Kindle DX
| The Kindle DX has one of the largest viewing screens of the current electronic readers. |
Kindle Reader
This Kindle reader is the third generation of the Amazon Kindles. The DX uses a new, improved electronic ink display, with 50% better contrast for the clearest text and sharpest images. The three main differences from previous versions are:  
1. Size - The DX is larger than the Kindle 2 with a bigger screen of almost 10". The Kindle 2 screen is 6". The larger screen does translate into easier reading. The screen reads like real paper and has 16 shades of gray so the text is crisp and clear and has sharp images. 2. Ability to download PDF files The other main feature of the DX is that you can download PDF files from your computer - you cannot on the Kindle 2.3. Price - More Expensive The Kindle DX is $379 quite a bit more than the
Kindle 2.
Both the Kindle 2 and Kindle DX have the text-to-speech feature. It is a computer voice not an actor reading a book. However, the voices sound like humans and are not as stilted as the original computer generated voices. It can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, (unless the book's rights holder made the feature unavailable). So if you are looking for a bigger screen and the ability to download and read PDF files then the extra cost of almost $200 will be worth it. To watch an excellent video that describes this ebook reader better than words click here: Amazon DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7" Display, White, 3G Works Globally – 2nd Generation
Free Kindle Books
Are you tired of trying to find or buy large print books? The selection is limited and they cost more than regular books. You will find that an electronic reader means you rarely have to buy books any more. Free Kindle books can be downloaded from the Amazon website. It's so easy and takes only seconds to download. Get a current library card and "borrow" your books on your Kindle. No need to return any books, because after a period of time, they simply disappear (you are given prior warning).
Large Print Newspapers

Your favorite daily newspaper can be delivered automatically every morning right to your Kindle. Just press the font button to increase the size of the print. Not sure if you want it? That's OK - just sign up for the free 14 day trial period and if you don't like it cancel it.
Kindle DX Reviews
With over 500 reviews for the DX, there are a couple of them from those with low vision like this one:
Review by Legally Blind Person
By Dawn Randall:
"I bought this as a trial to see how well it would work for me since I have low vision and am legally blind as a result. I'm happy to report that the Kindle DX has been a great help to me. I like that all my books can be turned into large print;
however, I would like to see one-two more larger font sizes added in the future. The text to speech quality is pretty good but has trouble with the pronunciation of some words which should be improved but does not detract all that much.
I did not find the larger format to be cumbersome. The larger screen makes this a necessary trade off and is easily solved by using a book stand or lap desk if reading for extended periods.
I also enjoy receiving my favorite magazines and new newspaper automatically. I love the portability and ease with which I can carry a variety of reading materials. Overall, I'm very pleased with my new Kindle and have read 4 books since I got it a month ago!
Review by an Ophthalmologist
By James E. Davis
I received my Kindle DX today. It was supposed to be backordered for five weeks but I got it in two. My office manager has a Kindle 1 and she told me that in our rural area it was necessary to download books to the computer and then connect the Kindle and transfer it using the USB cable. I bought my first book and before I could connect the cable it was wirelessly downloading my book. Apparently the Kindle DX will work even with ancient cell phone technology.
It took about three minutes to download a book. I went outside to read after dinner and noticed several things; you don't have to use two hands to keep the wind from blowing the pages so swatting flies and petting the dog are easily accomplished while reading. As dusk developed, reading was very easy.
I am an ophthalmologist and I tried the large print on the large DX screen and it is a lot better than large print books.
I will be recommending this to my macular degeneration patients before talking books.
I really think this thing deserves a seven star rating.
Review - Mother with Macular Degeneration
By C. Stevens
I recently bought this device for my 77 year old mother who suffers from Macular degeneration.
The ability to change font size, and large screen are excellent.
It's also easier for her to read than her computer screen which tends to cause eye fatigue.
There is a problem however, which I hope Amazon can address. In addition to the buttons being tiny, they are white on white, almost impossible for my mother to see. While a bit of creative color coding may solve this problem, it's a real shame that the Amazon home screen continues to use a very small font. As I understand it, although the font can be changed for actual reading purposes, the screens used to navigate around the library, select books etc. remain in small font.
This device could be a God send for her (she reads voraciously even now), but a few poorly though out features cause it to be needlessly difficult for her to navigate. I don't know if this feature (the home screen in particular) can be fixed with a firmware update or if it's a permanent fixture, but I urge Amazon to recognize that a huge potential market segment for them are the visually impaired and elderly, small white on white screens and small fonts in vital navigation areas prevent this tool from being a slam dunk.
To read more reviews click here:
DX Reviews
To go to Amazon's website click here:
Amazon DX Wireless Reading Device (9.7" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)
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