Review It took Amazon’s Kindle 2 a good while to escape from Uncle Sam’s backyard but less than three months more for the international version of the Kindle DX to arrive. Before we even laid hands on the DX we knew it was both bigger and more expensive, but is it any better?
The most obvious difference between the DX and Amazon’s lesser Kindles is the larger screen. Like the standard Kindle, the DX uses an E Ink display, but it’s a 9.7in unit with a resolution of 1200 x 824 rather than the basic Kindle’s 6in, 600 x 800 panel.
Amazon’s Kindle DX: the size e-book readers should be?
Though larger, the DX’s screen actually has a lower pixels per inch figure – 150 vs 167 – but the difference is indiscernible to the eye. In every way, the DX’s larger screen makes for a much better reading experience than that provided by any other e-book reader we have tested.
Because the DX has followed so hard on the heels of the Kindle 2, Register Hardware found itself with both devices in its clammy grip at the same time, allowing for a direct comparison. While the screens look the same in terms of contrast and shade, there’s no doubt that the DX changes pages with a far less obvious grey-to-black-and-back-again flash. Read the rest of this entry »
Review The knack in marketing a product that can perform a multitude of tasks is obviously picking the right ones to focus on but, at the same time, not forgetting to mention anything really interesting. O2 has decided to pitch its new Joggler primarily as an interactive digital calendar for the busy modern family but, after a thorough nose around this oddly named device, we are not entirely sure O2 is focusing on its best side.
O2’s Joggler: silly name, but clever device
In appearance, the Joggler is nothing too out of the ordinary – looking half PMP, half digital photo frame. The body of the device measures 115 x 180 x 25mm and it stands propped up at around sixty degrees by its fixed and non-removable metal stand. The front is of the unit is dominated by a 7in 800×480 LCD screen and, rather unusually, it is completely devoid of controls, buttons or logos.
Without any sort of on/off switch you just plug the Joggler in and wait for it to spring into life whereupon you will be presented with a pleasant green/blue hued home page with fifteen on-screen buttons that provide access to the Joggler’s various functions. These include your O2 calendar, photos, music, videos, games, news – current affairs and sports – weather and traffic information. Read the rest of this entry »
