My Thoughts on the Kindle Paperwhite

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As an author, I try to keep up with the latest ereader technology so that I can ensure that my books proved the best possible reading experience. (Plus, I like new toys.) So I ordered the new Paperwhite. A few people have asked how I like it, so after a few weeks of use, I thought I’d do a post about it.

The Good

Resolution: The improved contrast of the screen is lovely.
Book Light: This isn’t a back-lit screen, which I despise reading on. This has small LED lights positioned in front of the display to illuminate the text. Some people have talked about shadows at the bottom of the screen, and I can see what they’re talking about, but they do not reach the text on your standard Kindle book, so it doesn’t bother me. Here’s a link to a video so you can see for yourself. The book light cannot be turned off completely, but at its dimmest setting it is about the same as the Kindle Keyboard in look. At its brightest, it’s like reading on bright white paper. Also, the book light makes reading in the car a pleasure.
Ability to Borrow Kindle Books from Prime: I couldn’t read borrowed books on the Keyboard, but this one is fully equipped for the Prime lending program.
Time Left in Chapter Feature: The Kindle calculates your reading speed and can tell you have many hours/minutes you have left in the chapter/book. Kind of cool, but can be distracting if you leave it on screen (instead of hiding the dialog box) while reading.

The Room to Improve

No Text to Speech: This feature seems to be disappearing as Amazon implements its Whispersync between Audible books and Kindle books. I liked the robo voice.
Experimental Browser Still Experimental: Sometimes it’s difficult to tap links and the scrolling is buggy. In all, it’s sufficient, but could be better.
Touch Screen Is Not What I’m Used to: My phone has a hair-trigger touch screen, and the Paperwhite requires a firmer touch or tap. This is not necessarily bad for everyone, but it took me time to get used to the difference.

In summary, I like the Paperwhite, would buy it again, and would recommend it to others. I also really like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover. Its magnetic closure automatically puts the Kindle to sleep when you close it and wakes it when you open it.