Kindle DX reviewed: Is bigger better?

Like the iPhone, the Kindle DX will automatically rotate the screen from portrait to landscape mode when you flip the unit on its side.

(Credit: CNET)

You now have a choice between two different Kindle models, and the big question is whether you should spend the extra dough on the larger DX or opt for a Kindle 2. In our humble assessment, the majority of buyers will--and probably should--favor the smaller device, the Kindle 2. Why? Well, we have some concerns over the DX being more of a two-handed e-reader; yes, you can hold it in one hand for a short time, but you really need to keep both hands on the device to support its weight for a while. Meanwhile, the Kindle 2 is easier to hold for longer periods of time with just one hand.

The other factor to consider is that when it comes to periodical reading (newspapers and magazines), the advantage of having more text and images on the screen is a nice perk, but the reading experience isn't enhanced as much as you might think.

Read the full review to get all our hands-on impressions.

[Yekuson]

I own a Kindle 2 and its actually very good. The kindle DX might be a good replacement for certain types of textbooks but I dont think it will replace enough to be a sensible buy. For instance most Medical, Biology, chemistry texts use very colorful illustrations that cannot be accurately duplicated in gray scale, this shuts out a lot of Medical/ science students. Subjects like Physics/ Math/ Engineering will probably pose less of a problem.
Screen size is just one thing they got right. In the end, only a durable (something that'll withstand college abuse), full color, touchscreen ( that supports handwritten notes) and document sharing will win the day.

[Sam_BG]

Yekuson laughingly uses the term "sensible buy" when referring to a $359 toy that costs more than a Netbook - WHICH IS A REAL COMPUTER THAT CAN SHOW TEXT, TOO. But gee, you say, I only want to read a book. Question: Do I want to ONLY read a book or do I want to surf and write email and watch online tv and play games and check on my nannycam and work on documents and shop online and - oh yeah - read a book. "But it's so heavy," you say. Grow some muscles, Phyllis, and stop your whining.