Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device

Review: Fourth generation (2011) Kindle

21.05.12

If all you're after is a device for reading the latest bestseller while curled up in front of the fire or kicking back on the beach this holiday season, then you won't really find yourself missing the keyboard - with a few minor exceptions, such as inputting your details at set up, searching for a book in the store or (for the masochists out there) using the included Web browser. On these occasions you'll be forced to rely on navigating around an onscreen keyboard using the 5-way controller. Thankfully the device's response time is fast enough to make this is tolerable as is possible, but for inputting anything longer than a few words you'll soon be wishing you had shelled out a little extra - if not for the Kindle 3 (or Kindle Keyboard), which is still on sale through Amazon, then at least for the Kindle Touch, which offers an onscreen touch keyboard in a similar form factor to the 2011 Kindle. So note takers take note - this Kindle is not for you.

While the weight and size reductions - the device weighs 5.98 oz (170 g) and measures 6.5 x 4.5 x 0.34 in (166 x 114 x 8.7 mm) - will be welcomed by most, they do have a downside. With the 2011 Kindle featuring the same 6-inch E ink Pearl display found on all current Kindle models (save for the LCD-sporting Fire) and most competitor offerings, its overall small size can make it hard to find a comfortable one-handed grip that allows the user to keep a finger on a Next page button. Still, the lightness of the device means something can generally be worked out.