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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  • 66 Posted by raginpixie on Wed May 6, 2009 3:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    For this tool to be something I would buy, it would have to include an easy way to highlight/underline, have textbook publishers on board with the format, make textbooks cheaper, include color images and text that can be enlarged, have a larger keyboard so that I'm not battling carpel tunnel, and the ability to type annotations next to the pages and perhaps a print out function so that I can make flash cards out of my notes. By the time this tool would be useful to me as a nursing student, it's cost would be sky high and in all likelihood I would be finished with nursing school at that point too. So for me it's just not worth it.

  • 67 Posted by p_adebi on Wed May 6, 2009 3:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    The technology is there to allow users to highlight and save important statements/topics. For this to be most effective for students Amazon needs to go the remaining step and incorporate this technology. Then they can charge $500...

  • 68 Posted by targetracing7 on Wed May 6, 2009 3:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am not familair with the device, but what happens if it breaks? Do you loose hundreds of books? I mean I have about 300 books now. What if I had all those on kindle, and the system fails? I mean the worst thing I have to worry about w/ physical books is fire, water, and my dog. Also, if books start going electronic....what happens if for some unforsaken reason we are unable to create power anymore....does the world lose millions of books (besides those already printed, unless they somehow recycle them)? What happens if you have a major test and there is a power outage? With a book, you can either use a flashlight or a candle....

  • 69 Posted by targetracing7 on Wed May 6, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    Not to mention....How the heck do you cite a kindle book? I cant go...Kelsey, Harry. The Queens Pirate (Kindle edition, 2006), page ?.

  • 70 Posted by crafty_ann18 on Wed May 6, 2009 3:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is exactly what I have been screaming for for my son that has a visual impairment...he needs ALL of his reading materials enlarged, even text books...this would be a God send for ANYONE with a visual impairment!

  • 71 Posted by targetracing7 on Wed May 6, 2009 3:19PM EDT Report Abuse

    #70, looking at a digital screen to read will hurt your son. Ask any competent doctor and they will say teh same. If you spend 6 hours a day reading like many college students, well you son will have more eye trouble than before.

  • 72 Posted by p_adebi on Wed May 6, 2009 3:22PM EDT Report Abuse

    This in many ways will be a paradigm shift. These should help a) books are stored in removable devices much like your flash drives b) books are downloadable and if the downloaded versions is lost or corrupt, plug in and download again for free c) you still cite books the traditional way, that is until we come up with an acceptable way to cite digital books. As much as I love my book collections, and I will still continue to buy books, this is the future. Pair this with a reader that reads the book out loud to you while you relax at the beach and school is suddenly more fun!

  • 73 Posted by karamel2003 on Wed May 6, 2009 3:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have been debating on getting a Kindle 2 just for the fact that some of my textbooks were already available (I am an Education/English Dual Major). I have to buy several books that I will never read again and others that I will use for the rest of my career. I like the option to choose whether I can buy the book electronically or in paper. And I dont see much difference with those college students who take online classes and all of their books are already online as well. They have to pay for those too and cant re-sell them. I dont think the price is right yet. Maybe for Christmas they will give a reduction and I can ask for it as a group family gift. (Or if I can find a way to add it to my tuition instead of paying out of pocket, then we might have a deal).

  • 74 Posted by targetracing7 on Wed May 6, 2009 3:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    #72 I suppose, but I also agree it makes people lazy and less apt to do the work. Listening to a book? Sure if its for fun, but that is a bad shift for students. Creates laziness in my opinion.

  • 75 Posted by greenish_green on Wed May 6, 2009 4:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    Just buy a netbook. It has more power and that more than makes up for the added weight.

  • 76 Posted by tikkonyok on Wed May 6, 2009 5:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Kindle DX is big size but good vision.http://cheapbabycribbeddingdiscount.com

  • 77 Posted by wxgddss on Wed May 6, 2009 7:07PM EDT Report Abuse

    The moment this device has a touch-screen like the iPhone, and perhaps Internet access.... it's mine. Awesome move, if on the pricey side.

  • 78 Posted by kitty.menon1 on Thu May 7, 2009 1:57AM EDT Report Abuse

    I waited long for this. # Display -9.7" diagonal e-ink # Size -10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38" # Storage -3,500 books # PDF Support -native PDF reader # Rotating Display -Yes Was reading here for some updates: http://www.techunits.com/content/2242/amazon_plans_to_sell_the_kindle_dx_later_this_summer_for_$489

  • 79 Posted by pmernau on Thu May 7, 2009 6:19AM EDT Report Abuse

    There have been a number of these types of ebook readers that have failed such as Sony and RCA. How is this different from them? People have been reading ebooks on their smartphones and PDAs for going on 10 years. I can't see how someone would pay $500 and then carry around this device when they probably have a smartphone that can do the exact same thing.

  • 80 Posted by isabelle.frater on Thu May 7, 2009 7:40AM EDT Report Abuse

    I don't think it could only be the collage kids. My backpack was 8kg when I was 8 every day. If they could put the materials for elementary and high schools on it as well, it would be better. Also, make it available globally.

  • 81 Posted by chrissmck on Thu May 7, 2009 8:18AM EDT Report Abuse

    I want one of these now! If I can download my textbooks for a fraction of their $250 cost this will save me money within two semesters!

  • 82 Posted by rockfordgrandma on Thu May 7, 2009 9:11AM EDT Report Abuse

    Im in on this one, the only thing keeping me from the Kindle now is the small screen. Thanks Amazon..i will start saving now

  • 83 Posted by wgm1029 on Thu May 7, 2009 10:21AM EDT Report Abuse

    $500 for shades of grey? I work at a college and I'm wondering how all the charts and graphs and models contained in mathematics, science, engineering and business books will be received by consumers when presented in only shades of grey. Even the Times and the Wall Street Journal print pictures in color. Beyond price, Apple needs to make this product reproduce content that looks like the real thing before they put paper printing out of business.

  • 84 Posted by kingpia360 on Thu May 7, 2009 11:54AM EDT Report Abuse

    Yea, it could catch on. Imagine sitting in class with your books pre-loaded into the Kindle. Makes for lighter backpack, and possibly cheaper books. All books could be stored in memory, or on disk, and whenever you need something, maybe you could have a simple search to take you where you want to go. It has a lot of innovative potential.

  • 85 Posted by tedmelnik on Thu May 7, 2009 1:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hmm $489 for a pdf reader? How about a $350 for ASUS computer with a 10" screen that has more versatilty than being a book reader...

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