As a Kindle 2 owner outside US for just two months, what’s the impact of the new shiny Kindle DX ? Now, here are my takes:
The Good
- The new Kindle DX reads PDF files natively – that’s the only reason I will consider to buy the Kindle DX – if I buy one.
- The screen auto-rotates the document you’re reading as you turn the device.
- The screen is bigger, a lot bigger.
- Now the device can store up to 3,500 books and documents.
- The keyboard is now better, I think … the Kindle 2 keyboard is really hard to type.
The Bad
- The new Kindle DX reads PDF files natively – but of course the PDF file is still a 16 gray document. When was your last time read a black & white PDF document ?
- The screen auto-rotates the document you’re reading as you turn the device. Seriously, I don’t think it is good for reading books, especially the menu / next page buttons are now all positioned on top. I think it is good for viewing web page though, since you already get used to view web pages in landscape mode. However, there is no use to me as we cannot use Kindle to surf, outside US.
- The bigger screen is good, especially you read lots of full size PDF files, magazines and newspaper. But I don’t need big device because I use my Kindle mainly in subway, buses, planes and cafes. In addition, we cannot subscribe to magazines and newspaper outside US (which needs the Whispernet to download).
- Now the device can store up to 3,500 books and documents – but why ? Imagine you need to use the Search function to find your books, from now on.
- Somehow, there is no previous / next buttons in the left hand side of the device. If you’re a lefties, hard luck.
The Ugly
- I don’t see why I want to pay US$500 for a eBook reader. Assuming there will be another new Kindle in two years, and I can save 10 dollars from every Kindle book … it means I shall read 50 books in two years to pay for the Kindle DX. Don’t think I can do it, really.
What’s your view ?
M.Y. Lessons Learnt 
My husband has a Kindle DX. As of July, you still needed a credit card that mails to a US address to order books, magazines, etc… from . If you have that, then you can download your purchased items via the USB drive. You can also recharge your Kindle using the USB drive so there are no concerns about the voltage/plug conversion. You can also download PDFs to it even if it’s in Chinese.
The problem is that the whispernet function (ability to connect to the internet directly via the Kindle) does not work in HK. So, this limits the ability to get your periodicals automatically delivered to your Kindle daily. You would need to use the USB drive for that.
We got the DX when in July in preparation for our move to HK. My husband wanted to purchase a lot of books in the US and print out PDFs which was just too bulky for the move. So, the DX has been great for us as our goal was access to US-published books anytime we want them and not worry about their bulkiness. But, you will not be able to take advantage of it full functions from HK.
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Hi Fpranee,
Thanks for all the update. Just want to let you know that with the Kindle International version (both Kindle 2 and DX), the Whispernet now works perfectly in Hong Kong.
Hope it helps.
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