By: Nick Gambino
Part of the appeal of the Kindle Paperwhite is its simplicity. We expect little more than a simple-to-use e-reader that’s easy on the eyes. That doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement which is why Amazon has decided to update the device after three years.
The Kindle Paperwhite is getting a bigger screen, bumping up to 6.8 inches. The display is also brighter and allows you to adjust the color temperature. The adjustable color temperature feature has been around for a couple of years but was reserved for the more expensive Kindle Oasis. Now we’re seeing that convenience worked into the more modest Paperwhite.
In addition to a screen upgrade, they are adding USB-C charging which seems to be the port of choice for most new devices. What that means is the Kindle will charge up faster than ever, achieving full charge in about 2.5 hours.
Speaking of charge, this new guy will hold out for a lot longer, lasting a good 10 weeks on one full charge. That’s up from its predecessor’s respectable 6 weeks of charge. They’ve also souped it up with a faster and more powerful processor.
The body of the Paperwhite isn’t too different save the reduced bezels to make way for the bigger screen. The display is still flush-mounted with a built-in backlight. It’s also still waterproof.
In terms of functionality, the Kindle device is getting updated software that will elevate it to the realm of smartphones and the like. Anyone who’s ever used the Paperwhite knows that it’s rudimentary at best and is intended to be so. The new Kindle software will allow for swipe-down settings and a menu bar that will appear at the bottom of Home.
For those looking for a little more oomph from their Kindle, they can go with the Paperwhite Signature Edition. This pricier option has Qi-charging capabilities, an adjustable light sensor, and 32GB of storage (the standard model is only 8GB).
There’s also a kid’s version that’s ad-free and comes with a 2-year protection plan and kid-friendly covers.
The new Kindle Paperwhites are available for pre-order now and will ship on October 27.
