Dammit.... give us a release date! Would you....

Gideon · 05-30-2009, 12:28 AM

I'm going nuts waiting to know when I'll get to read all my pdf's on my Kindle DX, without converting!

Of course, if Apple announces a tablet worth a damn at their shindig in a couple of weeks it'll be moot cause I'll be canceling that order and quickly going out to sell blood to raise money for the thing.

So assuming Apple announces a tablet (big if) and it'll be out this summer, and announcing it's essentially a giant iPod Touch and let's say most the app's stores stuff works on it like the Kindle store and Stanza, etc...

If you're planning on getting a DX, would you cancel? Trade in the joy of eInk for the enormous extendability of something like that?

jgray · 05-30-2009, 01:23 AM

From what I read, an Apple tablet won't be out until next year, if indeed they are making one. Even with that much lead time, I don't think the human body can produce enough blood to subsidize the purchase of such an Apple tablet

Daithi · 05-30-2009, 01:50 AM

I like eInk so I doubt I'd cancel. However, I do like the concept of an iTablet, but more as a netbook replacement than a Kindle DX replacement. And I too want a release date for the DX.

HarryT · 05-30-2009, 02:35 AM

I wouldn't count on it being until close to the end of the year, if Amazon are planning to use the next-generation flexible screens. They may decide to release early DXs with glass screens, but that would be a big risk, I think, for a machine which seems to be targetted largely at the educational market.

Gideon · 05-30-2009, 02:38 AM

Is there any reason to think they'd be using the flexible screens? Aside from common sense, at least...

HarryT · 05-30-2009, 02:44 AM

Only that all the other manufacturers who were planning to release 9.7" devices have held off, awaiting the flexible screens, on the basis that a glass screen that large would be extremely prone to breakage. Look at the Hanlin V9, for example: announced (and demonstrated) in January 2008 (yes, 2008!), but still not released, because the screens aren't available yet.

9.7" screens - even glass ones - are only currently available in demonstration quantities; PVI aren't currently mass producing them, so really it's out of Amazon's hands. They can't release machines until the screens are available.

The fact, though, that Amazon have announced a very restricted pilot programme for the DX for the "summer" makes me think that it's extremely unlikely we'll see large-scale shipments significantly before the end of the year, but only time will tell.

dmaul1114 · 05-30-2009, 02:57 AM

I'm not getting a DX as any larger screen device I by for PDFs would have to:

1: Have a large touch screen so I can jot notes quickly and easily like I can on print outs.

2: Be a multifunction device as I'm fine with printouts and would by a dedicated reader to to read and mark them up electronically.

I'm fine with LCD or LED screens for such a device as I'd never be reading on it for long stretches as I'd keep my Kindle for novel reading.

Gideon · 05-30-2009, 03:06 AM

So you think amazon's summer claims are hooey?

HarryT · 05-30-2009, 03:15 AM

What is it that Amazon have actually said? They've announced that there will be a "pilot" at a number of universities this summer. Have they announced a "general" release date?

Andybaby · 05-30-2009, 04:47 AM

well they said summer, that's atleast 20 days away.

and half of summer would be about August first.

I am sure they will start shipping by atleast August 10, but I have a feeling amazon would start shipping a whole lot sooner

(reason for August 10 latest, is cause colleges start aug 20th about, and anyone who preorders expecting it before college would be in an uproar over it)

sirbruce · 05-30-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

What is it that Amazon have actually said? They've announced that there will be a "pilot" at a number of universities this summer. Have they announced a "general" release date?

HarryT, I've corrected you on this before. The "general" release date *is* "summer". The "pilot program" has to do with providing the device to certain universities for students to replace textbooks; it is not linked to the release in any way.

"Pre-order Kindle DX today
Kindle DX will be released this summer. Pre-order Kindle DX now to RESERVE YOUR PLACE IN LINE. We prioritize orders on a first come, first served basis, and we will notify you via e-mail when we have an estimated delivery date."

sirbruce · 05-30-2009, 09:25 AM

Just to add fuel to the fire, someone on the Amazon forums reported that a customer service rep told them unofficially the release date was July 6th. Gary, a well-known Amazon forum liar and troll, is reporting June 22nd (the first day of summer).

poohbear_nc · 05-30-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gideon

I'm going nuts waiting to know when I'll get to read all my pdf's on my Kindle DX, without converting!

Of course, if Apple announces a tablet worth a damn at their shindig in a couple of weeks it'll be moot cause I'll be canceling that order and quickly going out to sell blood to raise money for the thing.

So assuming Apple announces a tablet (big if) and it'll be out this summer, and announcing it's essentially a giant iPod Touch and let's say most the app's stores stuff works on it like the Kindle store and Stanza, etc...

If you're planning on getting a DX, would you cancel? Trade in the joy of eInk for the enormous extendability of something like that?

Can't remember where (I think CNN Business/Money) - but I did read an article last week stating that Apple had announced 2010 as the earliest launch for their tablet, and that Amazon rushed its DX announcement to lure people into pre-orders - anything definite in 2009 beat a promise in 2010. And to establish a pricing point for Apple to deal with.

HarryT · 05-30-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirbruce

HarryT, I've corrected you on this before. The "general" release date *is* "summer". The "pilot program" has to do with providing the device to certain universities for students to replace textbooks; it is not linked to the release in any way.

