Hudson_CM wrote:

The Kindle Fire....i consider it a toy currently and use it the least. I mostly bought it for the smaller form factor to take on trips so i can leave the ipad at home with the wife. The general interface is OK, the Silk browser is not nearly as smooth as Safari, i find my self having to tap links multiple times to get them to open, scrolling and tap to zoom doesn't work as well or as smooth as on the iPad, maybe in a future update...(i'm current with my updates, but its still got a ways to go). Current lack of apps annoys me a little...mostly the inability to get the CNBC realtime app, but this will change with time.

Fine print: I do not, never have and never will own an Apple product. I am a big advocate for the Google cloud world.

That said, I've been in IT for 20 years and the complaints about the Fire are no different than the complaints about the ipad (after the 'iWow' factor wore off,) when it first came out. The Fire too will improve in many of the areas it is now lacking. One thing is for sure, Amazon is not about to pull a 'Google' or and 'HP' (now verbs meaning 'hit'n run.')

A bad showing today will mean a $150 Kindle DX deal in Jan - Seems like they really want these out the door.

How does Kindle DX do with foreign languages ? Not merely western/eastern european ? Can it do Chinese ? Can it do Indic languages ?

oncomouse wrote:Yes, but this is a Kindle DX with a screen almost the size of an iPad. New they're $379 still on Amazon. The larger screen really increases the price. But... who needs that giant screen?

bowlingb wrote:Anyone that wants to store over 100 technical manuals on a single device and be able to read them without the reflow layout messing them up.

Or people who love to read (or need to read) but have various visual and/or muscular disorders that prevent them using their eyes much of the time. e-Ink on larger screens opens up a whole new world for them that their ailments had previously closed. The list of ailments is long, but suffice it to say, if you or someone you loves has difficulty using their eyes much of the time but loves to (greatly misses) the ability to read, the Amazon Pearl e-Ink and the DX size screen is by far the best option.

Just keep in mind, this is not a toy, (like the iThis line or the Fire,) this is a precision tool with one purpose, to read from. You wouldn't buy a cheap electric screwdriver to drill 3" screws into concrete; you'd buy a high end hammer drill. You choose the right tool for the job, as simple as that.

stewball00 wrote:The price point on this one is crazy. Why would I buy this when I can get a NEW kindle fire for $200?

Wow,no one else even mentioned that!

I have had a kindle dx (white) since they first came out, probably 2-3 years now and I really like it. I read much more than I used to. As previously pointed out, the e-ink is great for people who primarily want an e-reader.

It's also great for displaying and storing recipes/cooking as someone mentioned. I have also used it to display and store pdf's of sheet music for singing group rehearsals, as well other types of pdfs, especially those with diagrams or graphics.

It was a gift and I would never have bought it for myself due to the price but now that I own it I definitely see it's value.

I did buy a kindle touch with wifi and special offers, mainly for increased portability. Great for reading on the go. Of course the price was great.

I will probably eventually buy the Kindle fire, but I don't see it as a replacement for the other Kindles at all. I see myself using it for streaming Amazon Prime videos, etc. Lots of fun, but not reading.

Adding a .pdf file to your Kindle DX is as simple as connecting it to your computer via usb cable, and dragging the pdf onto the Kindle icon. I bought a DX about a year ago and love it. Unfortunately, I paid $389 for it...I used it primarily for school, where most of my reading was articles in pdf form. Absolutely GREAT device for that, as well as for books.

Yes, but you can drag and drop from your computer for no charge.

The DX and the Fire are like bills and coins. Both are forms of legal tender, but in certain situations one will be preferred over the other. That is, unless you're the kind of person that tries to play "quarters" with dollar bills and shows up to the strip club with a pocketful of loose change.

glinness wrote:I have a spine disability that makes it hard to turn pages on the Kindle. I would love a USB hand switch so I could leave the reader propped in the most convenient position while changing pages without moving my arm. I know it sounds a bit silly to most of you, but even holding a book in reading position takes a pain toll on me. I'd bet that a lot of people would like this for reading in bed, for instance.
.
Are there any 3rd party vendors selling such a remote switch, either wireless or USB wired? Or any willing to have a go at it?

