The latest version of Amazon’s e-reader is more than just a screen update. This is a hardware move that prioritizes readability over specs. The Kindle Paperwhite is 6.7 inches tall and 4.6 inches wide. It’s only 0.36 inches thick and fits in pockets that tablets can’t.
There are two versions. The WiFi-only model weighs 7.5 ounces. The 3G version weighs 7.8 ounces. The extra weight is due to the cellular hardware. But here’s the kicker. You don’t have to pay a monthly fee for a 3G connection. Amazon offers it for free. You can download books via cellular networks in dozens of countries without a subscription. This is rare in the mobile world.
Connectivity and Port and port
Only WiFi models support 802.11b, g and n standards. Handles WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPS security protocols. 3G models adds cellular connectivity. This doesn’t just apply to North America. It works globally in dozens of regions.
There is a micro USB port on the bottom of the device. Download your device to drag and drop files from your computer. A USB 2.0 micro-B cable is also included. However, there is no wall charger. If you lose the old one, you have to buy it separately.
Content management is now primarily cloud-based. Can be connected to a computer, but not required. Amazon stores your library in the cloud. Download files wirelessly and for free. If you run out of space, you can delete the book and download it again later. This workflow assumes you have an active network connection.
Storage and screen design
The device comes with 2 GB of storage space. However, only 1.25 GB is available for books. The rest is spent on the operating system and pre-installed content. The memory cannot be expanded with an SD card. Amazon estimates that it can hold about 1,100 books. That’s enough for avid readers, but not for those who keep digital libraries.
Even in terms of appearance, the device has changed. The case is now black. The previous model was dark gray. The backside is rubberized to prevent slipping. The screen is completely white compared to older Kindles. This improves contrast. The text looks clearer.
Home button disappears. You can control your device via the two-point capacitive multi-touch screen. There is only one physical button. This is the power button located on the bottom near the LED indicator. Press this button to wake up your device. Then swipe the screen. This is a simple interaction model.
E-ink and screen resolution
At the heart of Paperwhite is e-ink technology. It does not use a backlight like a mobile phone screen. Instead, it uses microscopic particles. Black particles are negatively charged. White particles are positively charged. The particles are float in tiny spheres above the electrode array.
When a negative charge is applied, the black particles float to the surface. The screen appears black. The positive charge pushes the white particles upwards. The area looks blank. This mechanism creates a static image. No flickering. No power is needed to maintain the image. This is why e-ink has such a long battery life.
The resolution is 768 x 1024 pixels. That’s 212 pixels per inch. It is not retina-level sharp. However, when combined with the matte screen surface, the text looks smooth. It is more like printed paper than a computer screen. The display also supports 16 grayscale levels. This allows for detailed images instead of just black and white text.
Battery Life and Front Lighting
The Paperwhite presents a front-lit LED screen. Older Kindles require an external light source. You need to hold the device up to a lamp. Paperwhite illuminates the screen from the front. This reduces glare and shadows.
The battery is a lithium polymer unit. Amazon claims up to eight weeks of life. This estimate is aggressive. Suppose the brightness level of the light is kept at 10 levels out of 24 levels. You use it for 30 minutes a day. Turn off WiFi and 3G when not in use. Real-world usage will drain the battery faster. Reducing the light will cause heavier readers to charge more often.
Still, the battery life dwarfs phones and tablets. No need to hunting for an outlet every night. This device is built with durability in mind.
Is the front light worth the extra cost? For the night reader they are. Eliminates the need for bedside lamp. For a daytime readers, this is not as important. Matte screens are very resistant to sunlight. But being able to read in the dark without waking your partner is a huge upgrade.
The hardware is solid. Sophisticated design. There are plenty of connection options. But the real story is in the reading experience. The text becomes clearer. The light is more uniform. The device feels light in your hand. This is a step forward for e-readers.
How do you use the extra storage space?
