I used to use a Kindle for vacations and while riding a stationary cycle. I thought it was OK, and fabulous for traveling, but both of my devices bricked after a few years (like three). I recently got a Paperwhite, the first I’ve had with a self lighted screen. Now I have a third use: reading in bed after my wife has gone to sleep. I like it very much. People with aging eyes need the small difference in screen space.
I'm literally sitting her watching Batman Beyond and researching e-readers for Christmas and then this pops up. Thanks. Perfect timing. This helps a lot.
I had the PaperWhite and then later on bought the basic model. The basic is the one I use most of the time. I love the compact size, and it goes everywhere with me.
I've owned the basic, Paperwhite and Scribe. I've traded in the PW and now keep the basic (2022) for portability when I want to go out and read at a cafe or lunch break at work. But I read on the Scribe at home. Didn't think I would like it as much b/c of the big screen size, but reading on landscape with two page view is very pleasurable and akin to reading a book. I also use the notebook feature to jot down notes after finishing a chapter on a long book. I also write my journals on it, but I use the export to texts feature and then copy the texts to a journal app (Day One). If I have to own just one, I would choose the Scribe.
Just in time for Christmas gifting. A tip for your mother -- as someone with ridiculously small hands and a dislocated thumb in my past I use a Popsocket on my Paperwhite. It's placed slightly below center so I can rest the bottom of the device on my palm and position my fingers through the Popsocket. It allows me to balance it better without having to stretch out my hand.
Great video! I have a 2017 oasis which is still working fine and I love. I also have kindle basic 2022, its fantastic I use that one to take with me in my bag, I would highly recommend it.
I use a 2020 Fire Tablet. The Kindle app works great. It is portable and I have my books, videos and apps on it. It also has a slot for an expansion card. I still have my original Kindle Fire (2010) also and it still works!
Nice review! I recently bought a new Paperwhite as an upgrade to the Paperwhite I had had for 10 years. I think the Paperwhite is a cozy reading experience but mostly I end up reading ebooks on my phone since it is always with me.
I had one of the original kindles that the screen got damaged in transit on a trip home to the UK. I ended up replacing it with a Kindle fire so I could use it as a mini tv screen too and it’s still amazing. I have the kindle app on my normal tablet/iPad but I’ve recently gone back to the fire purely for Kindle as the screen is easier on the eye. Admittedly it’s a bit chunky with the cover/case but wouldn’t change it. It’s the 2015 model and is still amazing. Do need to charge it a lot more often these days but considering the age, it just goes to show how long they last. Will be sad when I need to replace it. That being said, will go for another fire or the basic paperwhite based on this video alone.
Thank you for the reader-focused reviews, Olly. My 2019/20 Paperwhite continues to serve me very well. I want a newer one for increased storage (8 Gb requires a few compromises that 16 Gb can ignore), speed, and charging, but I cannot say with a straight face that I *need* one. The one thing that’s changed for my Kindle usage is needing hearing aids: they can pair with my phone, and now I never listen to audio in the Kindle. So convenient (and tinnitus relief is soooo nice).
I finally managed to finish of my Gen2 Kindle a few weeks ago, so i need to replace it going into Black Friday, so this video is timed perfectly. Thanks for the insights
Great video Olly. I use my Paperwhite at home and always have basic for reading on the go. But I agree the Basic is such good value. In regards to space I want mention Pdfs are usually twice the size of the epub equivalent file. So if you have a mix of pdf and epub on your device, the pdfs is hogging all the space. Biggest selling point is I love the idea of having my library with me. I'm considering a paperwhite PW but want the green one which isn't offered in OZ. Worth mentioning audible doesn't work in Australian sold PW kindles.
When I switched from the Oasis to the updated Paperwhite, it was like a breath of fresh air where the battery was concerned. It was so upsetting using the Oasis, and basically being able to watch the battery percentage go down while reading.
