Kindle DX impressions: Big screen, but prohibitively expensive
With a Jobsian presentation, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos unveiled the newest Kindle, named the Kindle DX — a larger screen version of the Kindle 2 that adds some features like PDF reading and an accelerometer to dynamically switch orentations. We linked to the specs earlier, so it's time for the meat: Our impressions of the device.
On the panel today is freelance writer and columnist Gary Krakow of buymegetme.com, and Jason Hiner, Editor-in-chief of TechRepublic. We're all feeling a bit of apprehension toward the device, with Gary pointing out the $490 is going to be a tough pill to swollow for most people. Jason mentions the device has a companion application for the iPhone platform, which leads to the logical conclusion: Why hasn't Amazon made Kindle software for standard computers? It's pretty ballsy to market a $490 device for reading books, when I, or any other cash strapped tech type, could get a 10.1" netbook for around the same price that can surf the web on a color screen, and the like. Sure, my netbook might not have the long battery life, or as be as comfortable on the eyes as the epaper display, all 16 shades of monochromatic wonderment, but for me, and most college students, I think we're going to save our cash for "real" gadgets.
Amazon Kindle DX gets price, product page ahead of announcement
Behold, the new Kindle DX at $489 with a larger screen. Looks like it won't hit till summer, but Amazon is taking pre-orders now. Obsessable has the full product writeup.
Amazon’s Kindle as a textbook, plus Windows 7’s expectations
Our good buddies from CNET's The 404 stop by to wax philosophically about Amazon's new biggie Kindle. Specifically, the crew sees it as a bad fit for regular commuters (along with themselves) but Justin posits that students could see a real appeal, though there are still some operational issues to work out. We also talk Windows 7's RC release, with the trio seeing the new free release as something to almost ignore. Jeff hopes for a return to the "glory days" of Windows 2000 and XP, while Wilson cant find a way to get excited about explaining the difference between Windows 7 and Vista.
[sidenote, you'll notice some technical issues. We were trying something new, so we had some slight problems. Thanks for being understanding!]
Biggie Kindle to be called Kindle DX, feature 9.7-inch screen?
Engadget has some info on Wednesday's purported Kindle launch, along with a picture of the device, and says Amazon has teamed up with universities to distribute freshman courses electronically.