Giant’s Kobo E-Reader May Put the Kindle in Its Place – WIRED

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In the annals of great underdogs, a Canadian Subsidiary of a Japanese mega-retailer makes for an Unlikely entrant. And yet here’s Kobo again, with a new e-reader That could give Kindle owners some serious second thoughts.

The new Kobo Aura One is literally big, a 7.8-inch behemoth into a world of standard 6 -inch displays. But its features are usefull outsized, Whether it’s robust waterproofing, a clever new nighttime lighting system, or a way to help you read as many top-shelf books as you please without paying a penny. More Importantly, they’re all enhancements you will not find on an Amazon Kindle.

Kobo A-Gogo

It’s a rocky time for e-readers. Last month, the Association of American Publishers Reported That book while overall revenue thickening increased .6 percent in 2015 versus the year before, e-book revenue fell a precipitous 11.3 percent. Extensiveness of Amazon’s e-reader lineup, only two crack the company’s top 100 sellers in electronics

So it’s not surprising then Kobo HAS That felt some of this decline as well.; in fact, the only surprising thing for most people May Be That an e-reader called Kobo exists at all. The upstart’s parent company, Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, wrote down its 2011 Kobo acquisition by nearly $ 250 million Earlier this year.

The bleak economics of e-reading belies the steadily increase increasing joys of the devices themelves , Especially in the burgeoning premium category. Not many people May be willing to spend hundreds of dollars on an e-reader, but if you’re one of them, you’re in for a treat. That Applies to Amazon’s $ 200 Kindle Voyage, its more recent $ 290 Oasis-which comes with its own leather charging case, and now to the $ 230 Kobo Aura One, All which launches on September 6. It does things neither Of Those Amazon devices can dream of, and it has to if it wants to shake people fromtheir e-reader lethargy.

“When people talk about seeing declines in the space, one of the things that’s embedded in that’s That people are still reading on devices thatthey bought in 2011 and 2012, “says Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn. “Then They slowly upgrade until something comes along that’s good enough to make them step upward. It’s not like smartphones, where you’re getting a giant influx of new customers every 18 months. “

Kobo

if e-reader success is a matter of enticements, the Aura One makes for a pretty solid siren. Previous Kobos have been waterproof, but the latest model can survive submerged two meters for up to an hour, not that you’d need to. The Aura One hops on the anti-blue-light trend phasing out blue spectrum overtime So THAT reading in bed does not go on to affect your sleep. (There are studies say That this is helpful, and Apple Introduced a similar feature in iOS 9.3, but mileage will vary).

It’s usefull bigger. Tamblyn says the 7.8-inch display helps mimic the feel of a hardcover, rather than a paperback, and That aging e-book enthusiasts prefer having more words on a page here at blown up font sizes. In my short time with the Aura One, I can confirm That Despite its size, it’s comfortable to hold one-handed, thanks to minimal weight and a pleasantly texturized rubber backing. I do not knowthat I prefer a bigger screen yet, or prefer it enough to sacrifice equally That little bit of cream in my bag. All that surface area can ook make the Aura One a little awkward to navigate When you’re using the keyboard to search the store, or adjusting Far-Flung settings.

But you’re mostly just reading. And besides, any annoyance quickly disappears when you get to the Aura One’s best feature. The one where you do not have to buy books anymore.

Maximum OverDrive

Apologies if this comes as no surprise, but you do not actually have to purchase e-books. You can rent them from your local library, through a company called OverDrive.

I know, right? Free books! And it’s not like you were going to display them on your built-ins anyway. The reason more people do not know about this, or maybe more accurately just do not do it, Is that the process is a pain. You have to sign up at your library, register at OverDrive on your browser, download a book and transfer it to your device; it’s a mess, no matter what e-reader you own.

“The previous experience of people side-loading to the device was 16 steps to borrow through a library,” says Tamblyn. “And if any One Of Those went wrong, it was usually a customer service call to us.”

You’ll notice That Tamblyn uses the past tense. That’s Because Rakuten bought OverDrive in 2015 for about $ 400 million, All which Means OverDrive and Kobo are siblings-which is why (thanks, corporate synergy!) The Kobo Aura One Has OverDrive built right in.

That gets a little tangled, so let me Clarify: You can borrow e-books directly on the Aura One, for free, with just a few taps. I picked up National Book Award finalist Fates and Furies last night with about 30 seconds of work, zoals the download time. It retails for $ 13 on Amazon.

