Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device (9.7" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)
Finally purchased the international version of Kindle for use in Australia. Without having the ability to see-feel'n'smell it before I purchased it was a risky USD489 (AUD$600) purchase. Spending almost A$900 with accessories, goodies and shipping was a "gulp" risk. Being in Australia and so remote was a concern but communication with Amazon is good with the free Amazon telephone call back option however returns to Amazon has been very difficult (see my separate review of Kindle Cover) I bought Kindle the week Apple announced their iPad - whilst Apple makes wonderful products, I wasn't convinced of Apple content, functionality and applicability of iPad so I bought a dedicated reader instead. Kindle arrived was easy to set-up, install and get going. I was surprised at the e-ink capability and, true as they say, it's easy to read in all light conditions but night time with various ambient lights make it difficult but not impossible. I rate Kindle DX International AUSTRALIA 3 stars. They loose one star for limited charging solution and one star for lack of colour display/limited input options which I really expect for a device at this price.
PROS:
* Easy to read and increase text size - can read without the need of glasses
* Plug into your computer to see Kindle as a USB drive where you can drag'n'drop content to it
* Right size for a book alternative - fits briefcase, travel satchel, handbag etc
* Easily fits the separate Kindle DX cover (a must have option BTW)
* Books actually download fast (even with dodgy Australian telco providers)
* Big WOW factor - be prepared for lots of stares and questions on the train, plane etc!
CONS:
* No international power plug. Big drawback - it only comes with a special Kindle USB cable. You really need a high power USB port on your computer to charge it. Will not charge from an Apple USB wall charger!
* Surprisingly we found the back catalog of books quite limited - new titles only - forget buying textbooks yet (unless they're black and white)
* Grey scale screen is nice but they need a colour version asap - hopefully with iPad and others around I expect to see an enhanced Kindle DX very soon
* Reading PDF files is limited - difficult to zoom and read
* Technical performance of the device was slow and unresponsive - press a button and it takes time to respond. This was surprising but understandable to save battery life and you get used to it
* Keyboard is so small - need magnifying glasses to see the keys and rather useless but needed.
By Matthew Holden
