New "top of the line Kindle" details coming next week

[Cinisajoy]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

A solar charger for an ereader only makes sense if you'll be away from a power source for extended periods of time; like backpacking or camping. A picnic or a trip to the beach is well within current battery technology to not require additional charging.

Quite frankly, I don't see the need for it. But then, I don't have any objections to it as long as it's an optional accessory. So for those who want it, go for it.

Hi. A trip to the beach here is a good 8 hours. Sorry couldn't resist.

Now I can think of another reason for solar chargers. It would save electricity.
Ok so probably not much but some.
Now you are right, for the casual reader solar charging might be overkill. For a voracious reader, it could be fabulous.

Or someone who spends hours at the doctor.

[latepaul]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

A solar charger for an ereader only makes sense if you'll be away from a power source for extended periods of time; like backpacking or camping.

There's also the fact that it's free energy and it is seen as greener. (whether it actually is or not...)

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

A solar charger for an ereader only makes sense if you'll be away from a power source for extended periods of time; like backpacking or camping.

Exactly. Or relief/mission work, disaster recovery volunteers, extended power outages, places where the nearest charging station may be miles away. You've already conceded there are situations where it does make sense, so why focus on those where it doesn't?

Hell, by the same logic (people rarely being away from a power source for very long), why does a battery that lasts for weeks/months make any "sense?" If "because they can" is sufficient for unnecessary battery-life, why does solar charging suddenly have to conform to a different kind of "sense"-making? They're both features that some would make use of and some would not, no?

If battery-life is indeed the big deal that it seems to be with eink aficionados, I would think built-in ways to extend that period of time between charges even more would be as welcome an addition as say ... a new battery that lasted 10-20% longer. Or would people kick up their heels at a new and improved battery, too.

[latepaul]

Meanwhile, as a Brit, I'd be more interested if they use this tech

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Exactly. Or relief/mission work, disaster recovery volunteers, extended power outages, places where the nearest charging station may be miles away. You've already conceded there are situations where it does make sense, so why focus on those where it doesn't?

Hell, by the same logic (people rarely being away from a power source for very long), why does a battery that lasts for weeks/months make any "sense?" If "because they can" is sufficient for unnecessary battery-life, why does have solar charging suddenly have to conform to a different kind of "sense"-making? They're both features that some would make use of and some would not, no?

If battery-life is indeed the big deal that it seems to be with eink aficionados, I would think built-in ways to extend that period of time between charges even more would be as welcome an addition as say ... a battery that lasted 10-20% longer.

When you get down to it, why not just sit next to an outlet and read with the device plugged in?

Any concept which is wrong if carried to its logical conclusion is wrong in its inception.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by gebederry

I think that "bits" are page-turn buttons and there is a G-sensor assisting it to rotate screen. btw, that cover is rechargable.

That's what I got out of Google Translate, yes.
http://the-digital-reader.com/2016/0...trical-design/

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by Phogg

When you get down to it, why not just sit next to an outlet and read with the device plugged in?

Hey, you're preaching to the choir. I'm just trying to determine why anyone who appreciates having a battery that lasts for weeks would be opposed to something that could extend that time even more (using claims of it being "unnecessary").

[Cinisajoy]

My very personal opinion:
If you (generic you) don't like something then don't buy it. But please, do NOT tell others that the something makes no sense. It may be perfect for them.

[mewmartigan]

wow...if that is the real deal, it will be interesting. I definitely don't want a case. As long as I can flip it left and right for one handed reading on both sides and the case is optional, I have no problem with the new one. I wonder if it will replace the Voyage or be even premium-er?

If the numbers are correct, the fat end is actually thicker than the Voyage.

I also hope that now that is has leaked Amazon makes it official sooner rather than later.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Hi. A trip to the beach here is a good 8 hours. Sorry couldn't resist.

Now I can think of another reason for solar chargers. It would save electricity.
Ok so probably not much but some.
Now you are right, for the casual reader solar charging might be overkill. For a voracious reader, it could be fabulous.

Or someone who spends hours at the doctor.

Battery Life

* Kindle 7 -- 0.5 hrs/day x 4 weeks = 14 hrs

* Paperwhite -- 0.5 hrs/day x 6 weeks = 21 hrs

* Voyage -- 0.5 hrs/day x 6 weeks = 21 hrs

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

My very personal opinion:
If you (generic you) don't like something then don't buy it. But please, do NOT tell others that the something makes no sense. It may be perfect for them.

Like I said:

Quite frankly, I don't see the need for it. But then, I don't have any objections to it as long as it's an optional accessory. So for those who want it, go for it.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Exactly. Or relief/mission work, disaster recovery volunteers, extended power outages, places where the nearest charging station may be miles away. You've already conceded there are situations where it does make sense, so why focus on those where it doesn't?

Those too. But then, I'd want my cell phone and tablet to be charged also.

Hell, by the same logic (people rarely being away from a power source for very long), why does a battery that lasts for weeks/months make any "sense?" If "because they can" is sufficient for unnecessary battery-life, why does solar charging suddenly have to conform to a different kind of "sense"-making? They're both features that some would make use of and some would not, no?

Based on 0.5 hrs/day of reading. That translates into roughly 14 to 21 hours of battery life. Good enough for a day or two of extended reading sessions; like the beach or a picnic.

If battery-life is indeed the big deal that it seems to be with eink aficionados, I would think built-in ways to extend that period of time between charges even more would be as welcome an addition as say ... a new battery that lasted 10-20% longer. Or would people kick up their heels at a new and improved battery, too.

For those who want it, go for it. I personally think the current battery life for ereaders is is quite sufficient. I'd rather see improvements in durability for outdoor use; ie, flexible substrate, waterproofing, shock resistance, etc.

[sun surfer]

I'm not sure what to make of the asymmetrical shape. It does seem functional. I almost always hold an ereader with one hand, and when my hand does get tired it's mostly from the feeling of weight extended out. This solves that completely (sans case at least) as the weightiest part would be resting in my hand.

On the other hand (), it just seems... odd. If this is the premium design, I'm not really sure if it looks so premium. It's so different that the leak almost seems fake. I'll be interested to hear what other new features and improvements it has.

[rcentros]

According to this site ...

http://liliputing.com/2016/04/amazon...er-design.html

... the case will come with it. As long as it can turned either way, I don't think I mind the wedge (especially considering how it fits into the case with magnets). I'm guessing this will be priced higher than the Voyage -- so it won't really be a consideration for me.

I don't hate it. I think super thin eReaders are harder to hold anyhow.

According to this article, it's going to have more uniform lighting ("60% more LEDs). And, with the battery case, it's supposed to have 20 months of standby.

http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/11/11...tails-features

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by rcentros

According to this site ...

http://liliputing.com/2016/04/amazon...er-design.html

... the case will come with it. As long as it can turned either way, I don't think I mind the wedge (especially considering how it fits into the case with magnets). I'm guessing this will be priced higher than the Voyage -- so it won't really be a consideration for me.

I don't hate it. I think super thin eReaders are harder to hold anyhow.

That we already knew from earlier leaks. Heck, I was saying that on 1 April.