There are hiccups to OverDrive borrowing. Eventually the titles disappear from your device When the lending period is over (Although you can re-up), and the selection can be scanned. OverDrive but giving equal weight as a paid bookstore is a remarkable thing. If you borrow 10 books a year, that’s easily a hundred dollars you’ve saved, not to mention Avoiding the hassle or side-loading.

For now, the immediate OverDrive access is limited to the Aura One, though Tamblyn did not rule out the Possibility That it could come to other models as well. It goes a long way towards making That $ 230 purchase price more palatable, though. Especially When That still undercuts Amazon’s best by a solid amount.

“We were certainly quite delighted to see someone come out with something up in the $ 300 range tat was still a 6-inch screen, that hadn ‘ t done anything with light and sleep, not waterproof, “says Tamblyn. “That was a great gift to us.”

There are things not to like about the Aura One. It has no physical buttons, if you prefer Those, and Kobo’s e-book store selection still falls well short of the Kindle Store. The larger size might throw you off. But there’s so much to like usefull. More Importantly, there’s so much here That you will not find anywhere else. At the very least, it makes Kobo worthy of a closer read.

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Giant’s Kobo E-Reader May Put the Kindle in Its Place – WIRED

Advertisement

Slide 1 / or 2 . Caption: Kobo

Slide 2 / or 2 Caption: Kobo

Skip Header Article. Skip to: Start or Article. Kobo

In the annals of great underdogs, a Canadian Subsidiary of a Japanese mega-retailer makes for an Unlikely entrant. And yet here’s Kobo again, with a new e-reader That could give Kindle owners some serious second thoughts.

The new Kobo Aura One is literally big, a 7.8-inch behemoth into a world of standard 6 -inch displays. But its features are usefull outsized, Whether it’s robust waterproofing, a clever new nighttime lighting system, or a way to help you read as many top-shelf books as you please without paying a penny. More Importantly, they’re all enhancements you will not find on an Amazon Kindle.

Kobo A-Gogo

It’s a rocky time for e-readers. Last month, the Association of American Publishers Reported That book while overall revenue thickening increased .6 percent in 2015 versus the year before, e-book revenue fell a precipitous 11.3 percent. Extensiveness of Amazon’s e-reader lineup, only two crack the company’s top 100 sellers in electronics

So it’s not surprising then Kobo HAS That felt some of this decline as well.; in fact, the only surprising thing for most people May Be That an e-reader called Kobo exists at all. The upstart’s parent company, Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, wrote down its 2011 Kobo acquisition by nearly $ 250 million Earlier this year.

The bleak economics of e-reading belies the steadily increase increasing joys of the devices themelves , Especially in the burgeoning premium category. Not many people May be willing to spend hundreds of dollars on an e-reader, but if you’re one of them, you’re in for a treat. That Applies to Amazon’s $ 200 Kindle Voyage, its more recent $ 290 Oasis-which comes with its own leather charging case, and now to the $ 230 Kobo Aura One, All which launches on September 6. It does things neither Of Those Amazon devices can dream of, and it has to if it wants to shake people fromtheir e-reader lethargy.

“When people talk about seeing declines in the space, one of the things that’s embedded in that’s That people are still reading on devices thatthey bought in 2011 and 2012, “says Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn. “Then They slowly upgrade until something comes along that’s good enough to make them step upward. It’s not like smartphones, where you’re getting a giant influx of new customers every 18 months. “

Kobo

if e-reader success is a matter of enticements, the Aura One makes for a pretty solid siren. Previous Kobos have been waterproof, but the latest model can survive submerged two meters for up to an hour, not that you’d need to. The Aura One hops on the anti-blue-light trend phasing out blue spectrum overtime So THAT reading in bed does not go on to affect your sleep. (There are studies say That this is helpful, and Apple Introduced a similar feature in iOS 9.3, but mileage will vary).

It’s usefull bigger. Tamblyn says the 7.8-inch display helps mimic the feel of a hardcover, rather than a paperback, and That aging e-book enthusiasts prefer having more words on a page here at blown up font sizes. In my short time with the Aura One, I can confirm That Despite its size, it’s comfortable to hold one-handed, thanks to minimal weight and a pleasantly texturized rubber backing. I do not knowthat I prefer a bigger screen yet, or prefer it enough to sacrifice equally That little bit of cream in my bag. All that surface area can ook make the Aura One a little awkward to navigate When you’re using the keyboard to search the store, or adjusting Far-Flung settings.

But you’re mostly just reading. And besides, any annoyance quickly disappears when you get to the Aura One’s best feature. The one where you do not have to buy books anymore.

