It’s missing most bells and whistles, but the Addition of Bluetooth opens up Amazon’s new entry-level Kindle Touch to vision-impaired booklovers.
While the high- end Kindles keep getting more and more expensive, like the $ 299 Kindle Voyage and $ 449 Kindle Oasis, Amazon hasnt forgotten That we all can not justify spending hundreds of dollars on an eBook reader. The new $ 109 entry-level model retains the same price tag as its predecessor and offers little in the way of improvements, making sure it remains good value for money for book lovers on a tight budget.
Amazon’s new entry-level Kindle Touch keeps the same $ 109 price tag. Photo: Adam Turner Having reviewed the only premium model Kindles over the last few years, I have to say I was underwhelmed When I first fired the new budget model out of the box. Compared to the Voyage and Oasis it feels like cheap lightweight plastic, as if Amazon has gone out of its way to make this feel like the el cheapo model.
Of course technology moves quickly and I realizations That only a few years ago I would have called this design a marvel of the age. It’s actually 11 per cent thinner and 16 per cent lighter than its predecessor, Although the decision to go with fat rounded edges makes it feel more bloated than it is really.
I’m sure the new Kindle would make a much better first impression if you were not familiar with the top shelf Kindles, but it’s something to keep in mind if you know your way around the Kindle range.
Keep it simple
While it has a slightly smaller footprint than its predecessor, the new budget model retains the same 6-inch screen offering 167 pixels per inch resolution. All of the other Kindles offering 300 ppi resolution, with crisp text that looks like it was splashed out by a laser printer, but I would not consider this a deal-breaker if you’re just reading novels.
The budget model ook lacks physical page turn buttons, Instead you tap or swipe the screen to turn the page. I do not view this as a shortcoming Either, as a tap feels less intrusive on the reading experience than pressing a button – especially considering how cumbersome the Voyage’s buttons can be
The new model is available in a. choice of black or white, if you care about aesthetics. Amazon does not throw in a case but one sells as an optional extra for $ 34.99 with a magnetic clasp-which puts the reader to sleep. Unfortunately for fashion-conscious shoppers It seems the case is only available in black.
You ook miss out on 3G / 4G “Whispernet” access to the Kindle book store while you’re on the road. Even the US model only offers Wi-Fi, but once again I would not view this as a deal-breaker considering Either you can plan ahead or generate a Wi-Fi hotspot from your phone When you’re away from home. Amazon HAS doubled the onboard storage to 4GB, which should be good for around 3,000 eBooks to keep you entertained.
Shine a light
More frustrating is That the entry-level Kindle still lacks the light – a side light shining onto the e-Ink screen, All which is easier on your eyes than a backlit LCD screen – which is built into the $ 179 Kindle Paperwhite and the more expensive models.
The lack of a light will not bother you if you only tend to read in direct sunlight or under a bright reading lamp, where you’ll appreciate how little the Kindle screen glare throws off. Yet if you find yourself reading in varied lighting conditions then you shouldering really consider the merits or Kindle Paperwhite – especially if you like to read in bed while your partner sleeps
The new Kindle’s major claim to fame is that. it’s the first Kindle e-ink reader to support Bluetooth audio. You can not listen to music or audio books, it only lets you take advantage of VoiceView text to speech-which reads books aloud and helps you navigate the menus -. Similar to Apple’s VoiceOver feature design for vision-impaired iGadget owners
Amazon dropped the headphone jack from its entire range kindle a while ago, a change-which I’m guilty or looking in my reviews. If the lack of a headphone jack HAS kept you from upgrading from a very old Kindle then the new budget model is certainly worth a look.
So what’s the verdict?
If you’re happy with your Existing Kindle then there’s no reason to upgrade Unless you’re excited about Bluetooth. If you’re looking to buy your first Kindle then I’d certainly think twice about forgoing the backlight-which makes the $ 179 Kindle Paperwhite the sweet spot in terms of price and features.
If you’re certainement you can live without the backlight then the new entry-level Kindle could be the perfect Addition to your digital bookshelf.
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