Which Kindle to choose? The complete guide with every detail

When it comes to Amazon Kindle ebook readers, there are four models to choose from in 2022: each with its own peculiarities and flaws. The range of gadgets of the ecommerce giant is still the best known on the market despite the competition from Kobos, Pocketbooks and other products that has been getting stronger for years; the reason, in addition to a large catalog of volumes and the Kindle Unlimited subscription reading service, is precisely an offer of products for all budgets that allows you to take home an ebook reader even for less than 90 euros.

The same but different Basically there is an element that binds almost all the best-selling ebook readers, whether they are from Amazon or other companies: the supplier of the panels on which the books are displayed, which is called Eink. This technology of displaying content on the screens of ebook readers is now the undisputed leader and therefore it is not surprising that products of different brands have identical screens in the end, all based on the reproduction of 16 shades of gray to trace the experience of printed words.

For example at the moment the most popular line, although with different screen sizes, is Eink Carta. Obviously this is not enough to make readers the same, since the final experience is affected by the software, the hardware component, the equipment, the configurations, the presence or absence of lighting systems, etc. This is where producers divide and focus on different solutions.

Amazon Kindle, models with or without advertising Finally, a last detail regarding the Kindles: usually you can choose between two versions, one with advertising and the other without. "The ad version (also known as" With Special Offers ") shows you a sponsored screensaver when the device has a locked screen or is in standby," explains Amazon. The relative advantage is that you can pay a slightly lower price than the versions without promotional advice.

How to buy books on Kindle Ebook purchases can be made on Amazon's online bookstore using the wi- fi or mobile device. If, on the other hand, you want to buy from another library, you just have to remember that Kindles are not compatible with the ePub format and then you have to use one of the many free online tools to convert the file you just downloaded into the Mobi format that is compatible with Kindle.

As for audio books, unfortunately the Kindles sold in Italy seem to lack the active bluetooth component and support for the Audible service. These contents can still be heard safely on any other device - smartphone included.

Kindle with front lighting

The Kindle 10 dates back to 2019 and features a 6-inch e-ink panel with a resolution of 600 x 800 pixels, therefore 167 pixels per inch. It measures 160 x 113, 8.7mm and weighs about 179 grams; therefore fits comfortably in a jeans pocket. It is a breakthrough model since it was one of the first to adopt the lighting system integrated into the frame that allows reading in all conditions. In fact, we must remember that electronic ink panels are natively "off" and like paper in the dark they cannot be read. The Kindle in this case is equipped with 4 LEDs, the bare minimum to provide a good experience. There is also Wi-Fi 4 support and a USB 2.0 port. The storage space is 8GB, so adequate for thousands of ebooks. The declared autonomy is a maximum of 4 weeks. Available in black or white.

We recommend the tenth generation Kindle only and exclusively to those who want to spend as little as possible. Reading quality is good but the new models do better.

89.99 € - buy on amazon

New Kindle Paperwhite 2021

The new Kindle Paperwhite 2021 (11th generation) improves on practically every front. First of all the screen is still a paper model but with a size of 6.8 inches and a resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Furthermore, the lighting technology relies on 17 LEDs and can be programmed to vary in relation to the hours of the day. The real turning point, however, is given by the possibility of adjusting the tone of the light as well. In practice, you no longer have that blue effect and by intervening on the interface you can arrive at a color very similar to traditional paper. The increase in screen size obviously affects the overall dimensions which rise to 174 x 125 x 8.1 mm, while the weight reaches 205 grams. The portability is still good but from a back pocket of jeans now protrudes quite a lot. The IPX8 certification is confirmed. The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 then supports wi-fi 4. Finally, it mounts the usb-c port for recharging and the declared autonomy is up to 10 weeks. The storage space is 8 GB.

The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 offers a better reading experience than previous models thanks not only to the lighting system but also to the larger, high-resolution screen. The new hardware also makes the interface smoother. Recommended for anyone who reads several times a week.

149.99 - buy on amazon

Kindle Paperwhite 2021 Signature Edition

The Signature Edition is nothing more than an enhanced version of the new Kindle Paperwhite 2021. In fact, to all the features of the basic model, such as 6.8-inch screen, 17 LED lighting and other features, it adds three details. The first is that it combines the lighting system with an environmental detection sensor, as can now be found on many smartphones or tablets. In practice, in relation to the surrounding light, the intensity of the LEDs increases or decreases. This is a pleasant added convenience that makes the experience even more enjoyable. The second added value is given by the capacity which rises to 32 GB. The latest is that the Signature Edition is compatible with wireless charging based on the popular Qi standard. We recommend a 10W base and if you want there is also the specific Amazon version.

The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 Signature Edition is the ideal choice for the most avid readers, who also want good value for money. The self-regulation of the brightness is an optional of great convenience.

189.99 - buy on amazon

Kindle Oasis

Kindle Oasis is now in its third generation and in its latest version released in 2019 it has been further refined. First of all it stands out for a 7-inch screen with a resolution of 300 pixels per inch and a design that makes it easy to grip. It measures 159 x 141 x 3.4-8.4 mm and weighs 188 grams. The thickest area where it grips is made of aluminum. In addition, the reader has two thin keys that make page switching and functional management more convenient; obviously the touch component also remains. The lighting system is the most advanced of the Kindle family because it not only allows the management of shades and adjusts the brightness automatically but relies on 25 LEDs. Then it has another convenience (not obvious on ebook readers): it has automatic page orientation adjustment like on tablets. In the other Kindles, on the other hand, you must always intervene manually via the interface. Do not miss the IPX8 certification and a micro-USB 2.0 port for charging. Autonomy is up to 6 weeks. You can choose between 8 GB or 32 GB Wi-Fi models, or 32 GB Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity models. Two colors available: graphite and gold.

The Kindle Oasis is the top of the range. It has all the most advanced technologies and has excellent ergonomics. It also lends itself as a luxurious gift, considering the price. Perfect for the most avid readers and for those who always aspire to the maximum.

€ 249.99 - buy on amazon