No more support for kindle dx Graphite ? Too Bad

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by max99

c'mon dude the device costs nearly $400 and these are SIMPLE software changes? why are you defending lazy customer service?

if you have no interest in the improved PDF functionality of the DX series why are you even posting in this thread?

Because one thing I've learned in the 20+ years that I've been using hand-held devices is to never, ever, assume that new features will be added to existing devices; it's very rare for it to happen. And let's face it, what's Amazon's incentive to do so? They're selling every DX that they can make, so obviously the majority of customers are satisfied with it the way that they are.

Buy a device for what it will do NOW, and you're on safe ground. Buy it for what it may do in the future, and you'll very likely be disappointed.

[jocampo]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Because one thing I've learned in the 20+ years that I've been using hand-held devices is to never, ever, assume that new features will be added to existing devices;

Well put!

Being an IT guy I've learned the same. Even big clients and companies never based their purchases on possible firmware upgrades or patches. I do work for the biggest IT company in the world and we really push for software patches, but we never do business assuming they will be deployed soon.

[max99]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Because one thing I've learned in the 20+ years that I've been using hand-held devices is to never, ever, assume that new features will be added to existing devices; it's very rare for it to happen. And let's face it, what's Amazon's incentive to do so? They're selling every DX that they can make, so obviously the majority of customers are satisfied with it the way that they are.

Buy a device for what it will do NOW, and you're on safe ground. Buy it for what it may do in the future, and you'll very likely be disappointed.

the logic of your argument would be sound if the DX graphite were a stand-alone device, because then there's no frame of reference for people to compare and complain.

what's frustrating folk is that a smaller and cheaper kindle, sporting almost identical technology, has better functionality.....that my friend is utterly ridiculous, especially when that functionality involves minor code changes.

it's a bit like paying for first class air travel then watching everyone in economy class served up free champaign while you get water!

[polbit]

Ok, let's look at some facts here:

1. Kindle is a family of e-readers, and they have all seen many software upgrades.
2. DXG was released weeks before Kindle 3, with same screen and same case color. Is it a big leap to assume that they are the next generation in the Kindle family?
3. All devices you buy now, from phones, to tablets, etc., etc, get software updates. This isn't the 1980s. Look at the Nook, iPhone, iPad, Android phones, etc., etc...
4. DXG is a large screen format, most expensive Kindle that Amazon offers. Isn't it very logical to assume that it would have the best (or at least same) PDF handling features as its smaller cousin, Kindle 3?

No, Amazon is not "required" to release anything for the DXG. Not doing so however is bad customer service, and is very troubling from a company like Amazon. This is not how you treat customers when there are more and more options out there.

[bwaldron]

Originally Posted by max99

the logic of your argument would be sound if the DX graphite were a stand-alone device, because then there's no frame of reference for people to compare and complain.

No, Harry's logic is sound, regardless.

The frustration of Graphite DX owners is very understandable, but the point remains -- buy on existing features, not "expected" or even "promised" ones. And certainly let Amazon know of your frustrations and how it may impact future purchases.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by polbit

2. DXG was released weeks before Kindle 3, with same screen and same case color. Is it a big leap to assume that they are the next generation in the Kindle family?

Given the fact that the DX is running version 2.x firmware, it's probably actually a Kindle 2 hardware platform, to which a Pearl screen has been added. That's reinforced by the fact that the new 2.5.7 firmware is for the DX and the K2. There may be some hardware difference between the K2/DX and the K3 which prevents it from being easily ported.

[warlock07]

Originally Posted by Madam Broshkina

I have read the previous posts. Please explain to me how what I wrote was utterly useless.

When u contact customer service with regards to the information about the PDFs, u get one useless generic reply for all the inquiries.
It was not entirely about the upgrade, but about the way their CC is responding back.

Quoting someone else ; "This is not 1980, when u release an electronic device these days , you expect reasonable upgrades/updates, especially when one is promised one and a lower end version is getting all the upgrades."

[warlock07]

Originally Posted by HarryT

What are you disgusted about, exactly? When you bought your Kindle DX, did Amazon promise you that it would support PDF annotation? Does it do less now than it does when you bought it? Are Amazon under some sort of obligation to you to provide you with additional features?

Oh shut up!! Did I mention PDF annotation? I was referring to ignoring customers w.r.t lack of information.. Did u even read my post?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by warlock07

Oh shut up!! Did I mention PDF annotation? I was referring to ignoring customers w.r.t lack of information.. Did u even read my post?

