Review: Amazon Kindle DX with Global Wireless

I WANT to love e-books and e-readers, I really do. The gadget-lover in me says I should but the sad fact is, I just don't.

A couple of weeks spent with Amazon's Kindle DX with Global Wireless, now on sale in the UK, has done little to change my opinion.

The DX has a quality feel to it, particularly when it's shrouded in the leather-look black cover that makes it look like a super-slim, old-fashioned book.

But I still can't shake the feeling that, if anyone was to see me reading on it in public, I'd feel a bit of a plonker.

Anyway, let's take a look at some numbers.

The DX is Amazon's largest e-reader, with a 9.7inch screen, 3.3GB of storage space - that equates to around 3,500 books, magazines and newspapers - and a built-in 3G connection for downloading content direct to your device.

This latter point is important because there are no extra charges for using that 3G connection and no monthly plans. There's also built-in WiFi for downloading via your home network, making the DX an altogether well-connected device.

At the moment all the books come from Amazon's American website, so you pay in dollars, but there's no problems for UK customers wishing to build an extensive library in this way.

I was pleasantly surprised by the DX's E-Ink display. In normal light it's very readable but the big bonus comes when you use the Kindle in bright, outdoor light because the text - which has six size settings available - displays even sharper.

Low light is, however, a whole different ball game, so forget the idea of reading by that low bedside lamp.

Another major problem for me is the DX's ridiculously sensitive orientation sensor. Tip the device just a fraction to either side and the screen switches orientation. It drove me mad, and I quickly switched off the option.

I'm right-handed, which is just as well because all the DX's controls sit on the right of the frame, making using the Kindle awfully hard work for lefties.

Earlier versions of the Kindle had page-turn controls on the left side of the frame as well, and I can't help but wonder why Amazon changed the layout for the DX.

And then there's the very poor keypad, with tiny buttons that make entering even the smallest amounts of text a trial.

Another puzzling design choice involves PDF support.

Yes, you can read PDFs on the DX, but there's no zoom so you're stuck with however the DX decides to display your file, and the only way to increase the size of your page is to switch to landscape mode, which can result in bits hanging off the side of the display.

On the plus side, actually switching the Kindle on and getting going for the first time is simplicity itself - there's no software to install and it comes pre-loaded with a user guide. Once you order a DX, the device is automatically linked to your Amazon account, so all the registration issues are already taken care of.

The DX with Global Wireless costs a hefty £325 ($489) and, while there are no Customs duties, the international shipment is subject to VAT.