I think you have a GREAT idea. I would appreciate something like that as well.

mbk21 wrote:The big deal for me is readability in sunlight (on my back deck, in the car, etc). The Kindle Fire has a backlit screen, and therefore the same problems with glare that cell phones, laptops, and tablets have in bright light. I have a different Kindle (also with e-ink) and read it in the brightest sunlight without any trouble at all.

Not to be sarcastic here, but to add to your comment, some people like to read books. Try reading a book on the beach using ANY device other than a Kindle with e-ink.

No, this device is not for everyone. But for those who are into actually reading text -- especially in the sunlight -- Kindles with e-ink cannot be beat.

Question... Why would you buy a refurb black and white when you can buy a brand new, WAY Kindle Fire for $199?? Yikes Woot.

yumkay wrote:How does Kindle DX do with foreign languages ? Not merely western/eastern european ? Can it do Chinese ? Can it do Indic languages ?

It can read Chinese for sure, with the Duokan firmware
http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Duokan_Kindle

KYoung0822 wrote:Question... Why would you buy a refurb black and white when you can buy a brand new, WAY Kindle Fire for $199?? Yikes Woot.

Obvious troll is obvious

administrator1956 wrote:Why would you want to read books on a device (the Fire) which is not meant to let your eyes do that?

E-ink screen is for reading. Hours. Without getting tired, like if itwas paper.

Back-lighted screens (all of them) will tire your eyes. That's all. You can't compare two completely different devices.

I agree on one thing: Amazon first tells you the correct thing "To read, you need e-ink screen". Then, seeing that many people continue to name "ereaders" all the tablets , it puts out the Fire and tells you can read on it. Not coherent.

Actually, e-ink has only one advantage: Outdoors in bright light. Indoors, my Sony (with the same e-ink screen as the Kindle) was unreadable unless I had bright, direct lighting on the screen. In bed I had to lean over under the lamp on my night table to see things clearly. Hanging a booklight from the top of the Sony wasn't a good option, sort of like holding an anglerfish. I sold the Sony and bought a Nook Color. The secret that e-ink mfr's don't want you to know is that backlit LCD screens work perfectly -if- you adjust the backlighting correctly so the contrast between the backlight and the ambient light is within a comfortable range. The Nook Color is superior to my old Sony in every way possible. The Kindle has you locked into their ecosystem and I prefer non-DRM ePub. In fact, I do buy Kindle books but I de-DRM them and convert them to ePub where they now work in the Nook perfectly.

sailsagain wrote:I used my Kindle Keyboard 3G when recovering from an injury. During physical therapy I also found the page-turning to be a challenge. BUT I found my Kindle can be used for hands-free reading two different ways:
1. I turn on the text-to-speech feature, turn the volume all the way down, set the kindle on the book stand on the exercise machine, and watch it turn the pages for me. There are 3 reading speeds to choose from. While this may not be ideal (you will still need to reach up to pause it if you are interrupted), it is fun to see someone trying to decide whether or not you are using telekinesis to turn the pages... LOL
2. Use the text-to-speech with the speaker or earphones to just listen to the book. It does a decent job, not as monotone as you would think. I have only found 2 or 3 of my books (out of over 200 Kindle books) do not work with the text-to-speech feature. I have even loaded my own text documents, and the text-to-speech will read them out loud to me! I love it!
I also have an Audible subscription and can listen to those with my Kindle.

Thanks for the info!!!!

I am aware there are rudimentary email capabilities with this Kindle model. Does anybody know if you can compose/send/receive email on it with a Gmail account?

Just in case anyone cares, I think this is great just as it is. It's just nice to read on. I loves the tactile feel of books, but I split my reading about 70/30 now. I regularly go to this instead of my tablet, laptop, or iPhone to read (or books). It's changed the way I read things, made it more convenient for me to read more often.

I love my DX. Not everyone complains about eye-strain, but flashing computer screens affect your eyes and your brain whether you realize it or not. There isn't much peer-reviewed literature on the subject because the basic science is so clear. Talk to your doctor, do your own research, you'll find the same thing.

