If you're skeptical about whether or not you need a Kindle, take a moment to read our article on why every e-book fan needs a Kindle. Bottom line:they're easier to use, read more like paper than phones, can hold thousands of books, and have incredible battery life.
Convinced? Okay. Now, there are several Kindle models that you can choose from. This is how you choose the right kind of Kindle for your particular needs without losing money.
Note: This article focuses on the e-reader versions of the Kindle. For more information on the tablet versions of the Kindle, check out our guide to LCD Kindles. The two are different. Don't accidentally get the wrong type!
The Kindle Oasis is Amazon's best offering in the Kindle e-reader line. Think of it as the luxury model with lots of cool and quirky features that you'll probably never need, but is ultimately the most comfortable to use.
Ergonomically speaking, the Kindle Oasis is the thinnest and lightest Kindle device ever made. Comes with a one-sided grip that tapers down to just 0.13 inches at its finest point. The grip is perfect for one-handed reading, but at 0.425 pounds , This device could tire your wrists..
The physical structure is also more robust than other Kindle models, made of galvanized plastic that is stronger but lighter than regular plastic.
The biggest feature of the Kindle Oasis.? Your leather case recharges the battery.. Not only is the leather cover sleek and stylish, but combined with Kindle Oasis's new sleep mode, you can get months of battery life on a charge. Yes, it is removable. It comes in black, merlot and walnut colors..
Other notable features include a 7-inch 300 PPI high-resolution display, IPX8-rated waterproof design, Bluetooth connection with audio devices, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, and built-in LED lighting for page-view consistency. when needed.
Only get the Kindle Oasis if you have money to burn. The reload leather cover is nifty, but ultimately unnecessary unless you expect to find yourself stuck on an island for weeks. The grip is its most practical feature, but is it worth the price increase? Only you can decide.
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The Kindle Voyage was Amazon's best-selling Kindle model until the Kindle Oasis launched in early 2016, and now that the Kindle Oasis is here, it seems like the Kindle Voyage no longer has any reason to exist. It's no longer the luxury option, but it's still too expensive for casual readers.
It is technically the second thinnest and lightest Kindle thanks to its thickness of 0.30 inches and his weight of 0.41 pounds And while those specs aren't bad by any means, it's hard to justify the difference in price between the Kindle Voyage and the next model down.
Like the Kindle Oasis, the Kindle Voyage comes with a touchscreen, a 6-inch 300 PPI high-resolution display, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, and built-in LED lights for dark reading (though fewer bulbs than the Kindle Oasis). ). Its battery life is measured in weeks. It lacks Bluetooth connectivity for audio.
The Kindle Voyage is the only model with PagePress Technology , which allows you to rest your thumb on the edge and press lightly when you want to turn the page. It's a worthwhile quality-of-life upgrade over the smaller models many Kindle Voyage users rave about.
You're basically paying $80 on the next model for three things:half an inch less thickness, a negligible amount of weight reduction, and PagePress technology. Personally, I can live without those features, and if you can afford the Kindle Voyage, you can also save up for the Kindle Oasis.
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The Kindle Paperwhite is without a doubt the most popular Kindle model. It's better than the most basic model in every way, but it just costs a bit more. If you ask me, the Kindle Paperwhite should be Amazon's cheapest model because there's really no reason to go below it.
It weighs in at 0.48 pounds with a thickness of 0.36 inches , making it the heaviest of all the Kindle models, but the real difference between it and, say, the Kindle Oasis isn't that noticeable for everyday reading.
The Kindle Paperwhite comes with a touch screen, and it's the lowest model that still has a 6-inch 300 PPI high-resolution screen, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, and a built-in LED system for dark reading (even less light bulbs). than the Kindle Voyage). Its battery life is measured in weeks..
The only thing the Kindle Paperwhite lacks is Bluetooth connectivity for audio.
Thinking of buying your first Kindle? You can't go wrong with the Kindle Paperwhite. It's good for portability and long-term reading, doesn't skimp on any critical features, and costs only $40 more than the Kindle Basic. This is everyone's Kindle, at a great price.
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The Kindle Basic is a disappointment. It's obviously intended as an entry-level device for those who want to try e-ink technology without investing too much, but the Kindle Basic's feature set is limited and offers very little value for money.
This weighs in at 0.35 pounds with a thickness of 0.36 inches , making it the lightest of all Kindle devices and best for longer reading sessions where your arms are prone to wear and tear.
But in reality, the Kindle Basic is inferior to the Kindle Paperwhite in almost every other way. It has a touch screen, but it does not have a high resolution screen (only 167 PPI). Battery life is measured in weeks, but there are no built-in LED lights for dark reading, which is bad news for late-night readers.
The Kindle Basic comes with Bluetooth connectivity for audio and Wi-Fi connectivity, but no option for 3G. However, this is fine because you can always get around the lack of 3G by creating your own Wi-Fi hotspots, either by tethering a smartphone or connecting a laptop with a reverse connection.
We do not recommend the Kindle Basic. If you buy one and end up loving it, you're only going to upgrade to a Kindle Paperwhite anyway, so you can start with one. Only use the Kindle Basic if you're really itching for an e-reader, but can't afford to spend the money.
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Have you decided which model you want to get? If so, awesome! But before you dive in and order one from Amazon, take a moment to consider whether you need a Kindle right now. .
There are valid reasons why you may want to wait before buying an e-reader this year. It's also smart to wait a few weeks before making any gadget purchases. How to be frugal while enjoying tech and gadgets How to be frugal while enjoying tech and gadgets Just because you're frugal doesn't mean you can't enjoy tech! Here are some tips on how not to break the bank with tech purchases. Read More But if that's not a problem for you, go ahead and start reading e-books on that beautiful e-ink screen. Your eyes and your mind will thank you profusely..
