Amazon Digital Services has released a large screen Kindle DX electronic reader. The new version of the black and white reader was introduced on Thursday morning with a price reduction from $489 to $379.

The new Kindle DX boasts of a 9.7 inch screen enclosed in a dark graphite frame. A company spokesman stated that the gadget utilizes an electronic ink screen which makes a major improvement in text and image clarity. Its performance is more than half times the previous versions.

The DX which was initially meant for reading newspaper and text books did not perform as expected. The newer version can read a broad range of materials like graphic books and PDFs. The battery fully charged can last up to one week without recharging with wireless on but if wireless is off, the power can go up to two weeks.

Its price is seen to be high compared to other readers. Critics say its cost is almost that of an Apple iPad which has a lot of functions. However, the company defended the pricing stating that it can hold up to 3,500 books, periodicals and documents. Synchronization is done by Whilspersync technology which saves user library and last page read.

For social network lovers, the device allows one to share reading passion on face book or twitter and to enjoy 3G wireless coverage locally and internationally. The most amazing feature is the read-to-me feature. This allows the device to read aloud newspapers, magazine, blogs and books.

Amazon.com has made it clear that it will be serving even clients who are outside the United States.