The DX stands on its own as a great reader. It isn't for everyone, but if it appeals to you, there's a good chance you'll love it

themacguy wrote:Actually, e-ink has only one advantage: Outdoors in bright light. Indoors, my Sony (with the same e-ink screen as the Kindle) was unreadable unless I had bright, direct lighting on the screen. In bed I had to lean over under the lamp on my night table to see things clearly. Hanging a booklight from the top of the Sony wasn't a good option, sort of like holding an anglerfish. I sold the Sony and bought a Nook Color. The secret that e-ink mfr's don't want you to know is that backlit LCD screens work perfectly -if- you adjust the backlighting correctly so the contrast between the backlight and the ambient light is within a comfortable range. The Nook Color is superior to my old Sony in every way possible. The Kindle has you locked into their ecosystem and I prefer non-DRM ePub. In fact, I do buy Kindle books but I de-DRM them and convert them to ePub where they now work in the Nook perfectly.

1) Light:
I do not agree. Standard home lights will work fine with all the Vizplex' screens, especially the 9,7" ones. Plus, this DX-G has the Pearl screen, with improved contrast. Only Sipix screens (asus dr900 & some other) suck bad with home lights. Please note that the kind of light changes things a lot. Wither light will result in a more comfortable reading experience.
When you're in the bed, you'll need a specific reading light

Tft screens if well adjusted with light, with a nice refresh rate, and good resolution can be comfortable too, especially if you can keep them distant from your eyes, let's say 50 centimeters. But reading on every e-ink with daylight is really like paper. Try reading with a tablet with daylight (even at home): the screen will result dark unless you live near the Poles

2) Epub & file formats:
this is the real weak point of all Amazon's Kindles, mobi is like a prison and Epub has way better quality.

This is the second time this has been on woot in the past week or so.

I SMELL A WOOTOFF COMING ON!!!! YAY!!!! HOLD ONTO YOUR BOOTS KIDS!!!!

There's lots of discussion regarding the various E Ink Kindles vs the more multi-tasking devices, but there is one advantage to having a dedicated eReader that no one seems to have mentioned...

When I put my Kindle into my purse, it doesn't walk away like the other devices. No one grabs it to play games, watch movies, listen to music, check Facebook, etc.

mschauber wrote:Fine print: I do not, never have and never will own an Apple product.

Aren't you so superior...

Free $10 for Kindle Etext books for buyers

http://slickdeals.net/f/3770194-Free-10-Amazon-Kindle-eTextbook-Credit

rlj1010 wrote:Aren't you so superior...

Stupid is as stupid does...

Amazing how many people say the same things over and over. After the DX woot prior to Christmas and now this, I feel as though I am an expert on the Kindle DX.
Now a nice starter camera for use on a new baby is a different story. We had that one Canon Rebel and now nothing. I could read about that stuff all day, and it would help to fuel my indecisive nature and who knows, I might even settle on something.
Great pictures, best value, neato factor-come on my fellow wooters- steer the subject to more interesting things-namely help me with camera info.
Thanks in advance!

mschauber wrote:Do they still charge for emailing your own PDFs to the Kindle DX for viewing?

Sending any personal document to the Kindle via 3G costs 15 cents per MB. I do this only when I want a .doc file converted to Kindle format, or I need to send a file from work. They will also convert a file and send it to your email for free if you want, but you must then use the USB cable to transfer it to the Kindle. PDF's are not converted, and the file sizes are often quite large, so you can save a few cents by using the USB cable.

mschauber wrote:Do they still charge for emailing your own PDFs to the Kindle DX for viewing?

Yes. The DX doesn't support Wi-Fi, so you can't use free Wi-Fi delivery. The Wi-Fi-enabled kindles allow attachments to @free.kindle.com at no charge.

Your only options are to email it to the @kindle.com address and be charged for the delivery or transfer over USB.

The "Want One" is bouncing so if you've been thinking about the Kindle DX, go for it soon! It will sell out and you'll be sorry.

jbhswim wrote:The "Want One" is bouncing so if you've been thinking about the Kindle DX, go for it soon! It will sell out and you'll be sorry.

Yeah, and they don't have a whole boat load waiting in the warehouse for the next offer.

