Kindle Paperwhite Overview (2024): The E-Reader to Get

I don’t have many regrets, however shopping for the essential Kindle a couple of years in the past is one in every of them. Paradoxically, I hadn’t executed a lot analysis earlier than buying it. I needed to get again into studying and did not wish to spend a lot—I used to be struggling to complete arduous copies and thought an book reader would resolve the issue. I marched onto Amazon and acquired myself the primary Kindle from 2019.

Between the low display screen decision, sluggish efficiency, and quick battery life, the irritating expertise saved me from utilizing it as a lot as I needed to. I ought to’ve purchased the Kindle Paperwhite as an alternative, even when it was marginally dearer—purchase as soon as, cry as soon as, proper? I used to be satisfied that the higher-quality display screen and fancy lighting options would make it extra pleasing. Alas, I nervous a Paperwhite would keep lifeless and dusty in a drawer, similar to my Kindle, so I did not purchase it.

And but, a Paperwhite ended up in my lap a couple of years later. Amazon simply introduced a brand new model—the Paperwhite and the Paperwhite Signature Version—that are thinner and quicker and have longer battery life. I examined the latter, which has a couple of additional perks reminiscent of wi-fi charging and 32 gigabytes of storage (for an additional price). After weeks of use, it is simple to grasp why that is Amazon’s most beloved Kindle—it is Paperwhite or bust.

Higher, Quicker, Stronger

Coming from a smaller Kindle, I used to be nervous that the Paperwhite would really feel too unwieldy, particularly now that it is barely thinner than its predecessor (7.8 mm versus 8.1 mm) however heavier. It is nonetheless straightforward to carry one-handed, however I typically really feel my arm cramp throughout longer studying seasons—I shortly perceive why so many individuals connect a PopSocket to their Paperwhite.

The show is now 7 inches (up from 6.8) due to slimmer bezels across the display screen. It additionally has the best distinction ratio of any Kindle, which kind of permits textual content and pictures to look sharper on the display screen. Whereas each adjustments are good, these variations are incremental over the 2021 Paperwhite (8/10, WIRED Recommends), and no, you do not want to improve when you’ve got that mannequin.

{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar