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My Amazon Kindle Review 2020
This review is to follow on from my article about eReaders, and since Kindle is one of the most well known versions available (thank you Amazon!) I thought it would make sense to start here.
It is hard to ignore any news about Amazon, as a company it has managed to reach across the entire planet with its incredible range of products. Part of that range is Kindle.
The easiest way to think of Kindle is that it is the equivalent of a publisher. They have a range of hand held devices specifically designed for reading books electronically, with a very decent range of eBooks available to purchase at various price points including Kindle Unlimited (read unlimited eBooks for a monthly subscription), Prime Reading (free access to thousands of books plus audible included) and Audible Narration.
One of the best things about Amazon is that its collection is so comprehensive. As a ‘publisher’ they have a range that no one else has been able to compete with at a reasonable price range (everything from free to full price) and they also have the ability to request a sample from each book so you have an idea of what to expect before purchasing.
The only downside about Amazon Kindle is that, like Apple, it only really likes its own kind and gets a bit fussy when you try to add books from other sources. But considering the range available on Amazon, that is not necessarily a bad thing as you are definitely not short on choice!
So below I have gone through the different types of Kindles available by Amazon along with the membership options…
Kindle #1 - The Original
The original Kindle once lagged behind its competition but thankfully Amazon have decided to update the budget version of its devices.
Think of this as the beginner version of eReaders, you get the basics and it does the job. It is a good size without being chunky, easy to hold, the battery lasts up to 4 weeks and the built in light won’t strain your eyes. It is also integrates well with Amazon’s extensive library of eBooks.
However the latest versions of Kindle are making you pay not to see ads. For approximately $20 more or less (less if you select ‘buy with special offers’) you can choose whether to be bombarded with ads or not – as we don’t see enough of them on our phones and the internet in general. Honestly I would pay the $20 not to be hit with ads when all I want to do is read a book (Facebook and Instagram have enough of those as it is!).
Basic, functional and a decent introduction to the world of eReaders without breaking the bank, the original Kindle is still overall a solid choice.
If internet connection is a concern, the Kindle only connects via WI-FI, holds up to 4GB, and comes in either black or white in a compact 6″ design.
You can buy the Original Kindle from Amazon through this Link or click on the image below.
Kindle #2 - The Kindle Paperwhite
Think of the Kindle Paperwhite as the mid-range best value version. A little bit more expensive but with a decent range of options.
Like the original, the Paperwhite is a good size (6″) without being chunky, easy to hold, the battery lasts up to 4 weeks and the backlight won’t strain your eyes.
However this one has a few extra perks that make it well worth considering… waterproof (IPX8-rated) protection, in either 8GB or 32GB of storage and allows for WI-FI and cellular connection.
Again though, keep in mind that there are two options: the not-so “special offers” which includes ads for a slight discount on purchase price, or pay a little more for the “No Special Offers” version.
The Paperwhite is thinner, lighter and looks cleaner than the original version (as the screen is more flush to the case), is easier to navigate with a more polished look and functionality overall.
You can buy the Kindle Paperwhite from Amazon through this Link or click on the image below.
Kindle #3 - Kindle Oasis
Last but far from the least we have the Kindle Oasis.
This model is the luxury edition with a price to match. However if you love your eReader and use it frequently, then there is absolutely no reason not to consider upgrading to the Oasis.
The Oasis comes in a slightly larger 7″ size, with 8GB or 32GB of storage, both WI-FI and cellular capability, is waterproof (IPX8-rated) allowing for it to go for a swim with you, has adjustable back-lighting, auto-adjusting light sensors, physical buttons to turn pages and a curved back to make it easier to hold.
Again keep in mind that the term “with special offers” means it comes with built in ads. It is slightly more expensive to purchase the version with no special offers.
I do believe the functionality in a Kindle Paperwhite is perhaps better, but the Oasis looks and feels much nicer overall. You can buy the Kindle from Amazon through this Link or click on the image below.
So how to choose which Kindle is right for you?
The first consideration here is price. If you are on a budget and just want to try out an eReader then stick with the original Kindle.
However if your budget is a bit more flexible, then I definitely suggest looking at Kindle Paperwhite. This model comes with all the basics plus enough extras to make it worth it.
If you are a prolific reader and love the idea of using buttons instead of the touch screen to move pages, then the Kindle Oasis is for you. That luxury feel really makes a difference when the eReader is in your hands!
Keep in mind colour is not that important… like mobiles there are countless covers and cases available that help protect your device. I personally have a nice leather black case that has held up really well and protects it when I throw it into my handbag 🙂
What are your thoughts? Do you have a Kindle?
Krissy
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Patrick
February 26, 2020Hello Gigi, this is a nice review of Kindle. However, I have a Kindle Voyage and love it. Sadly battery is slowly loosing it’s charging ability so time to replace. The Paperwhite of old was a really good e-reader and I gifted it away after 3 years in great condition. So this new Paperwhite has all the features I like, great display and has Bluetooth. Good product just the Battery. Good product still.
Gigi
February 26, 2020Hi Patrick, I’m sorry to hear that the battery is dying on your kindle 🙁 it is always sad when something we love starts to break down. Definitely have a look at the new Paperwhite, it should last you a long time and the screen has improved a lot since the old version.
Nuttanee
February 26, 2020I love amazon kindle, it is definitely life changing. I get to read multiple books by not having to carry all of them at the same time and they are great reading out doors because the contrast is just like a book. The best part is that the battery on kindle is amazing! I have Kindle Oasis and I just love it! Best investment of my life.
Gigi
February 27, 2020Hi Nuttanee, I’m so glad you love your Kindle. It really does make it much easier to read on the road and outdoors!
Kenny
February 26, 2020I have been looking to read more. I will be finishing up my last quarter of college and finally accomplish a couple AASs. Come to think about it. I never considered reading my college textbooks on an EReader. I want to get myself one as a graduation gift.
The differences between The Kindle Original, The Kindle Paperwhite, and The Kindle Oasis are highlighted nicely in this article, thank you for that. The waterproof protection of the Kindle Paperwhite really catches my attention. Being lighter, thinner, and cleaner looking, I really think I will be reading my next eBook on my very own Kindle Paperwhite.
Gigi
March 6, 2020Most university textbooks are available as eBooks, which tend to be much cheaper than the paper versions. An eReader will make it much easier to keep up with the text while travelling around (mainly because it is so much lighter!) I hope you find it useful for your studies