SOLD OUT *does the woot sold out happy dance* (looks a lot like the snoopy dance)

lexian wrote:SOLD OUT *does the woot sold out happy dance* (looks a lot like the snoopy dance)

Glad I made my decision in time.

Suggestions on cases for these? Maybe a woot! for that next? I got one DX new during Amazon's Black Friday deal and two more during the last woot! sale. It has been a holiday of reading for the whole family. For those that need a light for this let me recommend the:

Belkin Clip-On Reading Light for Kindle (Graphite)

I started with one of these and fights over it pursued, so just ordered a second.

grahamnegative wrote:Adding a .pdf file to your Kindle DX is as simple as connecting it to your computer via usb cable, and dragging the pdf onto the Kindle icon. I bought a DX about a year ago and love it. Unfortunately, I paid $389 for it...I used it primarily for school, where most of my reading was articles in pdf form. Absolutely GREAT device for that, as well as for books.

Thanks for the info on adding PDFs. I read through Amazon's site and they only mentioned sending them by email, although I assumed it could be done as you described.

This unit would be a DEFINITE buy if it had wifi..

rlj1010 wrote:Aren't you so superior...

No, it's a matter of preference (and other sociological/moral choices.) If you noticed I wasn't demeaning anyone or any product (other than the hit'n runs some companies have been known for...

Am I the only one who noticed that in the description, 2094+7 doesn't equal 3011. It equals 2101.

As someone who owns a Kindle Fire; the original Kindle; Barnes & Noble Nook, and the Apple iPad - I can say the answer really depends upon the person.

I bought a Kindle Fire for gifts, and my family did not like them due to the limitations.

The book reader, offered & sold out here, is limited in function.

I recommend folks wait for the iPad2 (wait for the iPad3 to come out for sales on the 2) by saving money if cost is the issue.

If you look on ebay, Apple products retain their value.

The one benefit the Kindle reader has is if you want the original "book text" style. The Kindle reader app is on the iPad2. The "book like text" is sought after by some.

I haven't noticed a big enough reason to say one is better than the other.

I've just had to deal with the hassle of sending products back and buying new gifts. If you want to buy the best and make them happy, the iPad2 is the answer.

yumkay wrote:How does Kindle DX do with foreign languages ? Not merely western/eastern european ? Can it do Chinese ? Can it do Indic languages ?

On my DX I was able to read a PDF file with text in Hebrew. However the name of the file was garbled. So looks like the only way to read foreign language documents is to convert them to PDF (with the foreign fonts embedded in the document.)

FYI, I picked up two of these a few weeks ago for my twin 17 yr old daughters and they love them, I asked are you sure they are OK are you sure!! They are very happy with them, all they do is study and read so this fits the bill...

mschauber wrote:Or people who love to read (or need to read) but have various visual and/or muscular disorders that prevent them using their eyes much of the time. e-Ink on larger screens opens up a whole new world for them that their ailments had previously closed. The list of ailments is long, but suffice it to say, if you or someone you loves has difficulty using their eyes much of the time but loves to (greatly misses) the ability to read, the Amazon Pearl e-Ink and the DX size screen is by far the best option.

Just keep in mind, this is not a toy, (like the iThis line or the Fire,) this is a precision tool with one purpose, to read from. You wouldn't buy a cheap electric screwdriver to drill 3" screws into concrete; you'd buy a high end hammer drill. You choose the right tool for the job, as simple as that.

I bought the DX black Friday new for 259. and couldn't be more pleased. I have over fifty year old eyes; that, and lasik have made me very far sighted. As a result I haven't read much in decades. You are right ---It has opened up a new world!

I also opted for one of the synthetic covers---CaseCrown Amazon Kindle DX Synthetic cover which was much cheaper.

I've been using OpenOffice.org for documents and I change them to HTML and then send it to myself@freekindle.com----that way there's no charge. They send it back to my computer in the kindle format and I download and transfer it using the USB cord. I use it like that for my recipes and then I just take the Kindle into the kitchen and slip it into a plastic bag while I cook......

By the way if you want a light that throws enough to read in bed with the DX you may want to look at this --
Beam N Read LED 3 Hands Free Travel Reading Light