This review is for Kindle DX (2nd Generation). In short, I would say that e-readers (not just Kindle)revolutionized the reading experience. Besides everything that's been already mentioned ("carrying" many books with you, ease of reading, tree-saving, etc, etc), for language learners these devices are a big deal. Because now, you don't have to be chained to a computer in order to see text and listen. With this readers you now can do this anywhere. Anyway, here are pros and cons of Kindle DX, IMHO:
Pros:
1. Bigger screen is a plus. It does help.
2. I don't know why Amazon is not specifying the fact that if you want to read a book in other language then PDF format is the way to go. For me, support for Cyrillic characters was a must have. I uploaded several books in PDF format that are in Cyrillic and bingo, I am able to read them on Kindle. I assume, it would work the same for other languages (non Latin-based).
3. Collection creation capability after I installed the upgrade is a big hit with me. Everything now looks very organized. Just keep in mind that you cannot create collections outside of Kindle (like on the computer while Kindle is plugged in via USB). It won't work. Just drop your books/documents into the 'documents' folder and then use Kindle to create collections and add/remove books from them. In fact, not a single collection you create on Kindle will show up on the computer.
4. The conversion feature is cool. I use the one via email (the free conversion). It works and it's easy.
5. Battery life (with wireless off, of course)is a big deal, certainly a feature that iPad lovers cannot enjoy (at least for now).
6. I hope that Amazon will stick to the paper-like reading experience. This is the reading device after all.
7. The ability to change font size is a beautiful. However, for some reason, when it comes to pdf files I was having some difficulties with zooming.
Cons and neutrals:
1. Instead of that 5-way controller I would prefer to have something like a touch pad or a wheel. If, for example, I want to look up a word in a book, first I need to click on the controller to activate the cursor, then with the same controller scroll down and to the side (if the word is in the middle). With touch pad it could work very much like moving a cursor on the computer - right away to the location desired.
2. You would definitely feel the weight of the device, especially if you buy a leather jacket. So keep that in mind when you want to choose a cover for it.
3. You can only use the dictionary provided with Kindle (Oxford American). I was told that this will change. But my guess is that you can load another dictionary in AZW or Mobi format then you can do look ups outside of a book or document. It would be nice to also be able to use dual-language dictionaries.
4. Calling features like music and internet browsing 'experimental' should be the thing of the past. Why not really call it 'Music' and 'Internet'?
5. 3G was never a feature I really cared for, especially because I don't care about wireless deliveries of newspapers and magazines. But I tried to browse Internet with Kindle's basic browser and it's decent. If you want to quickly look up something (more like a reference-type of information) then it's doing an OK job with that, even though the browsing speed will not awe you.
6. Ability for memory expansion should really be considered.
7. The device that has maybe only Wi-Fi but not 3G would be also a nice addition to the Kindle family and will keep the cost of Kindle down.
8. Support of additional formats would be nice (ePUB?)
9. How about a slide out keyboard to decrease the bulkiness of the DX?
And that's pretty much it. Overall, I love it and would recommend it to anyone.
Get more detail about Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally – Latest Generation.
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