Dear Olly. Thank you so much for this very useful video! I want to replace my 5 year old kindle and needed an honest reader's perspective of the current options. You have provided that, and I am very grateful. 😊
Good review thank you. For me the perfect kindle is the combination of Kindle App,Audible app, hoopla and Libby on my iPad mini. The size, color screen and speed are perfect for my needs. Yes, there is a trade off on battery and cost compared to a dedicated kindle devices but I can live with it.
Another issue with the Oasis power consumption is the # of LEDs. The basic has four LEDs for lighting along the bottom bezel. A 2016 Paperwhite I have has four LEDs as well. If you compare the illumination of a basic (4 LEDs) to Paperwhite (17 LEDs) to an Oasis (25 LEDs) you should notice better illumination as the price increases. On my 2016 Paperwhite (4 LEDs) compared to a 2022 Paperwhite (17 LEDs) I definitely notice darker sections of the screen on the 2016 Paperwhite which has the same number of LEDs as the current basic Kindle. In addition to the waterproof feature of more expensive kindles you probably get a more durable product as the eINK display is protected by a piece of glass. I have a 2mm crack on my 2016 Paperwhite due to a leather eye glass case falling about 1 foot vertically on to the display of my neoprene encased 2016 Paperwhite. With a tiny piece of cellophane tape over the crack the Kindle is completely functional. Thus, I suggest a hard case for all kindles but definitely the basic variant. One test which would be interesting to see is how responsive to touch are the different variants you own. My 2016 Paperwhite is quite a bit slower than the 2022 Paperwhite, especially at navigating through my library of books. Another perk of the basic and my 2016 Paperwhite is the minimum width of a line of text. I prefer a shorter width line to decrease eye fixations when trying to quickly read through text. Not only was the 2022 Paperwhite providing a wider column of text which did not benefit me but it also would not even allow me to increase the margin width to achieve the same minimum line width as the basic/2016 Paperwhite. Due to the margin issues, delivered to me in an internal box that was dented, a battery that would never charge to 100%, no bubble wrap/packing paper inside the outer Amazon box, and a less comfortable to hold width, I chose to return the 2022 Paperwhite and deal with 2016 Paperwhite with a cracked screen. Really wish they had a Paperwhite in a basic Kindle form factor or even smaller like an elongated, thin cell phone form factor.
I have a second generation Oasis, Paperwhite Signature, and the Scribe. The Scribe is my go to device at home and the Paperwhite is what I bring if I need to read in public like waiting at auto shop for new tires. I have the Oasis to my wife but she only read one or maybe two books a month. I’m surprised that the Basic model is so useful, but I guess it makes sense if you’re on the go a lot.
I've been waiting for an updated Oasis, but it seems like an eternity waiting for that to happen, and I needed a new one. Guess what? I bought the basic, and I'm pretty content with my decision. Like you said, it's very light and compact, the portability is great. But, I would still recommend Paperwhite if people ask me.
I have the Scribe - purely because of the big screen. I never use the pen either. I wish they'd kept the Voyage alive, as there was something really special about that device, particularly the screen. But I'm super happy with my Scribe.
I have an old fire and fire 10 plus both 32 gb and the 64 gb scribe with premium pen. I like the fires for the things I can do on it and it's color. For just reading, I love my scribe. I wouldn't want it any smaller. I use the notebooks all the time. I need larger type and find its perfect for me.
New kindle basic is truly a perfect choice, funny that’s the one I don’t have 😂😂 (currently own kindle Paperwhite 5th gen + kindle scribe + kindle basic 8th gen)
Very informative. I'm always concerned about storage, for silly reasons, and only keep a handful of books downloaded on my Kindle at a time. The pen feature is kind of cool with the Scribe. Thank you for doing this video.
