วันเสาร์ที่ 13 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2553

Kindle DX for AUSTRALIA

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

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