Is the Kindle DX Reading Device Worth The Higher Price?

Amazons Kindle DX Reading Device is a big screen e-reader and as you would expect, costs more.

If you are searching for an e-reader with a bigger screen, what benefits do you derive from the Kindle DX, making it worth spending the extra money?

Nearly all of the features available in the smaller model Kindles, such as E-Ink Screen Technology, big book storage (up to 3,500 books), Whispersync and PDF Support, are standard issue in the Kindle DX. But, when compared side by side, here's how the DX is different:

1:- Larger Physical Size

The DX's physical dimensions come in at 10.4 inches high x 7.2 inches wide x 0.38 inches thick, make it necessary for this unit to be held and operated, by most consumers, with both hands.

Amazon has put a lot of energy into the comfort and usability of the smaller model Kindles. Instead of reproducing the experience of holding and reading an ordinary paper-back, the DX is more like holding and reading a magazine.

2:- Larger Screen

This is the key reason a user would select the Kindle DX.

This model e-reader comes with the large 9.7 inch screen (diagonal measurement) … and is, in fact, more than 50 percent bigger than Kindles 3G and Wireless models.

Considerably more text can be displayed on the screen ... a real benefit for the user.

Some users have commented that this makes reading poetry, for example, significantly easier because with the smaller models, the lines are often cut off in the wrong places making it a challenge for the reader to get the idea of what the poet is saying.

Another benefit gained with a bigger screen is enabling the customer to display a much wider choice of publications such as web sites, magazine, newspapers, and maps as well as books.

Furthermore, the Kindle DX will allow the user to adjust between portrait or landscape making is much easier to view those bigger documents such as maps, and graphs etc.

3:- More Weight

As you would expect, a bigger physical size will also raise the weight. The DX weighs exactly 18.9 ounces.

To put this into context, the DX is around 10 ounces heavier … over twice the weight of the smaller wireless and 3G models.

This means, for most users, the DX is too big and heavy to be comfortably held and operated in one hand.

4:- Battery Life

Obviously, being a much bigger e-reader with a bigger screen, it will pull more current, which means it will need to be charged more frequently.

The DX will run for 2 to 3 weeks with the wireless switched off. With wireless switch on, it will run for up to 7 days before recharging is needed.

To put this in context with the smaller models, with wireless switched off, these will run for up to 4 weeks and with wireless turned on, about 21 days for the Kindle Wireless and 10 days for the Kindle 3G.

5:- Price

The Kindle DX is currently selling for $379 - $190 more than the Kindle 3G and $240 more than the Kindle Wireless.

In conclusion, if the bigger physical size, the additional weight and more frequent battery charging are worth the benefits gained by having a much bigger screen, then the Kindle DX could be worth considering.

For the facts, features and consumer feedback on the Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device and other e-readers, go to http://Www.EReaderConsumerReport.Com