The Bottom Line
The basic Amazon Kindle is my go-to eReader. It's small, it's as light as they get, it works internationally (very, very nice for business travelers), and the price and selection of books, periodicals, blogs and more is top-notch. If you don't mind the extra weight, larger size, or added expense, the Amazon Kindle DX is even better. I prefer the Kindle over the Sony Reader.
Pros
- International wireless coverage allows you to download almost anywhere, books are delivered fast
- Large, very readable screen that's great for technical publications and books with pictures
- Built-in PDF reader
- Free book samples allow you to test drive books
- Simple, easy-to-use interface and elegant design
Cons
- Weight and size. It's thin and relatively light, but check out the smaller eReaders first
Description
- Thin and lightweight. 18.9 ounces and 1/3 inch thick. Feels great in your hand.
- 9.7-inch E Ink display great for reading outside, or inside (you'll need a nightlight to read in the dark)
- Non-expandable, but large storage holds up to 3,500 books
- Long battery life—up to 1 week with wireless on, more with wireless off Synchs across iPod, other Kindles or computers
- Automatic screen rotation
- Native PDF support
Guide Review - Review of the Amazon Kindle DX
The Amazon Kindle DX is the supersized version of the Amazon Kindle 2. The Kindle 2 has a 6-inch E Ink screen. The Kindle DX has a 9.7-inch E Ink screen. And, when you're reading, the difference is noticeable.
Everything that applies to the standard Kindle also basically applies to the Kindle DX. There are minor differences in the case and configuration (for example, the Kindle DX only has page controls previous/next on the right side, whereas the Kindle as them on the left, as well as on the right). Where the DX differs is in size (it's bigger), storage (more), and screen rotation (automatic, vs. manual on the Kindle).
Like the basic Kindle, the Kindle DX feels great in your hands. It's well designed. But business travelers will also notice that it's considerably heavier than the smaller version (or the Nook). Thought, it's still lighter than the iPad. And when it comes to travel, weight matters.
The difference in size and screen real estate really comes through when you're reading a magazine or newspaper (like the New York Times). The larger screen makes it easier to see pictures and text at the same time and noticeably improved my reading satisfaction. It just looks better. The larger size also appropriate for business travelers who need to access technical publications or business-content, since the larger screen makes it easier to read and digest information all at once, instead of constantly hitting the "next page" button.
At the end of the day, I recommend the Kindle DX to business travelers who need to have a lot of reference materials or business documents available in an easy-to-read format. The added weight and size of the DX will be worth it if you're constantly referencing technical materials. However, business travelers that value weight and size should clearly stick with the basic Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook. The Sony Reader is also built well, and has a screen in between the basic Kindle and the Kindle DX, but doesn't have international support. I'd love to love the iPad. It's a beautiful device and will be really successful. It's just so darn heavy, power consuming, and non-optimized for reading that I can't endorse it as my eReader choice.
