Kindle DX

The Amazon Kindle DX is the third ebook reader from Amazon following in the footsteps of the original Kindle and Kindle 2. It is the largest and thinnest model incorporating a 9.7 inch screen which has 2.5 times more viewing area than the Kindle 2. The Kindle DX comes with native PDF support and auto-rotation of pages based on the orientation of the device. This page provides the latest news and updates on the Kindle DX and of course Amazon's response to increasing competitive pressure from other ebook readers most notably the iBooks ereader for the Apple iPad and the iBookstore.

The most important part of an ebook reader is the content that is supported. The Kindle DX supports: Kindle (AZW), PDF, TXT, Audible (formats 4, Audible Enhanced (AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015TG12Q/ref=kinww_ddp The ability to read native PDF format was first introduced to the Kindle DX upon its introduction (May 2009).http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/amazon-kindle-dx-for-pdf-documents/8455/ You can either save the file as pdf or send a file to Amazon (by email) who will convert it for you.http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/amazon-kindle-dx-for-pdf-documents/8455/

Kindle eReader for Multiple Platforms

Amazon is making its content accessible beyond its own hardware (e.g., Kindle and Kindle DX) by introducing the Kindle eReader and its associated content to a number of platforms. These include Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPhone, Blackberry and the newest version for the Android OS. The Dell Mini 5 will have access to Amazon content via the Kindle Android ereader available this summer.http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20100310/tc_pcworld/rumordellmini5totakeonipadwithamazonandkindleintegration http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=16550&news=Google+Android+OS+BlackBerry+Apps+Amazon+Kindle+E-Book+RIMM

Kindle eReader Pricing

The release of the iPad on April 3 in the US has made it unsustainable to sell a Kindle DX at $489 so expect large discounts in the coming weeks (and months).http://blogs.zdnet.com/perlow/?p=12419 In addition, Amazon has lost Kindle market share to the Barnes & Noble Nook which in the first quarter of 2010 had 53% of ebook reader sales.http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/strong-amazon-quarter-but-nook-sells-more-e-readers/ When Barnes & Noble lowered the price of the 3G Nook to $199 on June 21, Amazon lowered the Kindle to $189.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/06/bns-nook-goes-down-to-149-amazon-cuts-kindle-price-too.html The Kindle DX price of $489 has not changed yet.

A slimmer Kindle with a sharper picture but no touchscreen expected in Augusthttp://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/05/31/slimmer.kindle.august/index.html?hpt=Sbin

The specifications for the Amazon Kindle DX are:http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015TG12Q/ref=kinww_ddp

A 9.7" diagonal E Ink® electronic paper display with 1200 x 824 pixel resolution at 150 ppi with automatic rotation of the page. The display has a 16-level gray scale and the page remains displayed with minimal energy usage.

The battery holds a charge with wireless off (read on) for up to two weeks. Turn the wireless on and a single charge lasts for for up to one week. The battery life varies based on wireless usage (e.g., downloading content) or where signal coverage is weak.

The Kindle DX weighs 8.9 ounces.

Additional features include 3.3GB disk space available for user content, USB 2.0, 3.5mm stereo audio jack, built-in stereo speakers.

Updates to existing books can be downloaded for free with your permission.http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/05/11/amazon-a-patch-for-your-novel-is-ready-to-download/

The Kindle ebook reader is available for all touchscreen devices:

Kindle for Android OS coming this summer with color and graphicshttp://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=16550&news=Google+Android+OS+BlackBerry+Apps+Amazon+Kindle+E-Book+RIMM

Kindle for iPhone/iPod Touch

Kindle for iPad

Kindle for Blackberry OS

The U.S. Kindle Store has the following collection (as of April 2010):http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazoncom-announces-first-quarter-sales-up-46-to-713-billion-2010-04-22?reflink=MW_news_stmp

500,000+ books

100 of 111 New York Times Bestsellers

9,000+ blogs

175+ U.S. and International newspapers and magazines - The New York Times, Le Monde, USA Today, The Times (U.K.), The Economist, Fortune, Newsweek, and Time.

Starting most likely in June, Amazon will create a separate bestseller list for paid titles versus free ebook downloads.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/05/amazon-to-drop-free-books-from-kindle-bestseller-list.html

Princeton University settled with the Department of Justices such that e-readers could not be required unless the less sighted had access to equivalent capabilities.http://www.examiner.com/x-21533-Dallas-Disability-Examiner~y2010m5d3-Department-of-Justice-settles-Kindle-DX-lawsuit Princeton had proposed requiring textbooks be used on the Kindle DX.