Kindle DX (Graphite) Review
The Kindle DX Graphite is Amazon’s most expensive Kindle device and was released in July 2010. It offers 50% better contrast ratio than the older version (thanks for E-Ink Pearl technology), wireless 3G internet and it’s a lot cheaper too.
You can buy the new Kindle DX Graphite from just $379, much lower than the previous $489 Kindle DX. Unfortunately this is still much higher than the Kindle 3G ($189.99) and places it in direct competition with the iPad and Kindle Fire (just $199.99).
Overall, the Kindle DX’s large 9.7 inch E-Ink display screen makes it for suitable for reading newspapers, charts and periodicals.
In other words, if you were just a casual reader than I would not recommend buying this based on its huge price.
Size, Weight and Specifications
The Kindle DX is much larger and heavier than other Kindle devices, since it has to accommodate it’s huge 9.7-inch display.
It’s dimensions are 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″, which is a giant when compared with the Kindle 3 (6.5″ x 4.5″ x 0.34”). The good news is it’s only 1/3 inch thick which is the slimmest Kindle device on the market.
It weighs 18.9 ounces (more than twice the Kindle 3G+Wi-Fi), which doesn’t exactly make for comfortable travel reading. Remember that the Kindle DX e-reader is marketed for professionals, which doesn’t make it suitable for most people. However, if you’re looking for a device to study charts, data and newspapers with images than this is a more suitable device for you.
9.7 Inch, E-Ink Display
The Kindle DX’s enormous 9.7 Inch display utilises the latest E-Ink Pearl technology to provide 50% higher contrast than the previous Kindle DX. The Graphite colour of the device was also made intentionally to provide the illusion of better contrast when reading the device (it was pointed out that the old DX’s white colour made the background look more gray with less contrast against the black letters).
Having tested this device out myself, you really can tell the difference between this new screen and the old one. The black font really sticks out like you’re reading a physical book or newspaper, which surprised me. The large screen makes it perfect for reading newspapers, manuals and charts. You can also tilt the device on its side to see full landscape views.
Battery Life, Reading and Storage Capacity
The battery life on this is extremely poor. Amazon claims the battery life of the new Kindle DX Graphite lasts 1 week (if you leave the Wi-Fi on) or up to 2-3 weeks if you turn it off. This is significantly less than the Kindle 3G, which battery lasts up to 1 month.
The device has a 4GB internal storage capacity which is enough to hold up to 3,500 books. I don’t know why you’d need to store this many books but you can also play MP3 files on it.
In terms of readability, users have a choice of 8 different font sizes (ranging from XS-XL) in addition to 3 unique font types – all of which support PDF documents and files. The Amazon store itself has more than 1 million books to download (most of which are available from $9.99) plus they offer 14-day free trials and over 60,000 audio books and newspapers/magazines.
In conclusion, the Kindel DX Graphite is a cool product but it’s price tag of $379 makes it far too expensive for the mass consumer market. I’d only recommend buying this device for business professionals who use it to study charts, data, manuals and broadsheet newspapers. For everyone else, I’d recommend getting the Kindle 3G ($189.99) or the new colour Kindle Fire ($199) instead for watching movies and TV shows.
