Is the paperwhite worth it over the basic kindle?

Pankh · 02-11-2019, 03:07 AM

I used to read a huge amount a few years ago, but the ease of just throwing up a youtube video on my phone before bed resulted in me not reading nearly as much as I used to. I'm looking to get a kindle to get back into reading, but I'm not sure whether the paperwhite is worth the extra for me. I would always be reading with lights on, or in daylight, so I'm not sure that I would use the backlight very often. I don't need the waterproofing, and I kind of prefer the smaller footprint of the basic kindle. I am on a bit of a budget, so is there any reason why I should be getting the paperwhite over the basic version?

HarryT · 02-11-2019, 03:12 AM

Please use the forums correctly. Moved to the Kindle forum.

binaryhermit · 02-11-2019, 03:58 AM

If you're in the US and you can swing the extra $20 currently, I'd say paperwhite. More storage, higher res screen, frontlight, waterproofing.

pdurrant · 02-11-2019, 04:16 AM

If you always read in a well-lit room or outside, the basic Kindle is a good choice. The lack of any layer in front of the E-Ink screen makes it nicer, IMO, even though it's only 167ppi.

Although if the difference was only $20, I'd go for the paperwhite. In the UK the difference is £40 at the moment, and is usually £60.

HarryT · 02-11-2019, 04:52 AM

In most lighting conditions, the frontlight greatly increases the contrast of the screen and makes it much more pleasant to read. I’d certainly never again buy an unlit reader.

binaryhermit · 02-11-2019, 04:54 AM

What about if it was really cheap?

HarryT · 02-11-2019, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by binaryhermit

What about if it was really cheap?

Personally, no. Price is not a consideration for me when buying a reading device.

pdurrant · 02-11-2019, 06:39 AM

I managed to leave my Kindle at home when on holiday last year, and I bought a basic Kindle at the airport. I must admit that I was pleased with it.

patrickt · 02-11-2019, 08:27 AM

I had Kindles without lit screens for years before the first Paperwhite arrived. I read a lot of books on it. I also had a Petzl LED headlamp for reading in places such as dim restaurants, airports, waiting for appointments in various offices.

For me, the Paperwhite is clearly "worth it".

Deskisamess · 02-11-2019, 08:31 AM

My opinion is the same as Harry's. Even during the day in a well lit room, I turn the front light on my Oasis up all the way. I love the contrast it gives, and the lack of shadows or glare that can be caused by a chair side lamp or clip on light.

The only time I turn the light all the way off is during the summer when I may read outside.

I read for at least an hour every night before going to sleep, usually in a totally dark bedroom, so an unlit device just wouldn't work for me. There isn't a table lamp made that can provide the even lighting of a front lit e-ink device.

pdurrant · 02-11-2019, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deskisamess

I read for at least an hour every night before going to sleep, usually in a totally dark bedroom, so an unlit device just wouldn't work for me. There isn't a table lamp made that can provide the even lighting of a front lit e-ink device.

I agree that for reading in the dark, or even a darkened, room, a front light is essential. But that wasn't the question.

Tarana · 02-11-2019, 10:58 AM

I have Paperwhites and Kindle basics. If lighting is not an issue, the Basic is a good choice. It is lighter and smaller.

Deskisamess, if you only have room illumination, then I understand your issue. I have actual reading lights. They are typically floor models that bring the light over your shoulder or above you. Wonderful lighting.

ilovejedd · 02-11-2019, 12:05 PM

Personal preference. Even discounting the frontlight, for me, text is too fuzzy for comfort at lower than ~200 ppi so I consider the Paperwhite worth the premium.

Mind, I do own non-lit readers (e.g. Sony PRS-350 paired with the lighted case) and I have to say, I find built-in lighting on the Paperwhite super convenient. I can't abide shadows and uneven lighting on my reader while reading in the dark.

Deskisamess · 02-11-2019, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarana

Deskisamess, if you only have room illumination, then I understand your issue. I have actual reading lights. They are typically floor models that bring the light over your shoulder or above you. Wonderful lighting.

I've had a couple of full spectrum lights, but didn't like being limited to one location, and they always seemed to cast a hot spot or create shadows on the page. I do like them for hand sewing etc. My eyes are really sensitive to non-diffused light, partly from a neurological issue I have.

The evenness of the front-lit screens really works well for me.

Deskisamess · 02-11-2019, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I agree that for reading in the dark, or even a darkened, room, a front light is essential. But that wasn't the question.

Relevant though IMO, for other users who may be reading here.

