[ArthurianLegends]

Greetings,

I was able to hold the new Oasis in my hands finally today at a Best Buy (relatively) near me. At first impression, loved the screen size! But the problems came as soon as I held it, and felt the edges. I switched from hand to hand and just could not get a comfortable position. I know everyone is different, so perhaps not everyone will have this issue, but I did not like the feel of the new Oasis, while still loving the look of it.

Of course, I think the discomfort issue must be resolved once I get a case, but this is the first kindle reader that I have held naked that did not feel right to me. My previous models were the keyboard, the touch, the PW3, and the Voyage (all of which felt right to hold despite the variations in weight). I would never have a problem holding any of those incarnations without a cover (and I do like to have that option from time to time).

Thus, I sadly withdrew the new Oasis from my xmas wishlist. I am glad to see many people do have a different experience and love the new Oasis, but at the price point Amazon is asking, I do expect a bit more.

There were many things they did get right on the new Oasis, mainly the waterproofing. The Audible ability seemed nice at first, but would have preferred built in speakers. My kindle keyboard had speakers and was more comfortable to hold, so I think this can be done.

The final nail in the coffin for me for the new Oasis was the contrast. I know all screens may be a bit different, but I have been spoiled by reading on a flawless Voyage screen that I got late in their production runs when the kinks were worked out. The text is noticeably richer in the Voyage and does not look as muddy as in the newer kindles I have seen in the store and those I have seen in photos in this forum. I know the new software give you options for boldness, but boldness only helps a little. The problem that I saw was that somehow the warmth or lighting on the new Oasis makes the text look muddier to these eyes anyway.

I will wait patiently for the Oasis 3 or Voyage 2 (I wonder if ever there will be such a thing). Thanks to everyone leaving reviews and impressions here, and I hope everyone enjoys the new Oasis and offers feedback to Amazon on possible improvements.


Of course all of this only reflects my own personal experience and particular tastes. I want the kindles to continue to develop and be perfected, but have to hold off so far on both iterations of the Oasis due to what I consider one of the most important aspects of my e-reading experience. The contrast and sharpness of the fonts.