Maximum OverDrive

Apologies if this comes as no surprise, but you do not actually have to purchase e-books. You can rent them from your local library, through a company called OverDrive.

I know, right? Free books! And it’s not like you were going to display them on your built-ins anyway. The reason more people do not know about this, or maybe more accurately just do not do it, Is that the process is a pain. You have to sign up at your library, register at OverDrive on your browser, download a book and transfer it to your device; it’s a mess, no matter what e-reader you own.

“The previous experience of people side-loading to the device was 16 steps to borrow through a library,” says Tamblyn. “And if any One Of Those went wrong, it was usually a customer service call to us.”

You’ll notice That Tamblyn uses the past tense. That’s Because Rakuten bought OverDrive in 2015 for about $ 400 million, All which Means OverDrive and Kobo are siblings-which is why (thanks, corporate synergy!) The Kobo Aura One Has OverDrive built right in.

That gets a little tangled, so let me Clarify: You can borrow e-books directly on the Aura One, for free, with just a few taps. I picked up National Book Award finalist Fates and Furies last night with about 30 seconds of work, zoals the download time. It retails for $ 13 on Amazon.

There are hiccups to OverDrive borrowing. Eventually the titles disappear from your device When the lending period is over (Although you can re-up), and the selection can be scanned. OverDrive but giving equal weight as a paid bookstore is a remarkable thing. If you borrow 10 books a year, that’s easily a hundred dollars you’ve saved, not to mention Avoiding the hassle or side-loading.

For now, the immediate OverDrive access is limited to the Aura One, though Tamblyn did not rule out the Possibility That it could come to other models as well. It goes a long way towards making That $ 230 purchase price more palatable, though. Especially When That still undercuts Amazon’s best by a solid amount.

“We were certainly quite delighted to see someone come out with something up in the $ 300 range tat was still a 6-inch screen, that hadn ‘ t done anything with light and sleep, not waterproof, “says Tamblyn. “That was a great gift to us.”

There are things not to like about the Aura One. It has no physical buttons, if you prefer Those, and Kobo’s e-book store selection still falls well short of the Kindle Store. The larger size might throw you off. But there’s so much to like usefull. More Importantly, there’s so much here That you will not find anywhere else. At the very least, it makes Kobo worthy of a closer read.

Go Back to Top. Skip To: Start or Article.

Skip Social. Skip to: Latest News.

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Kindle (2016) review | Trusted Reviews – Trusted Reviews

What is the Kindle (2016)

Eager to get an e-reader, but want to save some cash and so are not fussed about fancy additions? The budget Kindle (2016) from Amazon might be the perfect way to move on from your dusty collection of hardbacks.

Amazon’s bottom-of-the-range e-reader lacks features Such a high-resolution display and the backlight That you’ll find on the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Voyage, but it’s still an impressive gateway into the online shopping giant’s fantastic Kindle ecosystem

Kindle (2016) -. Designs

Like any device that’s leg put together for the budget market, the latest Kindle can not match its more illustrious siblings When it Comes to design. But this is not Necessarily a bad thing. In fact, there’s something about the rugged nature of this cheaper model That almost makes it better.

I worry about my Kindle Oasis When I throw it in my bag. It’s a delicate, expensive device that i do not wanna ruin. But the Kindle (2016) feels different. It’s chunky without being thick, and it feels tough. The durable plastic exterior does not feel cheap, and the few occasions when i’ve dropped it already have not resulted in any damage

Related:. Which Kindle shouldering you buy

The sides are rounded, making it easy to hold, and it’s very light. It’s the lightest out of all the Kindles at a mere 161g. By comparison, the Kindle Voyage tips the scales at 181g, while the Kindle Paperwhite weighs 205g.

It’s Marginally That narrows the Voyage, but it’s thicker. If you’re so inclined, you can slip it into a back pocket without too much issue.

Unlike the Oasis or Voyage, there are no physical buttons here, since all the navigation is handled via the responsive touchscreen . Personally, I prefer the feedback or some clicky buttons When I’m flicking through pages, but costs have Clearly had to be cut.

And, well, that’s about it. There’s a single button on the bottom for switching the device on and a Micro USB charging port next to it. It’s about as basic as you can get, but that’s the point. This is a reading device, nothing else.

One annoyance: I’m not a fan of the in-your-face Amazon Kindle’s branding on the rear – it’s obnoxious and pointless. Older versions just had Kindle emblazoned upon them, and tat was so much nicer

Kindle (2016) -. Battery Life

Judging battery life on a Kindle is tough, Because They’re all so good. These are devices That Should not be charged every day or every night, but every month.

Amazon’s cagey about Stating firm figures regarding etc. exactly how much time you shouldering get between batches Merely Stating “it lasts weeks” – but do not let That worry you. I’ve been using the Kindle (2016) for a couple of weeks now, after Initially charging to 100%, and the battery indicator HAS depleted by little more than a quarter. I’d say you’ll get between three weeks and a month or juice with an hour or so of reading per day.

The lack of backlighting helps to extend battery life further. Really, I’ve never pulled a Kindle out of my bag and found it dead. I can not say the same for a phone or tablet.

Charging via Micro USB, and you get a cable in the box. It does not come with a mains adapter, though, so you’ll have to use the one from your phone or just plug it into a computer

Kindle (2016) -. Display

While the design and battery life are not that much worse than other Kindle models, the display is where the tech hAS bEEN cut to Achieve the low price.

The biggest omission is the lack of a backlight . This is a completely unlit e-paper display that’s just as impossible to read in the dark as a typical book. If you like to read at night, the Kindle Paperwhite is the much better option.

But we’re not at a stage yet where Amazon can offer a backlit Kindle for this price.

The other sacrifice is resolution, Although this is less of an issue. The 6-inch panel HAS only 167ppi, as Opposed to 300ppi on all the other models. That’s a dramatic drop, and looking at the Kindle (2016) and Kindle Paperwhite next to each other, the difference is instantly noticeable.

text is not as crisp, and lowering the text size results in jagged edges on the typeface.

But it’s completely readable. After a while I forgot about the higher-resolution text on other Kindles and my eyes adjusted. Text is still perfectly readable and you will not find yourself squinting.

The screen is touch-enabled, and all the navigation is done via the panel. It’s fast and responsive, in some cases flicking to the next page quicker than my Kindle Voyage. I’ll Put That simply down to it being much newer, though.

If you’re looking for a portable device for watching videos, then a Kindle is not for you. You’re better off taking a look at our round-up of the best cheap tablets. The anti-reflective screen is best for reading, and unlike LCD screens it works in direct sunlight

Kindle (2016) -. Other Things to Consider

The great thing – or sausage, depending on your feelings – about the Kindle is that, in terms of software, all the models are exactly the same

whether you pick up this budget Kindle (2016) or spend more on a Paperwhite or Oasis. the overall look and functionality of the software remains the same.

Updated Earlier in 2016, the Kindle home screen is about as functional as it’s ever been. You get a quick glance at the books you’re currently reading, Suggested reads at the bottom, to Goodreads integration, and quick access to the fantastic Kindle Store. There’s a handy search box, too, All which not only finds content That you’ve already downloaded but searches across the whole book store.

Amazon’s huge e-book library is the single biggest reason to pick up a Kindle on a Nook or Kobo. It is not just the book selection, but the extras, too.

Kindle Singles are short reads That cost less than a quid, while Prime members receive access to the Lending Library and the ability to borrow a book a month. There’s usefull Kindle Unlimited-which is sort of like a Netflix for books, costing £ 7.99 a month for unlimited access to a bunch of books. It has a decent selection, but it’s packed with more indie authors than bestsellers

You can pick up this Kindle (2016) Either in black or white, Although stock of the lighter model Seems to fluctuate far more than its darker sibling. My review unit is black and it’s my color preference, since it’s less prone to picking up dirty marks over time.

There’s 4GB of onboard storage, All which is plenty for Books that are mere kilobytes in size, but there’s still no audio output or audiobook listening supported.

Like most Kindles, the cheapest version (£ 59.99) comes with lock screen ads. To be honest, thesis are not that intrusive, but you can pay a tenner to have them removed.

Should I buy the Kindle (2016)

The latest budget Kindle the perfect entry to e-reading. It’s cheap, durable and features the same software as the Amazon pricier offerings. For £ 59.99, there is not a better ebook reader on the market.

I’d still say the Amazon Paperwhite (£ 109.99) is the best all-around e-reader, and if you’re really into your books then this is the better choice. It has the backlight for night reading and a crisper screen.

However, if you simply want something to chuck in your bag for a morning commute or holiday by the pool and do not want to splash out, you can not go wrong with the Kindle (2016)

Verdict

Cheap and cheerful, but still very good -. it’s the perfect first e-reader

Amazon deletes Kannada book from Kindle, triggers debate – The Hindu

Online portal Amazon’s decision to delete the Kindle version of “Aidu Paise Varadakshine ‘by Kannada writer Vasudhendra, a week after it was uploaded, HAS raised a larger debate on the presence of regional languages ​​on electronic reading devices.

Though Kannada writers have been Urging Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to support Kannada e-books, Amazon hasnt done it. They have only assured thatthey are expanding quickly and working to support titles in more languages ​​in the days to come.

Kannada writers were thrilled When Amazon Kindle supported Mr. Vasudhendra’s work recently. But the joy was short-lived as the book was deleted a week after it was uploaded.

A disappointed Mr. Vasudhendra told The Hindu That a team of techies worked for nearly a month and supported the process of uploading the novel. “About 50 readers had downloaded the book after making payment. However, a week later, a communication from Amazon said:. We have found a problem in your book and have removed it from sale “

Amazon Further Explained That during a quality review of the title, it was found That the language in the book’s content was “Currently not supported by Kindle.” The communication Further said: “If you would like to translate the content into a supported language, please set up a new title in your account, as this title will Remain in a blocked state in Kindle Direct Publishing and can no longer be moved forward “

Noting That Amazon is planning to support five Indian languages ​​in the near future -. Tamil , Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi – Mr. Vasudhendra regretted That a language like Kannada spoken by 40 million people is not on the agenda

When this correspondent Sought a reaction from Amazon, Movit Ramwani, Kindle India spokesperson, Said via email.: “Amazon is passionate about books and is continuously working to Improve the overall reading experience. Today, Kindle does not support any regional language in India. We continue to gather feedback from our customers about Their preferences and are working tirelessly to deliver a better experience “

More In: Karnataka |. National

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Kindle Oasis Review: Amazon’s newest e-reader is nearly perfect – Macworld

The Oasis makes reading a pleasure, but its free 3G only works inside the United States.

A typical iPhone or iPad capable of doing damn near anything you need it to-so long as you do not need to do it in direct sunlight. And while Those devices certainly Become more energy efficient over the years, heavy users like me still find it kettle to get through a full day without having to top of Their tablet or smartphone battery at least once.

That’s why I usually travel with an e-reader. Their matte e-ink displays are easy to read in direct sunlight, making them a great choice for the beach or to pass the time waiting for a train. Better still, They absolutely sip power. I’ve gone weeks between recharging a Kindle or Kobo e-ink slab, Despite using them for hours at a time. Try that with an iPhone. So, When I Was extended the invitation to take Amazon’s latest Kindle, the Oasis, for a spin, I jumped at the opportunity.

Mentioned in this article

Kindle Oasis

Let’s get this out of the way: The Oasis ain ‘ t cheap. It starts at $ 290. The version I tested, All which comes with a built-in 3G connection for downloading books on the go and without any irritating Amazon advertising, sells for $ 380. (You can grab it for $ 20 less “with special sacrifices, “he ads.) In a world where it’s possible to pick up a great little multi-function tablet like a 16GB iPad Mini 2 with Wi-Fi and cellular for just $ 19 more, convincing anyone That a one-trick pony like the Oasis is a smart buy is a tough sell.

Seamus Bellamy

While Both the Oasis and the Paperwhite have identical screen sizes, Their overall footprints and overweight are Significantly different.

Designed for comfort

The first thing That long-time Kindle users will notice about the Oasis is its size. Measuring 5.6×4.8×0.3 inches and weighing a mere 4.7 ounces, the Oasis, as Amazon is quick to proclaim, the thinnest, lightest Kindle thatthey ve ever made-close to two ounces lighter than a 3G equipped and Kindle Voyage almost three ounces less than a current generation Kindle Paperwhite.

Like thesis chunkier cousins, the Oasis comes equipped with a 6-inch antiglare 300 ppi display. With the backlight turned off, I did not notice a difference between reading on my 2014 White Paper and the Oasis. But with the backlights turned up, it’s a very different story. The Oasis employs 10 LEDs to Ensure here backlighting across its display, beating out the patchier light the Paperwhite’s four LEDs produce.

This is not to say That the Paperwhite is a horror to read on-I’ve leg satisfied with mine for years. The Oasis’s display backlighting is simply better. Its light weight and superior backlighting come at a cost, However: The Oasis Has A Significantly shorter battery life than its recent Predecessors. Where a Kindle Paperwhite Potentially could go for months between charges, the Oasis’s internal battery can only manage about two weeks of use, depending on your reading habits

Séamus Bellamy

The more abuse the Oasis’ leather battery cover takes, the better it looks.

