Which Kindle to buy: Buying guide with recommendations to get it right with Amazon e-book readers

They are without a doubt the most popular e-books on the market. We are talking about the Kindle, the Amazon devices. If you are sure that the eBook reader you are going to buy is a Kindle, read on because we will help you choose your ideal model based on its use.

General characteristics of the Kindle

Later we will delve into the characteristics that differentiate some models from others, but it is worth taking into account what Amazon e-book readers have in common:

• Are compatible with AZW3, ZW, TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, native PRC formats; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG and PMP by conversion; Audible audio format (AAX). What if I want to put a book in ePub? Then you will have to convert it to a compatible format using software like Calibre.

• One of the strengths of the Kindle has to do with how to get the works and their prices. eBooks are generally more affordable than the paper format, but Amazon usually launches offers and has its Kindle Unlimited subscription service, with which you can access a catalog of more than a million books for 9.99 euros/month with two months free trial.

What kindle do I buy?

The three determining factors when choosing a Kindle are your budget, how is the screen and water resistance (after all, it is customary to read while we are at the beach or pool).

Of course, keep in mind that there are substantial differences in other characteristics such as storage or autonomy, although in general they are devices whose battery will last you weeks and have space to store hundreds of books. However, at the end of the article you will find a summary table with the main characteristics of the Kindle.

Below we list the models of Amazon book readers and their recommended uses.

Kindle (2019)

The source point of the Kindle (2019) is the price: it is the cheapest model, so it can be interesting for people with tight budgets (for yourself or to give away), for occasional readers or simply if you are not sure if you are going to take advantage of it. With an RRP of 89.99 euros, it is relatively common to find it cheaper in Amazon promotions.

It is also the lightest and most compact Kindleso it may be interesting for those who plan to carry it regularly – for example in a bag or backpack – to read in downtime.

Yes indeed, its screen is also the smallest and the one with the lowest quality, being 6 inches and 167 dpi. In addition, although it has lighting – which is very useful if you are in places with low light or if you are reading next to someone who is sleeping – it only has four LEDs to illuminate it.

It has 4GB of capacity, it has Wi-Fi connectivity and a micro-USB port to charge it, a connection that is less and less used and that may make you have to carry an exclusive cable for charging. Although with an autonomy of weeks, you may not need it.

Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Amazon renewed a few months ago its model with the best value for money: The Kindle Paperwhite (2021). This is the perfect model for regular readerswith a larger screen and higher quality than the Kindle to dry: 6.8-inches (previous generation was 6-inches), 300dpi with adjustable warm light.

An extra that can be interesting is its waterproof IPX8, which in practice and sticking to what the IP certification says would allow us to read near water, for example on the beach, in the pool or taking a bath.

Be careful, this does not mean that we can use the reader underwater, but rather that it is designed for potential aquatic accidents. In fact, in our experience when using it submerged, the tactile response stops working even though the screen continues to show the text.

It doubles the capacity of the Kindle to dry, it has Wi-Fi connectivity and according to Amazon its autonomy is up to 10 weeks, so you can take it full of books during the summer without fear of running out of battery. And if you have to go through the plug, it has the popular USB-C for charging.

Its PVP is 139.99 euros.

Kindle Paperwhite Paperwhite Signature Edition

This Kindle Paperwhite Paperwhite Signature Edition is the newest in the class. And it is that if before Amazon was limited to launching versions with two capacities, now it has decided baptize to the most ambitious model as Signature Edition and add one more feature: the wireless charging using the Qi standardusual for mobiles.

Of course, the design, connectivity, resistance to water, autonomy and the screen are identical to the Paperwhite dry. Who is this version interesting for? For avid readers who want to download and save a huge library of books on your device and/or to techies who appreciate the extra charge (the charger is not included).

Nevertheless when this device is most interesting is when it is on sale. And it is that practically for what the standard model costs, you get this more complete version. Its PVP is 189.99 euros.

Kindle Oasis

If you think that e-book readers have a small screen and you appreciate a quality panel with a larger and well-lit diagonalkeep an eye on the Kindle Oasis.

As you will see in the table, having the largest screen does not mean that it is the heaviest or least manageable: the “trick” is that its screen is more square and that it has an asymmetrical design with a kind of handle to hold it comfortably with one hand, being able to turn the page by pressing a button on the side. Therefore, it is also a good option for those who read in idle moments, for example on subway or bus trips.

Until now, all the Kindles listed have had a robust and bumpy plastic case, but the Kindle Oasis has a sleek aluminum chassis, a material that is and feels more premium. If you’re a foodie, you probably appreciate this look.

Another important difference is that it is the only one that has a 4G option (note that it is not the base model, you will have to pay an extra) so you can download books even if you are not under the umbrella of a Wi-Fi network. When is this extra interesting? If you don’t have Wi-Fi and you’re also going to be away from Wi-Fi areas for a while, although if you have a smartphone, you can always use it as an access point and that’s it.

It has identical IPX8 resistance so that you can use it near water and a great autonomy of about six weeks that, although it is inferior to the Paperwhite, should not be a problem.

This is a veteran model (from 2019) and this shows in that the port for charging is the old micro-USBan increasingly rare connection.

Keep in mind in any case that the base model, with 8GB of capacity and Wi-Fi connectivity, is not exactly cheap: 249.99 euros. If you also want to opt for 4G and 32GB capacity, the price goes to 339 euros. If you read a lot, want a big screen and money is not an issueis your model.

Amazon Kindle features summary table

More offers

if you make Amazon-Primeyou have a 30-day free trial (after 36 euros per year) to enjoy fast free shipping, priority accessory to offers, services such as Prime Video, Prime Music and unlimited photo storage. Also, if you are a student, make Prime Student It costs half and you have a 90-day trial. You can also try services like Kindle Unlimited either Audible.

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