Yes, I did, and I'm wondering what you expect Amazon to tell you. They haven't ignored customers; they've told them that they have made no decision about future updates. The fact that you're not happy about that doesn't mean that you're being ignored.

[warlock07]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Yes, I did, and I'm wondering what you expect Amazon to tell you. They haven't ignored customers; they've told them that they have made no decision about future updates. The fact that you're not happy about that doesn't mean that you're being ignored.

Obviously u don't realize that KDX may not ever have ver 3 update..(a 2.5.7 update after 3 months delay)
they must've known that the firmware update isn't coming anytime soon..
the fact that u admire amazon and think positively abt them doesn't mean i should do the same..

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by warlock07

Obviously u don't realize that KDX may not ever have ver 3 update..(a 2.5.7 update after 3 months delay)

Of course I realise it. Just as I don't expect that the Kindle 2 (which uses the same firmware as the DX) will ever get v3 firmware.

they must've known that the firmware update isn't coming anytime soon..

They have released a firmware update (firmware 2.5.7) which adds social networking features. What I'm asking is whether Amazon have misled people into expecting features which have not been delivered? ie, have Amazon ever told people that v3 firmware IS coming for the Kindle 2 and the DX?

[suecsi]

HarryT

I'd give up if I were you. I'm of the same opinion as you are and it doesn't get anywhere, unfortunately, no matter how you explain the logic and/or business sense of buying a product for what it can do now. The thread will, if it hasn't already, degenerate into 'Amazon-lover' accusations and the like.

I guess in your position as moderator, you have to follow all the threads, but I applaud you for your patience and restraint.

[anestesiadorhvs]

I´ve sent an email to Amazon about poor pdf support in kindle DX. This is their Answer:

Hello,

I'm sorry for the inconvenience you had with the PDF support in Kindle DX.

We're regularly working on improvements to your Kindle experience. I've let the Kindle team know you're interested in this feature.

Customer feedback like yours helps us continue to improve the service we provide, and we're glad you took time to write to us. The Kindle Development Team will carefully review your comments.

I think better PDF support is possible, I´ve installed Doukan in my KDXG without any problem and works fine

[warlock07]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Of course I realise it. Just as I don't expect that the Kindle 2 (which uses the same firmware as the DX) will ever get v3 firmware.



They have released a firmware update (firmware 2.5.7) which adds social networking features. What I'm asking is whether Amazon have misled people into expecting features which have not been delivered? ie, have Amazon ever told people that v3 firmware IS coming for the Kindle 2 and the DX?

i like how u split up my sentences to give them a different meaning...
the fact they have a 2.5.7 means that they wont have a ver 3
which they must've known much earlier...
How can they mislead ppl? By not informing them in the first place which was my point the first time..
Maybe "Pdf/browser support similar to that available in K3 would not be available in DX in the near future" would be fine..
instead u keep on defending Amazon.
looks like we wouldn't be understanding one another anyways...

unfortunately, no matter how you explain the logic and/or business sense of buying a product for what it can do now

it irritates me greatly when everyone makes the same wrong observation

[curstpriest]

I was tempted to return my DXG and get an alternative until I looked around, and the only other e-ink device out there was the Entourage which is a brick weighing over 2x as much with 2 screens that gets like 6 hours of battery life? And the e-ink is a lesser generation, only like 8 shades of gray and it's glossy because it's touchscreen.

It's just so sad because if Amazon would spend more time on the kindle firmware adding features and making apps, way more people would use it and buy it.

It's a great reader, but it's crap for pdfs.
Apps would be great for it, like:

- Text editor/Code view/Word processor
- Samba client (copy/save files when connected to lan via wifi/USBnet and save edited files to network shares)
- External monitor (X could work over USBnet/Wifi, or some other mechanic)
- Chat/IM Client, even if it's only for like "Amazon Book Clubs" don't exactly need IRC here
- Customizable welcome screen with weather/news(rss)/recent items


I have a DX and I use it all the time while working at my computer to look at code or when working with reference books, so these features would be great. I also have a notebook and second monitor on my desk, and I still use the DX quite a bit. It's size and readability makes it much nicer to use than a notebook computer, and less cumbersome than continuously switching apps to put something up on a second monitor.