To boost the Oasis’s run time, Amazon baked a battery into the its cover . The battery cover, available in chestnut brown, black or red leather, will start to charge the internal battery as soon as it’s magnetically mated to the e-reader’s asymmetrical chassis Significantly boosting your reading time.

Amazon claims That between the Oasis’s two batteries, it’s possible to squeeze eight weeks of use out of the device, provided you keep your reading to 30 minutes per day and keep the screen lighting turned down to a reasonable level. On average, I read a few hours per day. Such ash, a month into my using the Oasis, I’ve already had to charge it once.

Seamus Bellamy

The Oasis’s battery cover mates to it magnetically.

The edge of the Oasis That connects to the battery cover is wider and deeper than the rest of the device and contains the e-reader’s battery. Why jam the battery into one end of the thing Instead of spreading it out flat like you see with other Kindles or tablets? Because doing so Allows for a couple of awesome features. First, When the Oasis is not in its cover, its battery bump makes a great handle for one-handed reading.

Seamus Bellamy

Buttons for turning the pages can be found in the bezel.

The size and width of the bump is Such That When You hold it, your thumb naturally rests on the wide bezel just to the side of the display. It’s a ideal location to place a pair of page-turn buttons-so that’s exactly what Amazon did.

Seamus Bellamy

An accelerometer makes sure That the text on your Oasis will always be right-side up.

Lump all of this in together and you get a lightweight e-reader That you can comfortably hold with one hand, while still turning pages. And thanks to a built-in accelerometer, the Oasis can be used by left or right handed personen without compromise. Simply flip on the Oasis and the text on its display and page-turn buttons will adjust to the device’s new orientation. Hate buttons? No problem: You can control the Oasis ook via its touchscreen

Disadvantages

So, that’s the fancy.. Let’s talk about the plain

The Oasis uses the same operating system as Amazon’s other Kindle e-readers.; if you have used a Kindle fits into the, you’ll find no surprises here. It has the same amount of internal storage as the Paperwhite and Voyage. And, Despite having 1GB or RAM twice That of a current generation Paperwhite-I did not notice a huge improvement in performance. None of these things are terrible, but you’d like to think That with it’s costing $ 190 more than the latest iteration of the 3G-equipped Paperwhite, there’d be a significant boost in performance.

And while we’re on the subject, or 3G, do not expect to download any books via cellular while you’re outside of the United States: The Oasis’s free cellular activity extends only as far as America’s borders. Given the number of places where I roam Wi-Fi is scarce but cellular connectivity abounds, I found this deeply disappointing.

Bottom line

So, shouldering you buy one? I’ve got a few answers to this question.

If you demand the very best out of every piece of hardware you own, cost be damned, then yes, you’ll be happy with the Kindle Oasis. Despite the shortcomings of its cellular connectivity, It’s a great piece of gear and, last I checked, Amazon still had the largest selection of book and periodical titles to choose from, anywhere. That said, if cost is a factor, go with a Kindle Paperwhite. It’s a perfectly capable e-reader similar in capability to the Oasis, but at a fraction of the price.

• Amazon Kindle Oasis

  Macworld rating

  It’s better than the Paperwhite, Unless you need 3G overseas.

  Pros

  • Excellent backlighting
  • Comfortable design is easy to use one-handed.

  Cons

  • Battery life not as great as other Kindles.
  • 3G connectivity unavailable outside the United States.

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Kindle Oasis Review: Amazon’s newest e-reader is nearly perfect – Macworld

The Oasis makes reading a pleasure, but its free 3G only works inside the United States.

A typical iPhone or iPad capable of doing damn near anything you need it to-so long as you do not need to do it in direct sunlight. And while Those devices certainly Become more energy efficient over the years, heavy users like me still find it kettle to get through a full day without having to top of Their tablet or smartphone battery at least once.

That’s why I usually travel with an e-reader. Their matte e-ink displays are easy to read in direct sunlight, making them a great choice for the beach or to pass the time waiting for a train. Better still, They absolutely sip power. I’ve gone weeks between recharging a Kindle or Kobo e-ink slab, Despite using them for hours at a time. Try that with an iPhone. So, When I Was extended the invitation to take Amazon’s latest Kindle, the Oasis, for a spin, I jumped at the opportunity.

Mentioned in this article

Kindle Oasis

Let’s get this out of the way: The Oasis ain ‘ t cheap. It starts at $ 290. The version I tested, All which comes with a built-in 3G connection for downloading books on the go and without any irritating Amazon advertising, sells for $ 380. (You can grab it for $ 20 less “with special sacrifices, “he ads.) In a world where it’s possible to pick up a great little multi-function tablet like a 16GB iPad Mini 2 with Wi-Fi and cellular for just $ 19 more, convincing anyone That a one-trick pony like the Oasis is a smart buy is a tough sell.

