Paperwhite Second Gen: First Impressions

[el.jeffe58]

Originally Posted by HarryT

It really doesn't matter what it looks like in total darkness and maximum brightness. What does it look like in the conditions in which you're actually going to be using it?

Amen to that Harry. I feel this is the best approach.

[xendula]

Originally Posted by Blossom

Yes but on the HDX they change color. White background they are blue. Sepia background they are green. This is unheard of on a tablet! It's crazy! My first unit only had it around the edges and it was a faint blue. This one is neon blue on the edges and faint blue blotches through out the middle.

That's crazy! There are some coloring issues with the iPad Air screens as well, but NEON blue?!

Originally Posted by jswinden

Blossom's second Fire HDX, a replacement for her defective HDX, came with scratches on the back and the FW updates already installed. That means she almost certainly received a returned item. I suspected that was happening last year with the PW1 even in the first few weeks after release. I think they were trying to pawn off their returned junk on us. As time goes by they do that for sure as the units come marked with an "R" for returned.

I thought that at least in the beginning we were receiving new devices. That's pretty bad. What did Amazon say when you called them out on it, Blossom?

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by xendula

That's crazy! There are some coloring issues with the iPad Air screens as well, but NEON blue?!



I thought that at least in the beginning we were receiving new devices. That's pretty bad. What did Amazon say when you called them out on it, Blossom?

I did a chat this time so not much. I thought I would have better luck because mostly Amazon is refusing to replace them because the blue border is normal. Mine isn't normal my first one's screen was amazing compared to this one. The brightness controller was faulty on that one and this one works perfectly except for the blobs.

The Rept I got didn't care she just wanted to get back to IMing with whoever it was. She accidentally pasted a message from her IM into the chat window they told me to ignore it. It was not Kindle related. Uh Oh! Busted! This worked out in my favor and it was like 6AM this morning. After two questions she was like we need to replace the Kindle then asked me the standard Did you drop, apply pressure or get it wet. Everytime they ask me that I want to say no and I didn't feed it after midnight or let in the sun either. Probably a kid who wouldn't get that reference anyways.

The blue border is normal but it's suppose to be just that a border not something that takes over the screen like this one does.

I guess if this one is bad I have to make a decision do I try again or do I return it and get another tablet. I don't want another tablet. I love how light and thin the HDX is.

I am not getting PW2 after this hubby is already grumbling about having to go to the UPS Store again. I can't go through another replacement game.

[booklover6]

Blossom, you don't have to make your hubby go to the UPS store. If you can print the label at home, you can hand the box to your driver at any time. Actually any driver anywhere will take it. There is no charge for that. And since they give you 30 days to return, as I recall, surely you will receive a delivery during that time.

Originally Posted by Blossom

I am not getting PW2 after this hubby is already grumbling about having to go to the UPS Store again. I can't go through another replacement game.

[JoeC]

I received my 2nd Generation 3G Paperwhite yesterday. It is a pretty decent improvement over my Generation 1. The "smearing" and "lightbulb" effect is greatly diminished (but still there). I really like the texture of the screen, it's smoother. The texture of the Generation 1 always bugged me. The fonts are crisper to my eyes.

[jgsmith]

I've just found a huge problem with my PW2, and I'd be interested to know if anyone else has the same issue. The problem is that it spends too much time on my nightstand, and not enough in my hands. To be honest, I've had this problem with all my readers.

[ProfCrash]

I have that same problem. Something about a toddler, two dogs, work, husband, and a need for sleep keeps limiting my time using the PW2.

[Gazella]

Did Amazon remove the first gen Paperwhite from their site?

[stickybuns]

Originally Posted by Gazella

Did Amazon remove the first gen Paperwhite from their site?

Would there be much reason for Amazon to continue selling it?

It looks like the first generation is available through Amazon Warehouse.

[ProfCrash]

Yup, The PW1 is no longer available for sale.

