After a several week long get-acquainted period, I've decided I like the Kindle DX. Because I'm enjoying using it, I'm feeling generous towards its flaws, accepting them as inherent in owning an early version of a device.
I like owning a reading device that holds a lot of material, doesn't weigh much and doesn't glow at me. I find the display quite readable. I also like the large screen real estate of the DX, although in fairness I haven't tried a smaller reader. I subscribed to Le Monde while in vacation in rural Wisconsin and enjoyed having the paper delivered right to my device.
Recharging the device and managing the contents is quite simple. The screen savers are charming and the built-in dictionary encourages me to stop and look up words instead of skipping over them. (Today's new word: dun.)
The interface is downright retro. The little navigation button is usable though not especially ergonomic, the Chiclet keyboard is a few design iterations short of usability, and it's absurd that there are no folders for organizing books and documents.
It's good for sequential reading--I plowed through half of a Philip Kerr novel yesterday with no discomfort. I have yet to fully try it out as a reference device, where the menus and navigation interface come more into play.
It's frighteningly easy to buy books: buy with one click and it turns up on your Kindle! Very nice.
I agree with previous reviews that mention its PDF shortcomings (no links, no font changes.) I'm really looking forward to improved PDF support.
The price tag is steep for what it is, and that put me off purchasing it for a while, but now that the money is spent I don't regret it. I'm advising my friends to go for a cheaper device or wait for a price drop, however. I don't like that the file format is entirely proprietary and am liable to be lured away by a more interoperable, open-standard device in the future.
Get more detail about Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally – Latest Generation.
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