Seamus Bellamy

While Both the Oasis and the Paperwhite have identical screen sizes, Their overall footprints and overweight are Significantly different.

Designed for comfort

The first thing That long-time Kindle users will notice about the Oasis is its size. Measuring 5.6×4.8×0.3 inches and weighing a mere 4.7 ounces, the Oasis, as Amazon is quick to proclaim, the thinnest, lightest Kindle thatthey ve ever made-close to two ounces lighter than a 3G equipped and Kindle Voyage almost three ounces less than a current generation Kindle Paperwhite.

Like thesis chunkier cousins, the Oasis comes equipped with a 6-inch antiglare 300 ppi display. With the backlight turned off, I did not notice a difference between reading on my 2014 White Paper and the Oasis. But with the backlights turned up, it’s a very different story. The Oasis employs 10 LEDs to Ensure here backlighting across its display, beating out the patchier light the Paperwhite’s four LEDs produce.

This is not to say That the Paperwhite is a horror to read on-I’ve leg satisfied with mine for years. The Oasis’s display backlighting is simply better. Its light weight and superior backlighting come at a cost, However: The Oasis Has A Significantly shorter battery life than its recent Predecessors. Where a Kindle Paperwhite Potentially could go for months between charges, the Oasis’s internal battery can only manage about two weeks of use, depending on your reading habits

Séamus Bellamy

The more abuse the Oasis’ leather battery cover takes, the better it looks.

To boost the Oasis’s run time, Amazon baked a battery into the its cover . The battery cover, available in chestnut brown, black or red leather, will start to charge the internal battery as soon as it’s magnetically mated to the e-reader’s asymmetrical chassis Significantly boosting your reading time.

Amazon claims That between the Oasis’s two batteries, it’s possible to squeeze eight weeks of use out of the device, provided you keep your reading to 30 minutes per day and keep the screen lighting turned down to a reasonable level. On average, I read a few hours per day. Such ash, a month into my using the Oasis, I’ve already had to charge it once.

Seamus Bellamy

The Oasis’s battery cover mates to it magnetically.

The edge of the Oasis That connects to the battery cover is wider and deeper than the rest of the device and contains the e-reader’s battery. Why jam the battery into one end of the thing Instead of spreading it out flat like you see with other Kindles or tablets? Because doing so Allows for a couple of awesome features. First, When the Oasis is not in its cover, its battery bump makes a great handle for one-handed reading.

Seamus Bellamy

Buttons for turning the pages can be found in the bezel.

The size and width of the bump is Such That When You hold it, your thumb naturally rests on the wide bezel just to the side of the display. It’s a ideal location to place a pair of page-turn buttons-so that’s exactly what Amazon did.

Seamus Bellamy

An accelerometer makes sure That the text on your Oasis will always be right-side up.

Lump all of this in together and you get a lightweight e-reader That you can comfortably hold with one hand, while still turning pages. And thanks to a built-in accelerometer, the Oasis can be used by left or right handed personen without compromise. Simply flip on the Oasis and the text on its display and page-turn buttons will adjust to the device’s new orientation. Hate buttons? No problem: You can control the Oasis ook via its touchscreen

Disadvantages

So, that’s the fancy.. Let’s talk about the plain

The Oasis uses the same operating system as Amazon’s other Kindle e-readers.; if you have used a Kindle fits into the, you’ll find no surprises here. It has the same amount of internal storage as the Paperwhite and Voyage. And, Despite having 1GB or RAM twice That of a current generation Paperwhite-I did not notice a huge improvement in performance. None of these things are terrible, but you’d like to think That with it’s costing $ 190 more than the latest iteration of the 3G-equipped Paperwhite, there’d be a significant boost in performance.

And while we’re on the subject, or 3G, do not expect to download any books via cellular while you’re outside of the United States: The Oasis’s free cellular activity extends only as far as America’s borders. Given the number of places where I roam Wi-Fi is scarce but cellular connectivity abounds, I found this deeply disappointing.

Bottom line

So, shouldering you buy one? I’ve got a few answers to this question.

If you demand the very best out of every piece of hardware you own, cost be damned, then yes, you’ll be happy with the Kindle Oasis. Despite the shortcomings of its cellular connectivity, It’s a great piece of gear and, last I checked, Amazon still had the largest selection of book and periodical titles to choose from, anywhere. That said, if cost is a factor, go with a Kindle Paperwhite. It’s a perfectly capable e-reader similar in capability to the Oasis, but at a fraction of the price.

