Large-screen Kindle DX arrives this summer, $489

Wed May 6, 2009 11:41AM EDT

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Confirming one of the worst-kept tech secrets in recent memory, Amazon today formally announced that it would be launching a large-screen Kindle this summer to further enhance its position in the surprisingly popular ebook reader market.

The new Kindle, called the Kindle DX, looks a lot like the smaller Kindle 2 which was released earlier this year, but it features a larger screen, measuring 9.7 inches diagonally, and a larger price: $489 instead of $359 for the 6-inch model. Another new feature includes the ability to automatically rotate between portrait and landscape mode based on how you hold the device, much like the iPhone.

Interestingly, despite the bigger screen, the new Kindle is only 0.02 inches thicker than the Kindle 2. The Kindle DX also has a little over twice the storage space as the Kindle 2 and includes a native PDF reader, so books need not be converted to a special Kindle format, which invariably causes the loss of a lot of formatting, a big problem for material that includes tables, charts, and other illustrations.

Many observers this week have discussed how a large-screen Kindle would improve the reading experience for users of newspapers and magazines, while some have posited that Amazon is hoping to use the Kindle DX to horn its way into the textbook market.

Turns out both sides are right. The combination of bigger screen and the native PDF reader means that both types of users will have a much better experience with the Kindle DX, as periodical content can now be displayed closer to the way it was intended. As well, Amazon will be cutting subscription prices on popular newspapers for users of the device.

Also, Amazon is positioning the Kindle DX as a way to lighten textbook loads for students and is partnering with several universities this fall where the device will be rolled out across the student body. This seems a little on the experimental side for now -- the lack of easy highlighting/note-taking remains a criticism of the device for use in an academic setting -- but I'll be interested to see how successful it is there. Historically speaking, college kids may well be the readiest market for the sea change of switching from dead tree books to digital ones.

More coverage of Amazon's announcement is available from the New York Times.

Comments on Large-screen Kindle DX arrives this summer, $489

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  • 2 Posted by msh7d on Wed May 6, 2009 1:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    If this is effective for science books the cost savings to a college student- especially one in engineering is obvious. We spend $500 A SEMESTER on books - if the Kindle makes them cheaper - and lighter - its a huge cost and hassle savings.

  • 4 Posted by eriksond on Wed May 6, 2009 2:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    Textbook publishers should jump on this. Imagine a text that can be updated in minutes at minimal cost.

  • 5 Posted by kimsturm on Wed May 6, 2009 2:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    It would be good for younger kids, too. No more ridiculously heavy backpacks!

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