When the Kindle DX was announced, I wasn’t particularly impressed. At first passing, it seemed like a larger, bulkier Kindle 2. That being said, the more I learn about the new Kindle DX, the more I like it.
I’ve always been fascinated by what an eBook reader like the Kindle could do for the middle school classroom. There wouldn’t be a need to restock classroom libraries every year. Students would have the power to choose books based on interest, not availability.
The handheld reader will let customers read magazines, newspapers, and textbooks complete with images and graphics. Users also can read PDF files on the Kindle DX–a selling point for faculty members whose courses regularly assign class readings on PDF files (Source: Technology Management – New Kindle is textbook friendly).
Reading PDF files was a major sticking point for me with the original Kindle. There was no reliable way to move text to the Kindle and retain any of the formatting. Allowing the Kindle DX to read PDFs without converting them to plain text is a major breakthrough. Supporting PDF also means that authors who publish eBooks in PDF format now have a platform for readers that doesn’t involve half a ream of copy paper.
The Kindle DX comes in at a hefty $498. Depending on how much textbooks cost, this price may be worth it for college students who need to purchase a half dozen college textbooks—usually priced at around $100 each—every semester. But at this price, it doesn’t seem feasible for the K-12 classroom given the budgets of most school districts these days. Furthermore, while the Kindle is rather durable, it would need to be need to withstand even more abuse in the elementary and middle school classroom.
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I agree that the Kindle would be a tremendous tool for students. I specifically like the wireless capability that allows you to access virtually any book at any time. If the cost came down significantly, I could see a good case for why every student should have one.