When The Kindle ebook reader by Amazon came out several years ago, few of us had ever heard of digital book readers. At that time several companies had some kind of electrical reading device out on the market, but because of format or functionality problems they had not made any kind of impact. The Kindle reader was different. It was an instant hit. Amazon was quick to react to the markets needs and quickly responded by releasing an improved versions, the Kindle 2 and seven months later the Kindle DX.
There are hundreds of ebook readers out on the market today. Everyday there is a new portable reader coming out offering better options. However Amazon, with its two latest Kindle versions, is by far the leader. If you are researching the electronic book reader market and want to buy one, then the Kindle 2 or the Kindle DX are the ones to be checking out. But which is the right one for you?
The first major difference between the two is the size difference. The Kindle DX is much bigger than the Kindle 2 and for that matter bigger than many of the other available ebook readers on the market. In comparison to the Kindle 2, the Kindle DX measures 10.4″ in height, by 7.2″ in width and by .38″ in thickness. The reason for the increase in size was to accommodate the larger screen display. DX was designed for easier reading of magazines and newspapers, and in the near future, for displaying textbook content. The smaller Kindle 2, which measures 8″ by 5.3″ by .36,” was meant for the reading of smaller formatted books such as novels. However The Kindle 2 is much easier to handle and to carry. It can easily be stowed away in almost any size purse or carrying bag.
Both the Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX display written content in the same way. They both use eInk technology which gives the user the feeling that they are reading from actual paper rather than from a glowing monitor screen. Compared to the Kindle 2’s six inch display screen, the DX’s screen measures 9.7.” Besides its larger screen size, The DX’s display can be rotated from portrait to landscape by simply tilting the device. This can make it a more comfortable reading experience for viewing charts and diagrams.
The Kindle DX has integrated PDF support built in. Pdf files can be downloaded directly to the reader. This is not the case for the Kindle 2 where PDF files must be converted. To do this the files must be sent to Amazon support via email. They can convert the files for a small fee. Also the DX has about double the storage capability of the Kindle 2. The DX has 4GB to Kindle 2’s 2GB. But the most important determining factor is of course the price. The smaller Kindle 2 goes for $359 while the Kindle DX is $489.
The prices on both Kindles are high. One can find cheaper ebook readers. Sony just came out with three new models that under cut Kindle 2’s price. But none can compare to Amazon’s Kindles. There is nothing out on the market today with the features of the Kindle DX. As the ebook reader market grows, there will be new models with more options. And prices will have to come down. No matter what, if you’re looking for a digital reader you will have to decide on which one is the right one for you.
The prices of electronic reading devices differ. Picking the options that are right for you will determine the price you pay. The eBook Readers Guide will help in making a right ebook reader comaprison. Visit www.guideforebookreaders.com.