I would guess that Amazon holds the PW1 to replace ones that have issues for a while then you see them pop up on outlet sites

Amazon quickly stopped selling the Touch after the PW1 was released, so I don't expect them to continue the PW1 now that the PW2 has been released. As others have said, they might periodically put them back on sale as stocks get returned from retailers or once they feel they don't need as many for replacement units.

[Barty]

Originally Posted by Drew0020

I gave up on the wifi Paperwhite 2 after 6. I decided to try my luck on the 3G Paperwhite 2. I figured they might have a few of the kinks ironed out. My 3G unit is supposed to arrive today. I am crossing my fingers ha!

Six? I thought I was bad with three.

At what point does Amazon say "no soup for you!"

[Barty]

Originally Posted by Blossom

Yes but on the HDX they change color. White background they are blue. Sepia background they are green. This is unheard of on a tablet! It's crazy! My first unit only had it around the edges and it was a faint blue. This one is neon blue on the edges and faint blue blotches through out the middle.

Blossom, supposedly the blue edges are "normal." They are due to the filters Amazon is using. The blotches, though, are defects ( I hope.)

Off topic: I just got the iPad air. It's nice and light alright. And fast. But I don't think the screen is as good as the iPad 3. There's a bit of ghosting while scrolling, noticeable when using white text on dark background, as I like to do. I guess with the intense pressure to "innovate" while keeping profit up, something's gotta give. The home button doesn't feel as good when I press it. Just a tad stiff and noisy. The edge between where the bevel and the back is a little rough, not smooth. Finally, the cable feels flimsy, like one of those cheapies you get from eBay for $1, and the edges of the USB plug are sharp.

Yeah I'm a tough customer. But I'm paying $500 for this thing, dang it.

PS: click here to subscribe to my Journal of Obsessive Compulsive Tech Reviews.

Originally Posted by Barty

Blossom, supposedly the blue edges are "normal." They are due to the filters Amazon is using. The blotches, though, are defects ( I hope.)

Off topic: I just got the iPad air. It's nice and light alright. And fast. But I don't think the screen is as good as the iPad 3. There's a bit of ghosting while scrolling, noticeable when using white text on dark background, as I like to do. I guess with the intense pressure to "innovate" while keeping profit up, something's gotta give. The home button doesn't feel as good when I press it. Just a tad stiff and noisy. The edge between where the bevel and the back is a little rough, not smooth. Finally, the cable feels flimsy, like one of those cheapies you get from eBay for $1, and the edges of the USB plug are sharp.

Yeah I'm a tough customer. But I'm paying $500 for this thing, dang it.

PS: click here to subscribe to my Journal of Obsessive Compulsive Tech Reviews.

This article might explain the iPad Air's screen. The Air LCD uses only 36 LEDs whereas some of the older iPads used up to 84 LEDs. Different design, so different results I guess.

[Drew0020]

Originally Posted by Barty

Blossom, supposedly the blue edges are "normal." They are due to the filters Amazon is using. The blotches, though, are defects ( I hope.)

Off topic: I just got the iPad air. It's nice and light alright. And fast. But I don't think the screen is as good as the iPad 3. There's a bit of ghosting while scrolling, noticeable when using white text on dark background, as I like to do. I guess with the intense pressure to "innovate" while keeping profit up, something's gotta give. The home button doesn't feel as good when I press it. Just a tad stiff and noisy. The edge between where the bevel and the back is a little rough, not smooth. Finally, the cable feels flimsy, like one of those cheapies you get from eBay for $1, and the edges of the USB plug are sharp.

Yeah I'm a tough customer. But I'm paying $500 for this thing, dang it.

PS: click here to subscribe to my Journal of Obsessive Compulsive Tech Reviews.

I think the Air screen is much better than the 3 or 4. I don't notice any different with the home button except that my 5s is much more clicky. I paid $729 and I think the build quality is simple best in class. My issues is more with iOS7 and how it sometimes lags which isn't a knock in the Air at all.