• Amazon Kindle Oasis

  Macworld rating

  It’s better than the Paperwhite, Unless you need 3G overseas.

  Pros

  • Excellent backlighting
  • Comfortable design is easy to use one-handed.

  Cons

  • Battery life not as great as other Kindles.
  • 3G connectivity unavailable outside the United States.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Kindle E-Reader … – Nerd Wallet (blog)

You’re finally ready to leave paperback books behind and make the leap into the digital pages or e-readers.

You’ve just done your research and Decided to buy an Amazon Kindle. But before you place a shiny new e-reader on the shelf next to your dusty copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” here are a few things to consider.

1. Kindles offer a variety of features

The particular Kindle Has become synonymous with e-readers, but its manufacturer, Amazon, Has A host or e-readers in the Kindle lineup That the retailer lapels to as a family or digital readers. So wanting a Kindle doesn’t completely narrow down your Intended purchase.

The lineup begins with the entry-level Kindle-which is a basic, no-frills e-reader with a starting price of $ 79.99. Then come three more-advanced models: the Paperwhite, the Voyage and the Oasis. The Paperwhite, All which starts at $ 119.99, brings built-in light and a higher screen resolution to the table. The Voyage, All which starts at $ 199.99, introduces more lights and a lighter weight device. Finally, the Oasis, All which starts at $ 289.99, includes a charging cover and Has A battery life that lasts months.

You’ll need to weigh the Features That Are Most Important to you with the price you ‘ re willing to pay. Devoted bookworms May Find That a built-in light and a longer battery life can make the reading experience more pleasant, while casual readers can get by with less

“MORE:. Kindle comparison

2. You can choose Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G connections

Once you select a model, you’ll reach another fork in the road. Buyers can opt for Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + 3G connectivity for Their Kindle device. The exception is the standard Kindle-which is sold only in a Wi-Fi version.

Choosing a model with free 3G can give you some connectivity Access Even When the device is out of Wi-Fi range. This option May be beneficial Especially to Those Who Intend to travel withtheir e-reader. However, convenience comes at a price. The Wi-Fi + 3G version of each Kindle model costs $ 70 more than the Wi-Fi-only option. That, for example, would raise the price of the Paperwhite from $ 119.99 to $ 189.99.

Check out Amazon’s coverage map to see where 3G connectivity is available for the Kindle. Note That the retailer’s 3G service Allows you to access only the Amazon.com or Wikipedia sites through the e-reader’s experimental web browser. For unrestricted web access, you will need Wi-Fi.

3. “Special offers” is code for ads

Kindle e-readers ook come standard with something That Amazon lapels to as “special offers” – a term That really is code for ads

. According to Amazon, “If your Fire tablet or Kindle e-reader includes Special Offers, you’ll receive Sponsored Screensavers and special offers for Kindle books from Amazon directly on your device.” Special offers are displayed as a screensaver When your device is on sleep mode.

if you opt for the regular configuration of a Kindle, thesis special offers will be automatically included. For an ad-free experience, you’ll have to pay $ 20 more while making a purchase and select the “without special offers” designation. So for the basic model, that would raise the price from $ 79.99 to $ 99.99

“MORE:. Kindle Voyage vs. Kindle Paperwhite

4. They’re not the same as tablets

If you’re expecting your Kindle e-reader to be exactly like a tablet, think again. Kindles are designed for the kind of digital reading That mimics the real thing. They can be held in one hand, offering sharp text contrast for easy visibility, and allow users to pick up on the last page They read just after a break.

But if reading is one of many needs in a new digital accessory, consider something like the iPad Pro tablet-which offers an iBooks app for digital reading in Addition to all the traditional iPad features. Ook Amazon sells its own line of Fire tablets.

5. There are plenty of ways to accessorize

The buying process does not stop with a Kindle. In fact, Amazon HAS an entire e-reader accessories department. This includes chargers, covers, cases and screen protectors. An anti-glare screen protector for the seventh- and eighth-generation Kindle, for instance, costs $ 12.99.

The Kindle Oasis is the only model That comes with its own charging cover (a Case That doubles shaft a source of power). For other models, a protective case must be bought separately. For the Voyage model, a typical Amazon protective cover will cost $ 44.99.

May be an Amazon Kindle creation, but accessories for the e-readers are sold by other retailers, too. We’ve spotted affordable Kindle cases and car chargers at Best Buy and Staples.

Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter:. @courtneynerd