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The Kindle DX Graphite will be a big disappointment for those who predicted (or hoped) the next generation Kindle will feature touch or color screen or video playback capability. For people looking for a device that gives them pleasurable reading experience, however, the Kindle DX Graphite will surely match their expectations. Sporting 50% more contrast and faster page turns than the first generation Kindle DX, the Graphite eReader offers even greater readability. And now with lighter price tag of $379, the Kindle DX Graphite is a solid choice for business people, students, or anyone looking for a large-screened yet ultra portable eReader.

Features – Hardware and Software

Like the Kindle DX White, the Kindle DX Graphite sports a 9.7-inch eInk screen display that excellently displays a broad range of reading materials. Instead of Kindle’s trademark off-white casing, however, the Kindle DX 2’s screen is enclosed by a graphite casing. 

Though both Kindle DX versions share similar features and capabilities, from a readability perspective, the Kindle DX Graphite is overall a better device than its white twin. The Graphite offers 50% more screen contrast and a higher contrast ratio of 10:1, making text and images look a lot sharper and clearer. Also, perhaps taking a page from the B&N Nook, Amazon’s choice of graphite casing is just perfect. The graphite enclosure provides to make the dark text of the Kindle DX Graphite stand out more against the white screen background.

The Amazon Kindle DX Graphite offers all the goodness you find in the Kindle DX. It also comes with built-in accelerometer, text-to-speech function, PDF reader, long battery life (2 weeks with wireless off, 1 week with wireless on), basic web browser, and a large library space capable of storing up to 3,500 ebooks and other reading materials. There’s the access to Twitter and Facebook, library collections organizer, and support for 6 font sizes. Further, the Kindle DX Graphite is an excellent choice for those who travel abroad much and for those who live outside of the US as the device comes with AT&T-powered global 3G access. Whether you’re in the US or abroad, you can enjoy wireless downloads and wireless syncing. As with other Kindle models, you can enjoy use of 3G without worrying about monthly bills.

Content Formats Supported: Kindle (AZW), PDF, TXT, Audible (formats 4, Audible Enhanced (AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.

The Bottom Line

Instead of bending to the pressure of the media to add video playback capability, games, touch screen, or other features not related reading, Amazon simply focused on improving the Kindle DX’s readability. The Kindle DX Graphite is a testament to Amazon’s great emphasis on perfecting the reading experience.

Pros

While the Kindle DX Graphite measures 10.4 x 7.2 inches, its thin waistline of 0.36 inches and mere weight of 18.9 ounces make it ideal for couch reading or travel reading. Those who find the speed of the Kindle DX quite good will find the page turn speed of the Graphite even more impressive. The improvement is so slight – just a matter of some points of a second – but it means you waste less time waiting for each page turn to complete. In case you upgrade later to a new software update or decide to delete some new books from your Kindle to make room for new ones, you can always re-access and re-download your books. The Kindle DX Graphite automatically makes an online copy of our library books and stores them in your Amazon account.

Cons

The Kindle DX Graphite lacks a micro-SD slot, but given its very large onboard storage, it is capable of holding years’ worth of reading. Except for the casing color, it would be a little hard differentiate the Kindle DX Graphite from the Kindle DX White as they come with near-identical features. Without any other clear distinguishing feature, it might lead some consumers to think they’re the same model with different skins.

What’s in the box:

• Kindle DX Graphite
• US power adapter (supports 100V-240V)
• USB 2.0 cable
• Rechargeable battery
• Quick Start Guide

Main Features:

• 9.7-inch paper-like screen
• Comes with a 5-way controller
• Free global 3G access
• 4GB onboard storage
• Basic web browser
• Wireless access to 620,000 ebooks in the Kindle Store

Key Features:

• Graphite casing
• 50% better contrast
• Slim
• Changeable font sizes
• Supports text-to-speech
• Supports proprietary (.azw) format
• Supports audiobooks from Audible
• Natively supports PDF
• Auto-screen orientation
• Automatic library backup

Bonus Features

• Access to social networks (Facebook and Twitter)
• Access to popular highlights
• Music playback
• Built-in dictionary
• Free access to Wikepedia