"Pre-order Kindle DX today
Kindle DX will be released this summer. Pre-order Kindle DX now to RESERVE YOUR PLACE IN LINE. We prioritize orders on a first come, first served basis, and we will notify you via e-mail when we have an estimated delivery date."

Thanks for that, sirbruce. We'll just have to wait and see, in that case. Personally I remain skeptical that the screens will be available by then, but let's hope that I'm wrong.

katysax · 05-30-2009, 02:05 PM

An Apple tablet that would be like an iphone or ipod touch but larger would be a very cool device, but for me it would not be acceptable as an ebook reader. I do find it easier to read on a tablet than a regular PC screen, but it still isn't good enough. I love my tablet PC, but anything I want to read with concentration over a period of time goes on my Kindle, even legal documents and software manuals.

I signed up for the DX the first minute that I saw it announced, and it is hard to wait for it.

05-30-2009, 12:28 AM	#1
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	Dammit.... give us a release date! Would you.... I'm going nuts waiting to know when I'll get to read all my pdf's on my Kindle DX, without converting! Of course, if Apple announces a tablet worth a damn at their shindig in a couple of weeks it'll be moot cause I'll be canceling that order and quickly going out to sell blood to raise money for the thing. So assuming Apple announces a tablet (big if) and it'll be out this summer, and announcing it's essentially a giant iPod Touch and let's say most the app's stores stuff works on it like the Kindle store and Stanza, etc... If you're planning on getting a DX, would you cancel? Trade in the joy of eInk for the enormous extendability of something like that?

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05-30-2009, 01:23 AM	#2
jgray Fanatic Posts: 548 Karma: 2928497 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Clara 2E & Sage	From what I read, an Apple tablet won't be out until next year, if indeed they are making one. Even with that much lead time, I don't think the human body can produce enough blood to subsidize the purchase of such an Apple tablet

05-30-2009, 01:50 AM	#3
Daithi Publishers are evil! Posts: 2,418 Karma: 36205264 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Rhode Island Device: Various Kindles	I like eInk so I doubt I'd cancel. However, I do like the concept of an iTablet, but more as a netbook replacement than a Kindle DX replacement. And I too want a release date for the DX.

05-30-2009, 02:35 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I wouldn't count on it being until close to the end of the year, if Amazon are planning to use the next-generation flexible screens. They may decide to release early DXs with glass screens, but that would be a big risk, I think, for a machine which seems to be targetted largely at the educational market.

05-30-2009, 02:38 AM	#5
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	Is there any reason to think they'd be using the flexible screens? Aside from common sense, at least...

05-30-2009, 02:44 AM	#6
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Only that all the other manufacturers who were planning to release 9.7" devices have held off, awaiting the flexible screens, on the basis that a glass screen that large would be extremely prone to breakage. Look at the Hanlin V9, for example: announced (and demonstrated) in January 2008 (yes, 2008!), but still not released, because the screens aren't available yet. 9.7" screens - even glass ones - are only currently available in demonstration quantities; PVI aren't currently mass producing them, so really it's out of Amazon's hands. They can't release machines until the screens are available. The fact, though, that Amazon have announced a very restricted pilot programme for the DX for the "summer" makes me think that it's extremely unlikely we'll see large-scale shipments significantly before the end of the year, but only time will tell.

05-30-2009, 02:57 AM	#7
dmaul1114 Wizard Posts: 2,300 Karma: 1121709 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Amazon Kindle 1	I'm not getting a DX as any larger screen device I by for PDFs would have to: 1: Have a large touch screen so I can jot notes quickly and easily like I can on print outs. 2: Be a multifunction device as I'm fine with printouts and would by a dedicated reader to to read and mark them up electronically. I'm fine with LCD or LED screens for such a device as I'd never be reading on it for long stretches as I'd keep my Kindle for novel reading.

05-30-2009, 03:06 AM	#8
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	So you think amazon's summer claims are hooey?

05-30-2009, 03:15 AM	#9
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	What is it that Amazon have actually said? They've announced that there will be a "pilot" at a number of universities this summer. Have they announced a "general" release date?

05-30-2009, 04:47 AM	#10
Andybaby Wizard Posts: 1,279 Karma: 1002683 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York Device: PRS-700	well they said summer, that's atleast 20 days away. and half of summer would be about August first. I am sure they will start shipping by atleast August 10, but I have a feeling amazon would start shipping a whole lot sooner (reason for August 10 latest, is cause colleges start aug 20th about, and anyone who preorders expecting it before college would be in an uproar over it)

05-30-2009, 09:25 AM	#12
sirbruce Provocateur Posts: 1,859 Karma: 505847 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Columbus, OH Device: Kindle Touch, Kindle 2, Kindle DX, iPhone 3GS	Just to add fuel to the fire, someone on the Amazon forums reported that a customer service rep told them unofficially the release date was July 6th. Gary, a well-known Amazon forum liar and troll, is reporting June 22nd (the first day of summer).

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05-30-2009, 02:05 PM	#15
katysax Enthusiast Posts: 44 Karma: 222 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Device: Kindle2, Kindle DX, prs 505	An Apple tablet that would be like an iphone or ipod touch but larger would be a very cool device, but for me it would not be acceptable as an ebook reader. I do find it easier to read on a tablet than a regular PC screen, but it still isn't good enough. I love my tablet PC, but anything I want to read with concentration over a period of time goes on my Kindle, even legal documents and software manuals. I signed up for the DX the first minute that I saw it announced, and it is hard to wait for it.