K4NT vs. the New $69 Kindle

[AintLDS]

The New $69 Kindle arrived via FedEx about an hour ago. Some initial impressions:

1. I like the black bezel, slightly more rubberized back, and fit/finish. It somehow feels "softer" in the hand. I don't notice fingerprints. The silver Kindle logo on top looks classier. Overall, a nicer looking device than the K4NT.

2. The screen is noticeably better - more contrast and whiter (less grey?) background. The fonts seem a little bit cleaner and blacker but it may just be the improved contrast with the lighter background.

3. The page turns are slightly faster and cleaner - I'd say the 15% improvement feels about right if that's the case.

I've owned every Kindle since day one. My favorite is the K4NT and with the improvements made in the new $69 Kindle, this is the best yet.

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by AintLDS

The New $69 Kindle arrived via FedEx about an hour ago. Some initial impressions:

1. I like the black bezel, slightly more rubberized back, and fit/finish. It somehow feels "softer" in the hand. I don't notice fingerprints. The silver Kindle logo on top looks classier. Overall, a nicer looking device than the K4NT.

2. The screen is noticeably better - more contrast and whiter (less grey?) background. The fonts seem a little bit cleaner and blacker but it may just be the improved contrast with the lighter background.

3. The page turns are slightly faster and cleaner - I'd say the 15% improvement feels about right if that's the case.

I've owned every Kindle since day one. My favorite is the K4NT and with the improvements made in the new $69 Kindle, this is the best yet.

A darker bezel would make the eink screen appear to be relatively brighter. But yours may also be actually brighter due to manufacturing variations in the eink Pearl screens.

Page turn speed is purely software. It is good if they improved that in newer firmware.

If it is running 4.x firmware, it would still be a K4. Of course, you can call it a K69 if you wish.

Originally Posted by AintLDS

The New $69 Kindle arrived via FedEx about an hour ago. Some initial impressions:

1. I like the black bezel, slightly more rubberized back, and fit/finish. It somehow feels "softer" in the hand. I don't notice fingerprints. The silver Kindle logo on top looks classier. Overall, a nicer looking device than the K4NT.

2. The screen is noticeably better - more contrast and whiter (less grey?) background. The fonts seem a little bit cleaner and blacker but it may just be the improved contrast with the lighter background.

3. The page turns are slightly faster and cleaner - I'd say the 15% improvement feels about right if that's the case.

I've owned every Kindle since day one. My favorite is the K4NT and with the improvements made in the new $69 Kindle, this is the best yet.

What is the version of the firmware running on the new K4?

[AintLDS]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

A darker bezel would make the eink screen appear to be relatively brighter. But yours may also be actually brighter due to manufacturing variations in the eink Pearl screens.

No, if you overlap them you can definitely tell that the new one is better. I had another K4NT before this and the screen wasn't as good as the K4NT that I have now. Unless they degrade with age and use, there could be a very wide variation.

Originally Posted by geekmaster

Page turn speed is purely software. It is good if they improved that in newer firmware.

If it is running 4.x firmware, it would still be a K4. Of course, you can call it a K69 if you wish.

Yes, it's not something you'd really notice unless you compare them side to side.

[AintLDS]

Originally Posted by jswinden

What is the version of the firmware running on the new K4?

They are both identical - 4.1.0 (1615370055)

Originally Posted by AintLDS

They are both identical - 4.1.0 (1615370055)

That is as we suspected. Does the new K4 really turn pages faster than the older K4 you have, in a side by side comparison? I'm thinking the 15% faster marketing statement might be just that--Amazon trying to blow smoke up our backsides. I think 15% would be nearly impossible to perceive.

[AintLDS]

Originally Posted by jswinden

That is as we suspected. Does the new K4 really turn pages faster than the older K4 you have, in a side by side comparison? I'm thinking the 15% faster marketing statement might be just that--Amazon trying to blow smoke up our backsides. I think 15% would be nearly impossible to perceive.

Like I said, the perception is that it's just a little cleaner and faster. Not something you'd notice unless you have them side by side. I figured that with the same firmware, there would be no difference and any perceived difference would be because of the newness factor of the device. But after messing with it for quite a while, it really is a little better. Go figure. It's possible there are some hardware revisions as well that can account for the improvements.

Originally Posted by AintLDS

Like I said, the perception is that it's just a little cleaner and faster. Not something you'd notice unless you have them side by side. I figured that with the same firmware, there would be no difference and any perceived difference would be because of the newness factor of the device. But after messing with it for quite a while, it really is a little better. Go figure. It's possible there are some hardware revisions as well that can account for the improvements.

There could be some hardware changes. If so probably nothing major. In my opinion the black bezel is a good upgrade, but maybe not enough to warrant a new purchase for some.

[AintLDS]

Originally Posted by jswinden

There could be some hardware changes. If so probably nothing major. In my opinion the black bezel is a good upgrade, but maybe not enough to warrant a new purchase for some.

I agree. If you're happy with your K4NT, this is just a very slight refinement. If you've got a few bucks burning a hole in your pocket, you'll be happy with the new one and can gift your old one away (mine is going to my wife).

I have a Paperwhite on order and I have a feeling that one will blow people away.

Deleted......

[ucfgrad93]

Pics or it didn't happen OP.

[RDaneel54]

Originally Posted by jswinden

I was just comparing the size/weight specs for the two K4s. The new one appears to be speced smaller and lighter. Is this the case?

K4 2011 4.7" x 6.8" x 0.39" and weighs 7.6 oz
K4 2012 4.5" x 6.5" x 0.34" and weighs 6.0 oz

Could it be that your 2011 specs are incorrect? I'm pretty sure the K4 was 6 oz. The 2011 specs you have look like those for the Kindle Touch.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by RDaneel54

Could it be that your 2011 specs are incorrect? I'm pretty sure the K4 was 6 oz. The 2011 specs you have look like those for the Kindle Touch.

Both K4s have the same dimensions. The 2011 specs appear to be for the Touch.

Originally Posted by RDaneel54

Could it be that your 2011 specs are incorrect? I'm pretty sure the K4 was 6 oz. The 2011 specs you have look like those for the Kindle Touch.

You are correct, I opened the wrong manual, the one for the Touch. My bad. The size/weight specs are indeed identical between the two models.

[AintLDS]

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

Pics or it didn't happen OP.

Well, yeah, I knew that was coming. Just don't make fun of my pics, blame lighting differences, etc. Quickly taken with my Nikon D300:





Sorry about the profanity laced page - not intentional.