Digital Home Thoughts: Amazon Kindle DX Graphite Wireless Reading Device

"Just over a year ago, we reviewed Amazon's jumbo-sized Kindle, the Kindle DX. And just a few weeks ago, Amazon outed a new, $379 Graphite gray version of the DX. This time, it's got the new Pearl display from E Ink, which supposedly boasts a much higher contrast ratio and a faster page refresh rate over its predecessor. Other than that, you're looking at pretty much the same unit as before, and if you like a large e-reader, that's probably a good thing. Read on for our full impressions of the device."

Laura June, at Engadget.com, has written a thoughtful review of Amazon's new Kindle DX Graphite - the "Latest Generation" - in which she includes an impressive number of product photos, along with the type of usage details that any prospective buyer will appreciate. Sitting at the top of Amazon's Kindle line, the DX Graphite features a large display with improved contrast, free 3G wireless (but not WiFi), and up to 3 weeks of battery life (with the wireless off), in exchange for its rather hefty weight (18.9 ounces) and price tag. If the idea of a large format e-reader appeals to you, take care to note that the "2nd Generation" Kindle DX is still available, in white and at a slightly lower price, but without the new Pearl display technology. Even though I am not drawn to e-readers - a notebook seems a much more sensible purchase - the improved screen on the "Graphite" appears well worth the modest cost difference over the older DX model.