Worth upgrading from Kindle 2?

lordheeb · 09-30-2011, 10:31 PM

I own a Kindle 2 and have been holding out for the K4 for a while now, but I'm not sure I like the direction in which the device is headed.

The $79 non-touch model looks like it may be too small for people with large hands, and the page turning buttons seem to be quite inconveniently located on the side of the device rather than on the front like the K2/K3. I'm also not happy about the shorter battery life compared to the K3.

The Kindle Touch looks like it could be convenient, for example with easy dictionary searches and a more convenient keyboard than the non-touch, but I don't like the idea of having to move my thumb every time I want to turn the page, where current I just press down. I've never used a touch-screen e-reader so I don't know how easily I would get used to this...

Is there any significant reason for me to upgrade from the Kindle 2 to one of these devices? Is the contrast significantly better, and have you noticed a difference in your reading experience?

Belle2Be · 09-30-2011, 10:37 PM

The screen for me between the 2 and the 3 was significant enough for me to get used to using the side-press next page button rather than the front press button. I would guess it would be the same for the K2 to the KT.
Kindle CS is really awesome, why not just buy one and see? If you don't like it, call CS and they'll send you a label to send it back in the original box and refund pretty quick

alansplace · 09-30-2011, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordheeb

...Is there any significant reason for me to upgrade from the Kindle 2 to one of these devices? Is the contrast significantly better, and have you noticed a difference in your reading experience?

when i switched from the k2 to the k3 i changed the display to 2 fonts smaller, therefore fewer page turns.

ucfgrad93 · 09-30-2011, 10:45 PM

I think there is a significant difference in the screen between the K2 and the K3 or the newer one. To me, it is worth the price to upgrade.

Skydog · 09-30-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belle2Be

The screen for me between the 2 and the 3 was significant enough for me to get used to using the side-press next page button rather than the front press button. I would guess it would be the same for the K2 to the KT.
Kindle CS is really awesome, why not just buy one and see? If you don't like it, call CS and they'll send you a label to send it back in the original box and refund pretty quick

I agree completely with all the above. The upgrade from the K2 to the K3 was indeed significant for me and the superior Pearl e-ink display alone was enough for me to upgrade. The smaller page turn buttons on the side are really better, IMHO, as they are less obtrusive and quiet -- unlike those on the K2.

As suggested, with Amazon's excellent service, why not give one a try? You have 30 days to decide if it is right for you before returning. It's a win-win!

DiapDealer · 09-30-2011, 11:21 PM

I haven't upgraded from my K2 yet. There's even been a K3 in my house for over 3 months and after playing with it extensively... it didn't tempt me to upgrade (even though the K3 screen is much nicer). The K3 is a little too small to be comfortable in my hand, so I know the latest hobbit Kindles aren't going to work for me either.

If it ain't broke... don't fix it.

wandalynn · 09-30-2011, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordheeb

I
Is there any significant reason for me to upgrade from the Kindle 2 to one of these devices?

You don't really think someone on this forum will try to talk you out of buying one, do you?

Blog Kindle · 09-30-2011, 11:42 PM

Screen in K4 is identical to K3. Page turning buttons are actually not that bad. I tried using the device and they are ok.

$79 K4 is a value device and it lack several nice features. Not having a 3G is a deal-breaker for me. I hardly ever use audio but it is still nice to have. Compact form and low weight are a significant advantage though.

I'd recommend waiting for Kindle Touch and choose then.

HarryT · 10-01-2011, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ucfgrad93

I think there is a significant difference in the screen between the K2 and the K3 or the newer one. To me, it is worth the price to upgrade.

The screen contrast is 50% better. That's the figure straight from the horse's mouth - the screen manufacturer. It really makes a tremendous difference.

JSWolf · 10-01-2011, 03:27 AM

IR Touch is very nice. Don't bother with the $79 K4. It's awful. The keyboard is not nice. But the virtual keyboard on the touch will be fine.

HarryT · 10-01-2011, 03:29 AM

Are you speaking from experience, Jon? Have you used a K4?

lordheeb · 10-01-2011, 04:54 AM

I'm not able to order the Kindle Touch anyway, it seems. Only the basic non-touch K4 is available in Australia, and it costs $109 instead of $79...

I'll wait until the touch is released, see what people think, and if it becomes available in Australia I might buy it. For now, I guess I'll just have to stick with the K2!

HarryT · 10-01-2011, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordheeb

I'm not able to order the Kindle Touch anyway, it seems. Only the basic non-touch K4 is available in Australia, and it costs $109 instead of $79...

