Differences between Kindle DX and Nook
Contents
Comparison Article
The Kindle DX and the Barnes & Noble Nook were two electronic ink (E Ink) devices released in 2009 during the first major growth period of the e-reader market. Amazon launched the Kindle DX in May 2009 as a large-format alternative to its standard 6-inch Kindle 2. Barnes & Noble entered the market in October 2009 with the Nook, which featured a dual-screen design and utilized the Android operating system.
Kindle DX vs. Nook
The Kindle DX and the original Nook differed significantly in physical dimensions, navigation methods, and file compatibility. The Kindle DX used a 9.7-inch screen intended for professional and academic documents, while the Nook retained the industry-standard 6-inch size but added a secondary color touchscreen for navigation.
Comparison Table
| Category | Kindle DX | Nook (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Display | 9.7-inch E Ink | 6-inch E Ink |
| Resolution | 1200 x 824 pixels | 800 x 600 pixels |
| Navigation | Physical keyboard and joystick | Color LCD touchscreen strip |
| Internal Storage | 4 GB | 2 GB |
| Expandable Memory | None | microSD slot (up to 16 GB) |
| Connectivity | 3G (Global) | Wi-Fi and 3G (AT&T) |
| Primary File Format | AZW, MOBI, PDF | EPUB, PDB, PDF |
| Battery | Built-in (non-user-replaceable) | User-replaceable |
Hardware and Design
The Kindle DX was designed specifically to address the limitations of 6-inch screens when viewing PDF files and newspapers. Its 9.7-inch display allowed for the viewing of technical documents and textbooks without the need for horizontal scrolling or frequent zooming. It included an accelerometer that automatically rotated the screen orientation when the device was turned. Unlike the standard Kindle models of the time, the DX lacked Wi-Fi, relying instead on Amazon's "Whispernet" 3G cellular network for book downloads.
The Nook featured a unique hardware configuration consisting of a 6-inch E Ink display for reading and a 3.5-inch color LCD touchscreen located at the bottom of the device. This color strip was used for browsing the library, navigating the store, and accessing settings. When a book was opened, the color screen turned off to conserve power. Unlike the Kindle DX, the Nook included a microSD card slot for additional storage and a battery that could be replaced by the user.
File Formats and Ecosystem
File compatibility was a primary point of distinction between the two devices. The Kindle DX operated within Amazon's closed ecosystem, using the proprietary AZW format. While it could display PDF files natively, it did not support the open EPUB standard used by most libraries and other bookstores.
The Nook supported the EPUB format and utilized Adobe's digital rights management (DRM) system. This allowed Nook users to borrow digital books from public libraries. Barnes & Noble also introduced the "LendMe" feature, which permitted users to share certain titles with friends for a period of 14 days, a functionality that was not available on the Kindle DX at launch.
Legacy
Amazon released a revised version of the DX, known as the "Graphite" Kindle DX, in 2010. This model featured a screen with 50% better contrast. However, the DX line was eventually discontinued as Amazon focused on the 6-inch Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Fire tablet series. The original Nook was followed by the Nook Color and the Nook Simple Touch, as Barnes & Noble moved toward more traditional E Ink designs and full-color tablets.
References
- Perenson, M. J. (2009). "Amazon Kindle DX: Big Screen, Big Price." PC World.
- Carnoy, D. (2009). "Barnes & Noble Nook review." CNET.
- Ganapati, P. (2009). "Barnes & Noble's 'Nook' E-Reader Targets Kindle." Wired.
- Miller, P. (2010). "Kindle DX (Graphite) review." Engadget.
