Would you ever buy a non front-lit e-ink reader?

[Dr. Drib]

I'm very curious about this.

I now have two front-lit e-ink devices (Kindlewhite and Kobok Glo) and I'm so happy with the technology, that I don't see myself ever buying another e-ink reader that does NOT have this as part of the built-in technology. My thinking is: It can only get better.

My question is mainly directed toward members who now own a front-lit e-ink reader, but please feel free to jump in if you do not meet this qualification.

Would you ever buy another e-ink device that does not have this front-lit capability?


Don

[HarryT]

No, I don't think I would. The light just transforms the experience of reading - I can now read in all sorts of dimly-lit places that I couldn't have done previously.

[poohbear_nc]

Nope! I have a desk drawer full of reading lights - none of which ever worked to completely & evenly illuminate an eInk screen of any size. The PW is simply too good as it is to ever contemplate going back to a non-front-lit screen.

I would kill/pay a lot for a front-lit eInk reader the size of the Kindle DX!

[Pookeysgirl]

I don't have a Paperwhite yet, but I know I won't look back once I have one. I like the lighted case for my K3, but having a light built right into the reader would be perfect for me.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by Pookeysgirl

I don't have a Paperwhite yet, but I know I won't look back once I have one. I like the lighted case for my K3, but having a light built right into the reader would be perfect for me.

I had K3 with the lighted case and thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. Then, when I picked up my Paperwhite and Kobo Glo, it was like a moment of revelation.

Have you had a chance to test a Paperwhite (with a friend or in a low-light situation)? I think you'll be truly amazed...I hope.



Don

[JoeD]

I don't have one, but if my existing kindle 4NT dies I'd certainly consider one. However, since my main usage is in a normally well lit room or outside in the sun (not much of that at the moment :P) it wouldn't be a deciding factor and not enough to make me consider upgrading.

With the mixed reports of blotchy screens on some batches of paperwhites, I'd probably also wait until reports of the new batches don't have as many issues. Even though Amazon are great for returns, i'd like to avoid any hassle.

If a device comes along with enough features to twist my arm into an upgrade though and it happens to include a lit display, I'd imagine I'll find it hard to buy a future replacement without it. Too easy to get used to an optional feature and for it to become a required feature

[JD Gumby]

Originally Posted by HarryT

No, I don't think I would. The light just transforms the experience of reading - I can now read in all sorts of dimly-lit places that I couldn't have done previously.

Yeah, but how many of those dimly-lit places that you actually now read in (as opposed to just being able to read in) are places you can't just turn on a normal light? Not many, I'm expecting.

[sneakyspider]

I would, and have, bought an e-ink device with a non front-lit screen after receiving the Paperwhite as a gift. Not because I dislike the Paperwhite, but because I like the variety of all of the different kinds of devices. I only need one front-lit device to read in the dark, and I do have the Kindle Fire as well, so as far as reading in dimly lit settings goes, I'm good.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

Yeah, but how many of those dimly-lit places that you actually now read in (as opposed to just being able to read in) are places you can't just turn on a normal light? Not many, I'm expecting.

Quite a few, actually. A few weeks ago, I went to see "The Hobbit" at the cinema, and read through the 20 minutes of tedious adverts and trailers that preceded the film. On Saturday I went out for a very nice Indian meal, and read while waiting for the food to arrive.

[Pookeysgirl]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I had K3 with the lighted case and thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. Then, when I picked up my Paperwhite and Kobo Glo, it was like a moment of revelation.

Have you had a chance to test a Paperwhite (with a friend or in a low-light situation)? I think you'll be truly amazed...I hope.



Don

I haven't seen one in person yet. I know I will be amazed though.

[Pookeysgirl]

Originally Posted by JD Gumby

Yeah, but how many of those dimly-lit places that you actually now read in (as opposed to just being able to read in) are places you can't just turn on a normal light? Not many, I'm expecting.

I read in the living room all the time and use the light on the cover, just because I don't like brightly lit rooms. I also only have the one floor lamp in the living room and it has to be set really high in order to make it comfortable for me to read. I'm sure there are also a lot of people that read in bed, maybe while their partners are sleeping beside them. A lamp would definitely keep my husband awake while the light in my K3 cover is pretty much focused on my reader so it doesn't shine on him.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Would you ever buy another e-ink device that does not have this front-lit capability?

I would, I sent my Paperwhite back and went back to using my Touch. Of course I didn't buy the PW mainly for the light, but for the increased screen resolution. If I often found myself in situations where I'd have to use a booklight or something I'm sure my answer would be different, but I've had a Kandle light for approx four years and have needed it exactly one time.

I don't know if it's the lighting situations I find myself in or perhaps the ways I often hold a reader, but I found I'd often get an "under glass" effect when reading the PW (kind of like reading through the glass on a picture frame) which I don't get on any of my other eInk devices. If they could get rid of that effect then I'd have no problem buying a lit reader, but the light would be way down the list of factors I'd consider when looking at the devices features.

[Beginner-reader]

LED= macular degenerescence, or something like that. Once they make a non-LED Kindle PW, I'll buy it. I spend enough time at the computer already. This is also why I'll never buy a tablet.

[Penforhire]

My answer is no, Not after owning the PW after my other non-lit E-ink readers. The built-in front-light is just too convenient and the technology is sufficiently good (battery life, light uniformity, adjustable brightness).

It is now a must-have feature for me.

[Atunah]

Sure I would. Don't get me wrong, I love my Paperwhite, but I still love my K3 too. I have read on a non light kindle for 4 years before the PW came along. Only times it has been a bit harder was at night in bed, even with a nightlamp.

But reading in daytime, outside, balcony etc, I wouldn't need the light. I like a lot of things about my PW, not just the light though.

If my K3 dies, I will get a basic kindle to replace it. Even if I use mostly the PW.