Kindle DX 2: Is Color The Only Difference ?
Apparently, Crunchgear (and their tipster) is right about the next Kindle, for we are looking at it right now. Amazon announced July 1 on their website that it is rolling out its
second generation Kindle DX – a device with Kindle DX’s wide 9.7-inch screen and capabilities but with a new shade and a lower price point.
The Kindle DX 2 is due out on July 7. Are they any new features it brings to the table?
Kindle DX 2: New Features
1. New Hue
Ever since Amazon dabbled in eReaders, the company has stuck to stark white for its Kindles. The DX 2’s change of color is its most striking change. Instead of Kindle’s trademark white, a dark graphite frame encloses the Kindle DX 2’s 9.7-inch eInk display. The new black border may help enhance the readability of the DX by allowing text to standout even more.
2. New Button Labels
Gone are the “Previous Page” and “Next Page” labels on the page turn buttons. Instead, users will find the buttons labeled with more simplified ‘<’ and ‘>’ arrows.
3. Improved Contrast
According to Amazon, the Kindle DX 2 comes with better contrast ratio of 10:1 – that’s 50% more contrast than the Kindle DX’s. This can give the Kindle DX 2 a clearer screen and sharper texts than its predecessor.
4. New Price
The
black Kindle DX comes with a lighter price tag. It costs $379 only — that’s about 22% cheaper than when the Kindle DX 1 was introduced into the market. Today though, both share the same price. The same day that Amazon introduced the Kindle DX 2, it announced a new price for the DX 1 eReader. Amazon slashed $110 from the Kindle DX’s original price of $489 to match the price of the new Kindle DX.
To recap, there are now 2 Kindle DX versions: a black Kindle DX (which is now available for pre-order from Amazon) and a white Kindle DX. Both are available for $379.
New Look, Same Design
As you can see, Amazon didn’t do much to the Kindle DX 2.
The Kindle DX 2 is just a Kindle DX 1 dressed in a black chassis and a cheaper price point.
Like the Kindle DX 1, the DX 2 offers the same:1. Dimension: it still weighs 18.9 ounces, measures 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.38 inches, and carries 4GB memory and 2-week battery life with wireless off or 1-week battery life with EVDO on.
2. Kindle 2.5 software update features: These include: two new fonts, social networking capability, popular highlights feature, folder/organization support, PDF panning and zooming, and password protection functionality. These features are also available on the Kindle DX and Kindle 2 so they’re not really new and exclusive Kindle DX 2features as the official Amazon Kindle DX 2 page says they are.
3. Wireless capabilities: These include: 60-second downloads, access to basic Web browser, 24/7 access to the Kindle Store, and Whispersync technology.
4. Access Large Kindle Store: The Kindle Store now offers ffers 620,000 ebooks, periodicals, and blogs.
Closing thought
The Kindle DX 2’s new graphite color, improved screen contrast, and cheaper price point make it a more compelling device than the Kindle DX. What’s quite disappointing is that Amazon did not turn the
Kindle DX 2 into a device that will make it more useable for students and businessmen – a vital step that Amazon needs to take if it wants its Kindle DX to gain mass adoption.
By
Ben Richter
July 03, 2010
Source:
http://www.best-ereaders.com/2010/07...ly-difference/