Between the Lines

Larry Dignan, Andrew Nusca and Rachel King
Home / News & Blogs / Between the Lines

A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new

By | July 1, 2010, 4:45am PDT

Summary: Amazon introduced a next-generation Kindle DX e-reader today, one that not only comes with a better display contrast but also a lower price tag - down from $489 to $379 now. A price drop is always nice for consumers. And I’m sure the new display is nicer on the eyes. But are these the features that [...]

Amazon introduced a next-generation Kindle DX e-reader today, one that not only comes with a better display contrast but also a lower price tag - down from $489 to $379 now.

A price drop is always nice for consumers. And I’m sure the new display is nicer on the eyes. But are these the features that critics asked for? Going back to Larry Dignan’s initial assessment of the Kindle DX, it appears that Amazon hasn’t really done much to differentiate this DX from the earlier generation.

In his post from this time last year, Larry cited four things he’d like to see in a next-gen Kindle: a touch display, a better browser, a bit lighter in weight and, of course, WiFi. None of those things were announced by the company today, though. The device is still tied to 3G wireless, with no contracts required, but still no WiFi. The weight is still 18.9 ounces and there was no word about a touch display or a better browser.

So basically what you’re looking at is a nicer-screen Kindle for $379.

I haven’t been a fan of the Kindle since its initial release, largely because they’re just high-priced book readers that don’t do much more than that. Do they play video? No. Are they doubling as music jukeboxes? No. Can I sync my pictures to it? No.

More importantly, Amazon continues to diminish the need for a Kindle to read books purchased through the Kindle store by offering free Kindle apps for PCs, Macs and smartphones, most recently for Android devices.

At this point, given the “updates” that are coming with this next verison of the Kindle DX, I’d still opt for a free app - and keep my $379 in my pocket.

The new Kindle DX will become available on July 7.

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily e-mail newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

More from “Between the Lines”

Topics

Amazon.com Inc., Wireless LANs, 3G, Web Browsers, Wi-Fi, Wireless And Mobility, Cellular Phones, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Internet, Sam Diaz

Sam has been a technology and business blogger for more than 18 years.

Disclosure

Sam Diaz

Sam Diaz has nothing to disclose.

Biography

Sam Diaz

Sam has been a technology and business blogger, reporter and editor at ZDNet, the Washington Post, San Jose Mercury News and Fresno Bee for more than 18 years. He's a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a graduate of California State University, Fresno.

20
Comments
Add Your Opinion

Join the conversation!

Just In

RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
tomlin21-24319035676893835085146735905770 11th Oct
Now i'm certainly particularly cleanse to wp. but that which you publish 2012 nfl jerseys on this on the internet log is essentially excellent and rather powerful.
View in thread
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
Jeremy-UK 1st Jul 2010
You want a touch screen?! Why? The e-ink display is too slow to make that worthwhile. I wonder if this device is exactly right (ie cheaper). What you're describing in an Apple iPad - fine, that exists already. You want that, visit an Apple store and get it.

The Kindle DX (and Kindle 2) are cheaper, and do less. Is that so bad? Even if you already have an iPad (maybe ESPECIALLY if you have an iPad) a cheaper, e-ink, book reader that's compatible with the "Kindle App" has to be pretty compelling. For the DX in particular (essentially Kindle for textbooks) the ability to read a book AND use the iPad at the same time has to be pretty compelling, not least as the Kindle shares its books with the iPad (or laptop).