02-11-2019, 03:07 AM	#1
Pankh Banned Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2019 Device: Kindle	Is the paperwhite worth it over the basic kindle? I used to read a huge amount a few years ago, but the ease of just throwing up a youtube video on my phone before bed resulted in me not reading nearly as much as I used to. I'm looking to get a kindle to get back into reading, but I'm not sure whether the paperwhite is worth the extra for me. I would always be reading with lights on, or in daylight, so I'm not sure that I would use the backlight very often. I don't need the waterproofing, and I kind of prefer the smaller footprint of the basic kindle. I am on a bit of a budget, so is there any reason why I should be getting the paperwhite over the basic version? Last edited by issybird; 02-17-2019 at 06:21 PM. Reason: Spam links deleted.

02-11-2019, 10:58 AM	#12
Tarana Wizard Posts: 3,978 Karma: 38840460 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Device: PWSE, Voyage, K3, HDX, KBasic 7 & 8, Nook Glo3, Echos, Nanos	I have Paperwhites and Kindle basics. If lighting is not an issue, the Basic is a good choice. It is lighter and smaller. Deskisamess, if you only have room illumination, then I understand your issue. I have actual reading lights. They are typically floor models that bring the light over your shoulder or above you. Wonderful lighting. Last edited by Tarana; 02-11-2019 at 11:06 AM.

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02-11-2019, 03:12 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Please use the forums correctly. Moved to the Kindle forum.

02-11-2019, 03:58 AM	#3
binaryhermit Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,696 Karma: 20469902 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Lockport, IL Device: Kindle PW4, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition	If you're in the US and you can swing the extra $20 currently, I'd say paperwhite. More storage, higher res screen, frontlight, waterproofing.

02-11-2019, 04:16 AM	#4
pdurrant The Grand Mouse 高貴的老鼠 Posts: 71,506 Karma: 306214458 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Device: Kindle Voyage	If you always read in a well-lit room or outside, the basic Kindle is a good choice. The lack of any layer in front of the E-Ink screen makes it nicer, IMO, even though it's only 167ppi. Although if the difference was only $20, I'd go for the paperwhite. In the UK the difference is £40 at the moment, and is usually £60.

02-11-2019, 04:52 AM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	In most lighting conditions, the frontlight greatly increases the contrast of the screen and makes it much more pleasant to read. I’d certainly never again buy an unlit reader.

02-11-2019, 04:54 AM	#6
binaryhermit Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,696 Karma: 20469902 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Lockport, IL Device: Kindle PW4, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition	What about if it was really cheap?

02-11-2019, 06:39 AM	#8
pdurrant The Grand Mouse 高貴的老鼠 Posts: 71,506 Karma: 306214458 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Device: Kindle Voyage	I managed to leave my Kindle at home when on holiday last year, and I bought a basic Kindle at the airport. I must admit that I was pleased with it.

02-11-2019, 08:27 AM	#9
patrickt Wizard Posts: 1,221 Karma: 8381518 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico Device: Paperwhite 4 X 2	I had Kindles without lit screens for years before the first Paperwhite arrived. I read a lot of books on it. I also had a Petzl LED headlamp for reading in places such as dim restaurants, airports, waiting for appointments in various offices. For me, the Paperwhite is clearly "worth it".

02-11-2019, 08:31 AM	#10
Deskisamess Wizard Posts: 2,609 Karma: 42697471 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Ohio Device: iPhone 7+, iPad mini, 2021 iPad Pro 12.9",Paperwhite 6.8"	My opinion is the same as Harry's. Even during the day in a well lit room, I turn the front light on my Oasis up all the way. I love the contrast it gives, and the lack of shadows or glare that can be caused by a chair side lamp or clip on light. The only time I turn the light all the way off is during the summer when I may read outside. I read for at least an hour every night before going to sleep, usually in a totally dark bedroom, so an unlit device just wouldn't work for me. There isn't a table lamp made that can provide the even lighting of a front lit e-ink device.

02-11-2019, 12:05 PM	#13
ilovejedd hopeless n00b Posts: 5,111 Karma: 19597086 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: in the middle of nowhere Device: PW4, PW3, Libra H2O, iPad 10.5, iPad 11, iPad 12.9	Personal preference. Even discounting the frontlight, for me, text is too fuzzy for comfort at lower than ~200 ppi so I consider the Paperwhite worth the premium. Mind, I do own non-lit readers (e.g. Sony PRS-350 paired with the lighted case) and I have to say, I find built-in lighting on the Paperwhite super convenient. I can't abide shadows and uneven lighting on my reader while reading in the dark.

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