Kindle basic unavailable

Ecou · 01-25-2019, 02:42 PM

I been trying to buy my first kindle in the canadian amazon store. It been saying unavailable for at least 3 weeks. Twice I saw it as available but because unavaible again within minutes.

I talked to support and they gave me a very unclear answer.

Are the discontinued or is a new model coming?

jhowell · 01-25-2019, 02:55 PM

It shows as available on amazon.com. Also the "Compare Kindle E-readers" table on that page shows all three models (Kindle, Paperwhite and Oasis).

I looked on amazon.ca and I also do not see the basic model listed and when I look at the Paperwhite the comparison chart only shows the Paperwhite and Oasis.

Perhaps you are right and it is a sign of it being phased out. It is the only 8th generation device left in the Kindle lineup.

Ecou · 01-25-2019, 07:36 PM

Hopefully they don’t get rid of the no backlight. I had bought a paper white but returned it because it was affecting my sleep quality when doing reading before bed time.

HLS · 01-25-2019, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecou

I been trying to buy my first kindle in the canadian amazon store. It been saying unavailable for at least 3 weeks. Twice I saw it as available but because unavaible again within minutes.

I talked to support and they gave me a very unclear answer.

Are the discontinued or is a new model coming?

I recommend the new paperwhite. The kindle basic has no light and screen hard to read. at least for me

stuartjmz · 01-25-2019, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcladyz

I recommend the new paperwhite. The kindle basic has no light and screen hard to read. at least for me

In a reply made 30 minutes before yours, it seems this exactly why the OP wants a basic, having returned the PW for that very reason

tomsem · 01-25-2019, 08:43 PM

I find my basic perfectly readable, you just need good light (as you would with a print book). In good light a front light confers no particular benefit and one could argue is a detriment because it puts another layer in front of the text.

It would be nice if they would at least upgrade the screen to Carta 1024x768 display (I believe it is still using Pearl) for slightly better contrast. It is still the lightest Kindle in the lineup.

ilovejedd · 01-25-2019, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecou

Hopefully they don’t get rid of the no backlight. I had bought a paper white but returned it because it was affecting my sleep quality when doing reading before bed time.

Note that unlike earlier models, it's possible to completely turn off the backlight on the PW4. I tested it before inside the closet. Both PW2 and PW3 still emitted light at the 0 setting while the PW4 was completely dark.

AnemicOak · 01-25-2019, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Note that unlike earlier models, it's possible to completely turn off the backlight on the PW4. I tested it before inside the closet. Both PW2 and PW3 still emitted light at the 0 setting while the PW4 was completely dark.

Been a while since I looked at a PW, but I'm assuming the light guide layer means that even with the light off the screen on the basic probably actually looks clearer and has better contrast? Though I suppose the PW's have better resolution.

Barbara1955 · 01-25-2019, 09:34 PM

Check stores that sells them. Best Buy Target are 2 that I can think of. Both sell them In Stores in the US

BookCat · 01-26-2019, 11:43 AM

If your sleep is being affected, maybe take a look at one of the ereaders with blue light reduction. Kobo seem to make the cheapest range of these.

Ricky D'Angelo · 01-26-2019, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecou

Hopefully they don’t get rid of the no backlight. I had bought a paper white but returned it because it was affecting my sleep quality when doing reading before bed time.

I have a kindle basic (previous generation) and since I got a paperwhite on sale during black friday haven't used the basic. For night reading amazon recommends setting the light low. Chances are that you may've set it too bright.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...deId=201733330

John F · 01-26-2019, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Been a while since I looked at a PW, but I'm assuming the light guide layer means that even with the light off the screen on the basic probably actually looks clearer and has better contrast? Though I suppose the PW's have better resolution.

Doesn't the Carta vs Pearl screen make more of a difference?

Sirtel · 01-26-2019, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

Doesn't the Carta vs Pearl screen make more of a difference?

My personal experience is that with the frontlight off, a Pearl screen actually looks better than a Carta (aside from resolution, of course). With the frontlight on, even at low levels, it's vice versa.

Note that I've only used and compared various Kindles, not Kobos or any other readers.

BookCat · 01-26-2019, 04:50 PM

The Kobo Mini which I bought from an MR member (and gave to a friend) had amazing contrast: a very white background and clear text. It was totally unlit, which I thought a shame.

Sirtel · 01-26-2019, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BookCat

The Kobo Mini which I bought from an MR member (and gave to a friend) had amazing contrast: a very white background and clear text. It was totally unlit, which I thought a shame.

The same with my 2012 black basic Kindle (non-touchscreen, with buttons). Of course its low resolution started to bother me, after I got the Voyage.

01-25-2019, 02:42 PM	#1
Ecou Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2019 Device: Kindle basic	Kindle basic unavailable I been trying to buy my first kindle in the canadian amazon store. It been saying unavailable for at least 3 weeks. Twice I saw it as available but because unavaible again within minutes. I talked to support and they gave me a very unclear answer. Are the discontinued or is a new model coming?

01-25-2019, 02:55 PM	#2
jhowell Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,497 Karma: 84420419 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tampa Bay, Florida Device: Kindles	It shows as available on amazon.com. Also the "Compare Kindle E-readers" table on that page shows all three models (Kindle, Paperwhite and Oasis). I looked on amazon.ca and I also do not see the basic model listed and when I look at the Paperwhite the comparison chart only shows the Paperwhite and Oasis. Perhaps you are right and it is a sign of it being phased out. It is the only 8th generation device left in the Kindle lineup. Last edited by jhowell; 01-25-2019 at 08:25 PM. Reason: Typo

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01-25-2019, 07:36 PM	#3
Ecou Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2019 Device: Kindle basic	Hopefully they don’t get rid of the no backlight. I had bought a paper white but returned it because it was affecting my sleep quality when doing reading before bed time.

01-25-2019, 08:43 PM	#6
tomsem Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,478 Karma: 26425959 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Device: iPhone 15PM, Kindle Scribe, iPad mini 6, PocketBook InkPad Color 3	I find my basic perfectly readable, you just need good light (as you would with a print book). In good light a front light confers no particular benefit and one could argue is a detriment because it puts another layer in front of the text. It would be nice if they would at least upgrade the screen to Carta 1024x768 display (I believe it is still using Pearl) for slightly better contrast. It is still the lightest Kindle in the lineup.

01-25-2019, 09:34 PM	#9
Barbara1955 Non-Techy Posts: 4,454 Karma: 15499273 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WV---USA Device: Samsung Cell Phone & Amazon Fires & Kobo eReaders	Check stores that sells them. Best Buy Target are 2 that I can think of. Both sell them In Stores in the US

01-26-2019, 11:43 AM	#10
BookCat C L J Posts: 2,912 Karma: 21115458 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505, Kindle PW2, Kindle PW3, Kobo Libra2	If your sleep is being affected, maybe take a look at one of the ereaders with blue light reduction. Kobo seem to make the cheapest range of these.

01-26-2019, 04:50 PM	#14
BookCat C L J Posts: 2,912 Karma: 21115458 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505, Kindle PW2, Kindle PW3, Kobo Libra2	The Kobo Mini which I bought from an MR member (and gave to a friend) had amazing contrast: a very white background and clear text. It was totally unlit, which I thought a shame.