and shape and monochrome screen.
My point about the iPod compared to the Kindle is that what once started out as an expensive niche gadget, is now an affordable mainstream gadget that almost everyone has. From school kids who are lucky enough to have parents who buy them high tech toys, to just about all adults from young to old.
If you are in a group, try taking a casual poll and see how many iPod owners are present. Most people have one, and many are on their 3rd or 4th iPod. Even my Dad, who just discovered how to buy songs on iTunes, and makes CD’s for me with a mix of 50’s and 60’s music with some Motown and country thrown in, has decided he needs an iPod.
Currently the Kindle is still a fairly expensive niche gadget. It is already an amazing product and with each new addition are improvements. The price is still fairly high and it’s not completely main stream yet. But, everyone I show my Kindle to, does decide, that they want one as well. Including my Mother which shows that the Kindle encompasses all generations just like the iPod does.
It’s very likely that within the next 5 years the Kindle will be as ubiquitous as the iPod. They will get better and better, with improved features and a lower price point. Once Kindle text books become mainstream, the Kindle will become a part of everyday life just like how everyone has a cell phone or a computer.
I am not the only one to share these feelings today I was reading the Motley Fool and I stumbled across, The Kindle & iPod Correlation, which pretty much echoes my sentiments. Just like the iPod when the Kindle really takes off, there will be imitators and competitors. But the competition will only make the Kindle better.
Ask any school kid if they would like an iPod or a Zune and the vast majority will choose the iPod. Just the same way most will choose a Kindle over an Acme Reader. This begs the question, if Kindles will become better and less expensive should I hold off on purchasing one?
Many people will, many people won’t. It really depends on if you would benefit from owning one. I love knowledge and learning. There are so many great books out there, and shopping and browsing the Kindle store makes finding, previewing, and ultimately purchasing books, the easiest most convenient experience ever.
I’m also a tech person and like gadgets, so being an early Kindle owner suits me perfectly. My only regret with my Kindle is I don’t get to use it as much as I like. I don’t have a long commute because I now work at home. I also don’t have as much leisure time as one would think, for someone who works at home.
When I get a chance I will spend some leisure time with my Kindle. Plus it’s invaluable for trips and times when you have to wait. Such as flights, waiting rooms, DMV lines, or getting your vehicle serviced. I hope to soon, have those leisurely mornings in bed browsing the Kindle newspaper, or purchasing, reading, and finishing a Kindle novel while lying on a beach.
Kindle DX Compared To Kindle 2
The Kindle DX is in stock again in Amazon and is available for order. But I just purchased a Kindle 2. The recently launched Kindle 2 is not obsolete because of the Kindle DX. So I thought I would do a comparison of the two.
Kindle 2 And Kindle DX Comparison
Kindle DX
| Display | 9.7″ diagonal e-ink |
| Size | 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″ |
| Storage | 3,500 books |
| PDF Support | native PDF reader |
| Rotating Display | Yes |
| 3G Wireless | Yes |
| Books In Under 60 Seconds | Yes |
| Text-to-Speech | Yes |
| Whispersync | Yes |
| Price | $489.00 |
| Availability | Pre-order now |
Kindle 2
| Display | 6″ diagonal e-ink |
| Size | 8″ x 5.3″ x 0.36″ |
| Storage | 1,500 books |
| PDF Support | via conversion |
| Rotating Display | No |
| 3G Wireless | Yes |
| Books in Under 60 Seconds | Yes |
| Text-to-Speech | Yes |
| Whispersync | Yes |
| Price | $359.00 |
| Availability | Now |
As you can see from the comparison the Kindle DX has some cool new features. Specifically the native support for PDF files. No more hassles with conversions and the original readable formatting is kept in tact.
The larger display also makes reading charts and diagrams much easier. So if your reading cookbooks, textbooks, or computer books the Kindle DX has a definite advantage.The screen also auto rotates from portrait to landscape for easier viewing.
There is no doubt the Kindle DX is a cool device. But don’t throw your Kindle 2 out the window yet. The Kindle 2 costs less, has a smaller size which can actually be more convenient when traveling and carrying.
The Kindle 2 still has all of the cool features, like text-to-speech, built in dictionary, 60 second book downloads, and previews of books before you purchase. If you enjoy reading and want a really convenient device then the Kindle 2 is still a fantastic choice.
If you want to read textbooks and technical manuals, and you don’t mind the bigger size and the bigger price. Then order your Kindle DX now.
Kindle DX Textbook Killer
Amazon announced a new edition to the Kindle family today, it’s the large screen Kindle DX . The Kindle DX display is two and a half times the original Kindle’s display size.
This makes it perfect for reading documents and PDF files. You can read PDFs natively on the Kindle DX without re-flowing, scrolling, panning, and zooming. So the original structure of the document is not destroyed.
Text and images are clear and the larger size makes reading highly formatted books, such as cookbooks, computer books, and textbooks. So now instead of lugging around all of those reference manuals and computer books you can have them in one light and convenient place.
They have also added DOCX and RTF files to their conversion service. So now instead of carrying around those paper copies in your briefcase you can have all of you notes and papers, digitized and organized and at the touch of the button.
The Kindle DX is still a Kindle book reader. So you can have all of the advantages of the Whispernet service and Amazon Kindle eBooks sent directly to you Kindle DX. The only difference is that instead of holding 2000 copies the new larger Amazon Kindle DX holds about 3500 copies.
So why would you want this instead of just using a Netbook? Well for one thing reading on the Kindle is easy on the eyes. If you spend a lot of time glaring at a computer monitor then you will appreciate the paper-like look of the Kindle electronic ink. It mimics real paper and is easier on the eyes then a computer monitor.
The Kindle DX is available for pre-order now. So as usual, there is a good chance of them selling out. So get your order in today, if this is your must have device.
As someone who is involved with marketing I think this is a smart move on the part of the Kindle team. The Kindle DX moves one step closer at capitalizing on the text book market.
The days of lugging around heavy textbooks and 4 hour bookstore lines may be about over for college students. Hopefully the digital reader downloads will also carry a smaller price tag. Who wants to pay $150 for a Biology book, and then hurt your back carry it around campus.