I don't think duplicating the iPad is a smart move for Amazon - and is likely to only lead to failure, putting the Kindle app on the iPad is a smart move. Reducing the cost of the Kindle 2 and Kindle DX is necessary. Not sure about the new colour though!
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
smartin007 1st Jul 2010
@Jeremy-UK
I agree with you. There does not seem to be a pressing need for touchscreen or wifi on this. Adding these features will only increase the cost with no perceived benefit except for reading and sending emails.However, I do not think I would want to compose emails using the Kindle keyboard, nor would I want to used this as a browser simply because it is grayscale, not color. This functions excellently as an eReader and nothing more. They should stick to this format and perfect it (make it smaller / lighter/ cheaper ) so that it can be seen as a complement, not a competitor to the iPad. And reducing the cost is a good start, but I think the price needs to come down even more. $379 seems way out of line for what it is. They should credit the user $300 worth of downloads with each one they sell, or lower the price to $199. That is my take on it.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
pengbert3 30th Jul 2010
@smartin007 Touch screen would only speed things up significantly for slow display like Kindle. Wifi only version should be much cheaper than the 3G version with lifetime free (limited) 3G access. With Wifi, you also have higher bandwidth and unlimited access and it enables apps that requires this kind of connectivity. The reason that Amazon doesn't add Wifi and full support for PDF and other format is to make you pay more and restrict the use of the device only for buying and reading Amazon e-books.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
mrlinux 1st Jul 2010
@Jeremy-UK With the way things are going, I think Amazon will drop the Kindle device all together, and just sell the Kindle books on amazon and you can use what ever device you want Android/Kindle/iPad/PC/MAC everything but Linux
0 Votes
+ -
Well
oncall Updated - 1st Jul 2010
@mrlinux

Amazon isn't pouring money into it that's for sure. It's been out a year and get a price cut and better screen and...that's it. Which is fine, I love my original DX. But with the explosion of apps for computers and mobile devices it should be clear to all where Amazon is heading.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
jaloppydrinker@... 1st Jul 2010
you're clearly not a big book reader...because an hour of reading on an lcd like the ipad's or my pc's is very hard on the eyes...
0 Votes
+ -
What more do you want?
tricktytom Updated - 1st Jul 2010
The author, like many others, just doesn't seem to grasp that the Kindle is a reader...that's it. It was designed to to one thing beautifully, rather than fifty things with mediocrity (ala iPad). The Kindle presents books in an easy-on-the-eyes format; Like your can-opener, it doesn't play Super Mario or run fart apps or play movies...It's a reader.

As for WIFI, you don't you need it. The device comes with free 3G, and all you're really doing is download books.

The authors other comment about the "diminishing need for the Kindle" is also wrong. Those of us who are serious readers and use e-ink readers would rather read a book on a roller-coaster than on an iPad or PC. No matter how you try to justify backlit screens, THEY SUCK FOR READING, and no amount of convoluted research, white papers, or opinion can change that.

Touch display? You know, we're not all nine years old. We don't all need to "pretend" that we're turning pages with an animated "page turn". Some of us actually read just for the sake of reading and learning, rather than the "media experience of a pretend book".

As to the weight, the ipad weighs more, but you rarely hear it as a complaint.

