Who prefers non-frontlit E-Readers over Frontlit ones and why?

[teija]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Some folks don’t like having an extra layer for the light diffuser as it can decrease contrast or make the display a bit more hazy.

Also, aside from the possible hardware difference, some folks simply don't want to have to pay that little bit extra that the manufacturers charge to have the built-in light.. But judging by the survey results so far, that is probably a moot point

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by teija

Also, aside from the possible hardware difference, some folks simply don't want to have to pay that little bit extra that the manufacturers charge to have the built-in light.. But judging by the survey results so far, that is probably a moot point

Given even the basic Kindle has built-in light now (recently on sale for $60 with 25% cashback for Prime credit card holders so $45 net), I don't think there's really an upcharge for the light anymore. Seems to be just another standard feature at this point in time.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by teija

Also, aside from the possible hardware difference, some folks simply don't want to have to pay that little bit extra that the manufacturers charge to have the built-in light.. But judging by the survey results so far, that is probably a moot point

Nook Simple Touch had an introductory price of $139. Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight had an introductory price of $139. Nook Glowlight had an introductory price of $119.

Kobo Touch had an introductory price of $129. Kobo Glo had an introductory price of $129.

I don't think there's an upcharge for the frontlight and never has been.

[tomsem]

I just got the newest Kindle (10th gen, $15 after trade in discounts and Prime Day $30 discount). Side by side with the 8th gen Kindle, light off, contrast is slightly better. While it is not possible to know how much better it might be without the front light layer, at least it has not come as a minus. And it is nice to have front light even with moderate ambient light.

I set it down for a minute and looked over: it was finishing up update to latest software!

It does not have magnet sensor for wake up covers. But that’s okay by me: I don’t use covers with my Kindles, and wish there were a way to disable the Kindle sensor as it tends to get triggered by my iPads wake up cover magnet when both are in my bag.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by tomsem

I think the issue is largely moot: Amazon, Kobo, B&N do not sell eReaders without front light. The market has spoken!

I like my Tolino Page, which is non-lit and has a nice, clear E-Carta screen. These are still available for $65 (including shipping to the U.S.). And I think Pocketbook still makes one or two non-lit eReaders. And there's also the huge used market.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Given even the basic Kindle has built-in light now (recently on sale for $60 with 25% cashback for Prime credit card holders so $45 net), I don't think there's really an upcharge for the light anymore. Seems to be just another standard feature at this point in time.

But that's only when they're on sale and if you have the Prime credit card — $90 otherwise. Meanwhile good, used readers are a "dime a dozen." I picked up a Tolino Shine (the old one with the Pearl screen) on Shop Goodwill for $6 plus s/h of about $14. It had a crack on the bezel and the screen is a little scraped, but you don't notice it when you're reading and it came with a worn but comfortable leather case. So this will be my "travel" reader. I'm getting to really like the Tolinos. Simple interface, with screens that tend to be a bit "warmer" than the Paperwhite.

EDIT: That said, I should mention that their English dictionary is more or less pathetic. The other day I looked up "grenadiers." Their definition, "the plural of grenadier." No link to grenadier or anything. The Kindle is vastly superior here.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by tomsem

It does not have magnet sensor for wake up covers. But that’s okay by me: ...

I would have just assumed they came with it, since the two Basics before it had that feature. That's kind of an odd regression.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

Nook Simple Touch had an introductory price of $139. Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight had an introductory price of $139. Nook Glowlight had an introductory price of $119.

Kobo Touch had an introductory price of $129. Kobo Glo had an introductory price of $129.

I don't think there's an upcharge for the frontlight and never has been.

Yeah, but when the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight came out, the Nook Simple Touch dropped to $100. And the Kindle non-touch Basic was selling for $60 (I believe) when the Paperwhite was selling for $120.

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by rcentros

But that's only when they're on sale and if you have the Prime credit card — $90 otherwise. Meanwhile good, used readers are a "dime a dozen." I picked up a Tolino Shine (the old one with the Pearl screen) on Shop Goodwill for $6 plus s/h of about $14. It had a crack on the bezel and the screen is a little scraped, but you don't notice it when you're reading and it came with a worn but comfortable leather case. So this will be my "travel" reader. I'm getting to really like the Tolinos. Simple interface, with screens that tend to be a bit "warmer" than the Paperwhite.

New Kindle sales are at least once a month. Besides, you can buy used e-readers with built-in light for cheap as well.

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by rcentros

Yeah, but when the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight came out, the Nook Simple Touch dropped to $100. And the Kindle non-touch Basic was selling for $60 (I believe) when the Paperwhite was selling for $120.

It was $80 for the Basic (KT3). Both Basic and Paperwhite 10th gen got a $10 increase from previous model.

Anyway, my point is at this time, frontlight isn't just a "premium" feature anymore.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

New Kindle sales are at least once a month. Besides, you can buy used e-readers with built-in light for cheap as well.

They don't go on sale for $30 off once a month. But I understand they go on sale quite a bit. As for used eReaders, agreed. I'm currently using a Paperwhite 2 that cost less than $30 total (including the cost of a new Fintie cover ordered directly from Fintie).

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

It was $80 for the Basic (KT3). Both Basic and Paperwhite 10th gen got a $10 increase from previous model.

I'm talking about the pre-7th and 8th generation Basics. 4th and/or 5th (silver and black, non-touch Basic Kindles). But I was off by $10, they sold for $70 when Paperwhites were going for $120, so that's still a significant amount.

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Anyway, my point is at this time, frontlight isn't just a "premium" feature anymore.

No, not any more.

Screen capture from Archive.org (June 30th, 2014).

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I would have just assumed they came with it, since the two Basics before it had that feature. That's kind of an odd regression.

It does support wake covers. Amazon sells an official one here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8HXNG4/

Reckon you need to buy a new case as the magnet sensors are likely in a different location from the older models.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

It does support wake covers. Amazon sells an official one here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8HXNG4/

Reckon you need to buy a new case as the magnet sensors are likely in a different location from the older models.

Maybe so, but I could not get the cover for 8th gen Kindle to trigger the 10th, even though they are pretty much the same size (latter is thinner).

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by tomsem

Maybe so, but I could not get the cover for 8th gen Kindle to trigger the 10th, even though they are pretty much the same size (latter is thinner).

Maybe the new Kindle uses two sensors (top and bottom) like the Paperwhite 4.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

It does support wake covers. Amazon sells an official one here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8HXNG4/

Reckon you need to buy a new case as the magnet sensors are likely in a different location from the older models.

Okay, that makes more sense. I see Fintie sells wake/sleep covers for the newest Basic (directly through their eBay store) for about $8 to $9 (depending on color or design).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-All-New...fo23XVKKVfwwSw