The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version, regardless of its fancy title, is an easy machine. It is precisely the identical as the brand new fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, nevertheless it prices $50 extra and has 4 upgrades: 32GB of reminiscence (up from 8GB), wi-fi charging, auto-adjusting entrance lighting, and no adverts.
Since we have already established that the usual Paperwhite is a superb e-reader, the main target of this overview is straightforward: see if these 4 enhancements are price the additional cash.
Finest Kindle Offers for Black Friday Buying
Completely incredible e-reader
My colleague Alex Perry reviewed the common Fifth-gen Paperwhite, however these are my primary impressions (coming from somebody whose major e-reader prior to now was the 2nd-gen Paperwhite).
The brand new Paperwhite is simply the proper dimension and sits completely in my hand. It is also beach-ready, with an IPX8 ranking, which is vital to me, particularly when in comparison with my iPad mini, which formally is not waterproof in any respect.
The USB-C charging port on the underside was a much-needed improve from the microUSB port discovered on earlier Paperwhites.
Credit score: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
I solely have one subject with the design of the machine, which is the truth that Amazon moved the facility button down from the highest, which took some getting used to. (It needs to be famous that this modification occurred in an earlier model of the Paperwhite.)
The brand new Paperwhite is way quicker than the outdated mannequin, nevertheless it may very well be quicker, particularly when searching menus. The battery lasts without end, and having a USB-C port as a substitute of the outdated microUSB connector is a blessing.
So, what do you get for the additional $50?
In comparison with the outdated third-generation Paperwhite, the brand new one appears a bit like a typical e-book, which is not a foul factor.
Credit score: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
The one factor you will not get on this Kindle is adverts. In comparison with adverts on another gadgets, the adverts on the Kindle aren’t practically as intrusive, however I would nonetheless favor no adverts to one thing I paid for. You may take away adverts from the bottom mannequin Kindle for an additional $20, however the worth distinction between the 2 is barely $30, which implies it is best to actually check out the opposite extras you get with the Signature Version.
You understand what they are saying about reminiscence: extra is at all times higher. Nonetheless, until you are an avid reader, or when you’re continually sending a bunch of periodicals to your Kindle, you will not want greater than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, nevertheless it’s comforting to know you will by no means have to fret about storage.
Whether or not wi-fi charging is price it for you will depend on whether or not you usually use it in different eventualities. All Kindle gadgets have nice battery life, so you will not be charging them usually. I’ve wi-fi chargers in my automobile and scattered round the home, so having the ability to throw my Kindle on them and cost it’s a good, if marginal, enchancment.
MagSafe is not one of the best ways to cost your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version, nevertheless it works!
Credit score: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
Enjoyable reality: I attempted charging my Kindle Paperwhite SE utilizing Apple’s MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and never solely did it not work, however the charger sticks (though barely) to the Kindle prefer it does to an iPhone. very nice.
Automated show
The final large enchancment within the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version is the show.
The 6.8-inch, 300ppi show is sharp, crisp, and exquisite to take a look at and will not tire your eyes even after lengthy studying periods. The bezels on the perimeters and high of the machine are a lot smaller than on the earlier model, however there’s nonetheless sufficient room to relaxation your fingers with out by chance turning the web page.
The display screen now makes brightness changes by itself.
Credit score: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
Now for the massive distinction between the common model and the SE model of the Paperwhite: computerized entrance gentle adjustment. One of the best ways to clarify the significance of this function is to consider smartphones: actually each fashionable smartphone has this function. You do not give it some thought an excessive amount of, but when somebody removes this function, you’ll undoubtedly discover.
It is comparable on the Paperwhite. The display screen mechanically adjusts brightness relying on the quantity of sunshine in your atmosphere. I wish to learn in very dim gentle, and my Kindle adjusts the display screen brightness simply as I do. The machine helps darkish mode (brilliant textual content on a darkish background), and when you change to that, the brightness will reset accordingly. I really like this function and though I might stay with out it, I might be just a little irritated about having to manually regulate the brightness once more.
Low-cost upgrades
This can be as a result of I’ve lately reviewed some Apple gadgets — Apple fees for upgrades and additional options — however I really feel just like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version is price it.
For $50, you get no adverts ($20 worth), wi-fi charging, 32GB, and an improved show. None of it’s important, nevertheless it looks like you are getting respectable worth to your cash.