So, what we really have is a group of people who want the Kindle to be an iPad; people who seem to want the Kindle to go away, because it points out that devices like the iPad aren't very good as some things. Well, I'm sorry, that's life. The Kindle is an amazing reader, the iPad and PC's are mediocre...deal with it.
0 Votes
+ -
Why is everyone trying to make ereaders somethng else?!?
tgschmidt 1st Jul 2010
Ereaders are meant to do something really great; READ BOOKS! That is what the kindles do REALLY WELL! And now for less money. An iPad may be nice for occasional reading, but its screen is the big limiting factor. For serious book readers such as my girlfriend, an LCD screen just will not work. She can't read an LCD in our back yard on an even moderatly sunny day. While lounging in her favorite spot. Not only that but not having to charge it for several days is great. Just let ereaders be, let them be good at what they were built to do, read books!
0 Votes
+ -
There is no need to try to add features...
oncall 1st Jul 2010
And make the Kindle more like an iPad because Amazon already has its Kindle app on the iPad. Kindle's are for big readers, for everyone else there are now many choices. "Diminish the need for a Kindle", well they basically eliminated the NEED for a Kindle with the apps. You buy a Kindle now if you want to read ebooks on an e-ink device, that's it.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
colecrew 1st Jul 2010
Way too much!
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
condelirios 1st Jul 2010
I love my Kindle 2. It is awesome for reading, and I was worried about the lack of wi-fi when I bought it.. .but not now. The 3G is just fine for whispersync and the occasional book purchase. Wi-fi would add weight, sap the battery and provide very little in the speed department because so little data is being moved that even with a slower connection it only takes a few seconds to get an entire book.
0 Votes
+ -
Oh dear!
stng.zdnet Updated - 1st Jul 2010
It seems that I'm either a gadget freak or an avid reader, but not both, according to some of the posts above. My iPad is fine for reading. The LCD screen isn't quite as comfortable at night as reading in broad daylight from paper, but it's a hell of a lot more comfortable than squinting at a dull page under a book light so as not to keep my wife awake. And the iPad does many things very well, the Kindle App making book reading one of them. But, of course, the iPad is not good for reading outside. I'm thinking that, with syncing between my iPad and a Kindle DX, I could easily have the best of both worlds: the iPad inside, in the dark, on airplanes or in other 'interior' light conditions; the Kindle for days at the beach or time in the back yard. Now if only e-ink was more responsive. A couple of things I really like about my iPad (as distinct from my non-Kindle e-ink reader): it turns pages without the crazy flash and pause; I can read magazines, pdfs and other documents so much more easily.
0 Votes
+ -
An embarrassing article for ZDNet
stevesurf 1st Jul 2010
Reviews and articles on ZDNet are usually on my list for accuracy, but this is clearly the author's own opinion. Amazon's Kindle and Kindle DX are versatile daylight readable devices that together with the Kindle Store's content have a firm use in the eBooks market. The Kindle DX now does not require an external light.

I am an iPad owner, and a Kindle owner as well - both have their use and ZDNet should acknowledge that!

Just put both side-by-side in bright sunlight: 'nuff said!
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
syn42me Updated - 4th Jul 2010
"Are they doubling as music jukeboxes?" Actually, there is a feature in the Kindle software that allows you to use it as an MP3 player by uploading the songs you want into the Music folder. If you're expecting it to sync with iTunes, you need a reality check.

"Can I sync my pictures to it?" You seriously want to have your on a device with a 16-shade gray-scale screen? You seriously need to show people a gray, pixelated image of you partying somewhere?

"Do they play video?" Again, reference the gray-scale screen. It's bloody e-ink. You have about a 2 Hz refresh rate with most of that being used up by it wiping the previous image before drawing the new image. E-ink is not designed for that, and if you are seriously expecting it to be, you have absolutely no business writing for a tech review site.

Of course, since you *are* a "senior editor" for the site, that implies that you know your way around the tech gizmo industry, meaning you know that e-readers using e-ink are not designed for multimedia application, but as a power-efficient, cost-effective way to distribute and read electronic text media.

Thus, your only reason for writing this review is to be a troll. Congratulations. Bask in your attention and enjoy the scorn. It will follow you for quite a while.
0 Votes
+ -
Kindle Does the Job Perfectly
DCchick 4th Jul 2010
I recently bought a Kindle so that my son, my father, and I could try it out before going on a two-week transatlantic cruise. I work on a computer in high-tech 11+ hours a day, and the last thing on earth I want is a computer to follow me wherever I go. I want to read while watching the waves or relaxing in a campground. After work I want to forget how PCIe/SATA/XAUI, mobile storage cards. peripherals, high-speed buses, USBs, physical layer components, and all that gunk send us farther down the crazy road of technology.

I just want to READ! And e-readers do just that -- perfectly. You want music? Kindle can do that. You want to find out something on Wikipedia when you see it in a book on the Kindle? It can do that. But what it also does is let me read in sunshine or rain, read inside or out, read in a campground or a city, turn on my side and prop it against my leg while I cozy up to a fire and read and even fall asleep -- reading. And it lets me do it for days without being tied to a cord because its power consumption is so small. I do NOT want the frantic insanity of the computer world to follow me wherever I go. Kindle does that beautifully.

My father (85 years old) just ordered a KDX because he likes my little Kindle, but wants the added space for larger fonts, and because he wants to read magazines. And my son, a computer geek and mechanical engineer, is buying one because all he expects to do on it is read. None of us expect the e-readers to do more than they do. They let us read without the bulk of a stack of paperbacks lining the walls, stuffing our luggage with excess weight, and burying us alive. And they let us read on a soothing screen that looks like an old, friendly book, not a glaring reflection of the too-fast-paced computer world.

In two months, there will be three generations sitting side-by-side on a cruise ship in the Atlantic reading sci-fi, chick novels, and Reader's Digest. I can think of no higher compliment to the e-reader -- just as it is.
0 Votes
+ -
Purpose built for reading
vulcan666 28th Jul 2010
Have a Kindle 2, love to read on it. Have an iPad, love to do work and play games on it.

For reading, outside during the day there is no competition, the Kindle is best. Indoors, when it's well lit, I still prefer the Kindle because of its light weight. In bed, once the light goes off, I prefer the heavy iPad over the Kindle with a book light.

If you find the iPad satisfactory for your reading needs, I don't see why you'd want a Kindle. For me it's a great complement, and when I leave the house more often than not I'll have both devices in my bag. I guess I do about 95% of my reading on my Kindle and 5% on the iPad.
0 Votes
+ -
Kindle DX - YES YES but.
neojg Updated - 15th Oct 2010
All you have written was more or less how to mimic the iPad on DX. I use the old version of DX for around 8 months and I read over 5000 pages of books. As for my over 40 years old eyes it is almost perfect.
I live outside US so I have to pay for the 3G while getting kindle converted documents. For this the WiFi may be useful.
The only other thing I may think off is to have a DX that can display in colors. Even basic 256 color pallet for some technical documentation review will be very welcomed.

PLEASE don't go the iPad way. I don't need poor internet browsing device that is a heavy poor book reading device and a semi write-pad.
0 Votes
+ -
A foolish article
kaitain 27th Dec 2010
It treats as axiomatic the idea that the Kindle was invented because there was no other vehicle for the deployment of Amazon's e-books, and that now that other platforms are available it no longer has any reason to exist.

This is garbage. The Kindle's e-Ink display makes it gorgeous for long-form reading. Reading a novel or even a lengthy magazine article on a PC monitor or an iPad is mildly horrible at best. The Kindle is fabulous for going to a coffee shop, or curling up on your couch, and reading for two hours straight.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
jackson1984-24316069205748857739440257893812 11th Oct
I've viewed rather a number of web site logs and I can a number of ample state that nfl jerseys usa this just one is my front runner .
0 Votes
+ -
RE: A new Kindle DX doesn't offer much new
tomlin21-24319035676893835085146735905770 11th Oct
Now i'm certainly particularly cleanse to wp. but that which you publish 2012 nfl jerseys on this on the internet log is essentially excellent and rather powerful.

Join the conversation!

Formatting +
BB Codes - Note: HTML is not supported in forums
  • [b] Bold [/b]
  • [i] Italic [/i]
  • [u] Underline [/u]
  • [s] Strikethrough [/s]
  • [q] "Quote" [/q]
  • [ol][*] 1. Ordered List [/ol]
  • [ul][*] · Unordered List [/ul]
  • [pre] Preformat [/pre]
  • [quote] "Blockquote" [/quote]
ie8 fix

The best of ZDNet, delivered

ZDNet Newsletters

Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox

Facebook Activity

Blog Roll

Blog Archive

White Papers, Webcasts, & Resources
ie8 fix