This morning I logged on to the Internet and everywhere I looked there was a story about Amazon’s new Kindle DX, a larger version of the Kindle 2.0. Now those of you who are regular readers of Planet Books know that I have a Kindle 2.0 and that I LOVE it. Sometimes I feel that I am missing out on something when a newer version becomes available but in this case I am perfectly happy and content with my “smaller” Kindle. This latest version of the Kindle is HUGE. At least it appears that way when I look at the pics available on Amazon and various news sites. 
Now my question is, “Why didn’t they release these two versions at the same time?” I believe the DX’s height and width is larger than a typical hardcover book which doesn’t appeal to me because I like to carry my Kindle 2.0 in my purse and that is easy with the smaller size. I am gathering that the main purpose for the larger screen on the DX is to read newspapers, magazines and textbooks; anything with pictures really that will translate more clearly and easily on a larger screen.
The word is that Amazon is pairing with a number of universities around the country in a pilot program and these schools will provide their students with the Kindle DX. If textbooks are published electronically than the use of the standard textbook would become obsolete. I think this is a great idea, especially for those with back-breaking textbooks that weigh their bags down (like my sisters had in high school) and it may decrease the price of textbooks.
If you have a Kindle what do you think about the piggy back release of the Kindle DX just three months after the 2.0 came out? If you are in the market for a Kindle which one will you buy? If you don’t want to enter the e-Reader age, what do think, if anything, about the Kindle and other e-Readers?
The Kindle 2.0 is $359, holds over 1500 books, has a 6″ diagonal screen and measures 8″ x 5.3″ x 0.36″. The Kindle DX is $489, holds up to 3500 books, has a 9.7″ diagonal screen and measures 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″.
Planet Books 