That model costs $109 in the US, too. The $79 price is for the "special offers" version, with advertising; it's $109 without advertising. As you know, special offer Kindles are only sold in the U.S.

soulfuldog · 10-01-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordheeb

I'm not able to order the Kindle Touch anyway, it seems. Only the basic non-touch K4 is available in Australia, and it costs $109 instead of $79...

I'll wait until the touch is released, see what people think, and if it becomes available in Australia I might buy it. For now, I guess I'll just have to stick with the K2!

That's exactly what I'd do if it were me. Unless you are either desperate to upgrade or need to replace your current Kindle, wait and see what people think of the Kindle Touch before making a decision. By the time it's been out in the US for a couple of months and there's some good feedback on it, it might be available in the Europe, Australia etc!

monkeyluis · 10-01-2011, 11:30 AM

I'd say go for it. With such an attractive price you can't go wrong. The upgraded hardware will be a huge difference in your reading experience. If you're hesitant just wait till they are in stores so you can try one out.

09-30-2011, 10:31 PM	#1
lordheeb Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2011 Device: Kindle	Worth upgrading from Kindle 2? I own a Kindle 2 and have been holding out for the K4 for a while now, but I'm not sure I like the direction in which the device is headed. The $79 non-touch model looks like it may be too small for people with large hands, and the page turning buttons seem to be quite inconveniently located on the side of the device rather than on the front like the K2/K3. I'm also not happy about the shorter battery life compared to the K3. The Kindle Touch looks like it could be convenient, for example with easy dictionary searches and a more convenient keyboard than the non-touch, but I don't like the idea of having to move my thumb every time I want to turn the page, where current I just press down. I've never used a touch-screen e-reader so I don't know how easily I would get used to this... Is there any significant reason for me to upgrade from the Kindle 2 to one of these devices? Is the contrast significantly better, and have you noticed a difference in your reading experience? Last edited by lordheeb; 09-30-2011 at 10:33 PM.

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09-30-2011, 10:37 PM	#2
Belle2Be Peace, Love, and Books Posts: 355 Karma: 1242738 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: Kindle 3(3g), NookColor	The screen for me between the 2 and the 3 was significant enough for me to get used to using the side-press next page button rather than the front press button. I would guess it would be the same for the K2 to the KT. Kindle CS is really awesome, why not just buy one and see? If you don't like it, call CS and they'll send you a label to send it back in the original box and refund pretty quick

09-30-2011, 10:45 PM	#4
ucfgrad93 Wizard Posts: 2,360 Karma: 9026681 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Colorado Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2nd Gen	I think there is a significant difference in the screen between the K2 and the K3 or the newer one. To me, it is worth the price to upgrade.

09-30-2011, 11:21 PM	#6
DiapDealer Grand Sorcerer Posts: 27,547 Karma: 193191846 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD	I haven't upgraded from my K2 yet. There's even been a K3 in my house for over 3 months and after playing with it extensively... it didn't tempt me to upgrade (even though the K3 screen is much nicer). The K3 is a little too small to be comfortable in my hand, so I know the latest hobbit Kindles aren't going to work for me either. If it ain't broke... don't fix it.

09-30-2011, 11:42 PM	#8
Blog Kindle Addict Posts: 224 Karma: 25122 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Kindle 1/2/3/4/Touch/DX/Fire\|PRS-600/350\|Nook(color)\|iPad\|iPad2\|EVO 4G	Screen in K4 is identical to K3. Page turning buttons are actually not that bad. I tried using the device and they are ok. $79 K4 is a value device and it lack several nice features. Not having a 3G is a deal-breaker for me. I hardly ever use audio but it is still nice to have. Compact form and low weight are a significant advantage though. I'd recommend waiting for Kindle Touch and choose then.

10-01-2011, 03:27 AM	#10
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,897 Karma: 128597114 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	IR Touch is very nice. Don't bother with the $79 K4. It's awful. The keyboard is not nice. But the virtual keyboard on the touch will be fine.

10-01-2011, 03:29 AM	#11
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Are you speaking from experience, Jon? Have you used a K4?

10-01-2011, 04:54 AM	#12
lordheeb Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2011 Device: Kindle	I'm not able to order the Kindle Touch anyway, it seems. Only the basic non-touch K4 is available in Australia, and it costs $109 instead of $79... I'll wait until the touch is released, see what people think, and if it becomes available in Australia I might buy it. For now, I guess I'll just have to stick with the K2!

10-01-2011, 11:30 AM	#15
monkeyluis Banned Posts: 725 Karma: 656644 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Central Florida Device: iPad "3", Kindle Touch, Kindle Fire, iPhone 4S	I'd say go for it. With such an attractive price you can't go wrong. The upgraded hardware will be a huge difference in your reading experience. If you're hesitant just wait till they are in stores so you can try one out.