I have a basic kindle but have downloaded the kindle app on my tablet which is great. I've recently being suffering with vertigo so have struggled to read. I have however changed the brightness to sepia tone which has taken the brightness off x
I own all 4 kindles and I’d say the paperwhite signature edition is best because of the battery with the basic as a runner up. The scribe is great I just can’t recommend the large screen to everyone. And the oasis, I love it with the buttons and the way it’s shaped but the battery life is insufficient. Considering the price point, the basic is a great compromise between the best features of the paperwhite. And it’s the lightest kindle as you pointed out! I got my basic on sale plus I was able to use a student discount. Definitely worth every penny
I have the intro level, paper white and scribe. I prefer the scribe for reading but will take the paper white with me when I am out as it is smaller. I am not a fan of the intro kindle as for my migraines I find having the warm light less eye strainer and more calming overall. I would like for the page buttons to return as I miss them but I can’t see paying out for the oasis since it hasn’t seen an update to it in many years.
Lol, love my paperwhite in the bath, so water proof/resistant is essential! That and making a preset BATH setting for maximum font because my relatively new reading glasses fog up. My decadent tastes have nearly done away with paper books...😢
I love Kindles. But I've lost two from falling asleep in the bath. Perhaps I should invest in the waterproof model. If I'm allowed another one, that is.
I don't have any form of Kindle ( yet) but do a fair bit of e-reading on my Lenovo Duet Chromebook (with a beautiful OLED screen). I might get a Kindle basic if there is a particularly good deal during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.
I just recently got an Oasis and love almost everything about it with the exception of, of course, the battery life. It is horrific. I am lucky if I get to the end of the day and it is not in the single digits percentage of battery life left, or dead. This is for a device that is supposed to provide a week or more of battery life. I am sad to do it, but I am probably going to return it and get a Paperwhite.
Yeah the battery life ruined the Oasis for me. It’s a shame because the 1st gen Oasis solved that problem by coming with a case that had a battery built in and charged the device. No idea why they got rid of this design.
I love the paperwhite because the front lighting is easy on my eyes. (17 front LEDs vs 4 in the basic.) I'm somewhat light sensitive, and even a paper book with bright white pages can be hard to read for long. Backlit devices are the hardest. I agree that storage isn't an issue, especially because you don't need to keep books downloaded.
Do any of the Kindle models allow you to custom sort your books within collections? Like if you have purchased all the Ed Mcbain or John Connolly novels and put them in a collection, can you organise them into series order? Thanks.
Minor nit pick but watch your eye line. It's looking screen right rather than at us, your audience. I guess cause like many on here, you're looking at yourself and not the lens.
I used to use a Kindle for vacations and while riding a stationary cycle. I thought it was OK, and fabulous for traveling, but both of my devices bricked after a few years (like three). I recently got a Paperwhite, the first I’ve had with a self lighted screen. Now I have a third use: reading in bed after my wife has gone to sleep. I like it very much. People with aging eyes need the small difference in screen space.
I was staunchly Anti-Ebook and then Kindle sauntered into my life. I was never the same again lol
I'm literally sitting her watching Batman Beyond and researching e-readers for Christmas and then this pops up. Thanks. Perfect timing. This helps a lot.
I had the PaperWhite and then later on bought the basic model. The basic is the one I use most of the time. I love the compact size, and it goes everywhere with me.
I am on my 3rd Kindle. It's a paperwhite. Has lasted way longer than the first 2. I love it.
I have them all too, and the one I use the most is the Basic. I really like the small size and lightness of it.
I’m grateful you posted this as me Kindle needs replacement. Thank you Olly! 🙏
I've owned the basic, Paperwhite and Scribe. I've traded in the PW and now keep the basic (2022) for portability when I want to go out and read at a cafe or lunch break at work. But I read on the Scribe at home. Didn't think I would like it as much b/c of the big screen size, but reading on landscape with two page view is very pleasurable and akin to reading a book. I also use the notebook feature to jot down notes after finishing a chapter on a long book. I also write my journals on it, but I use the export to texts feature and then copy the texts to a journal app (Day One). If I have to own just one, I would choose the Scribe.
May be it's note writing feature
I have just this week bought myself a Kindle Paperwhite Signature, I still prefer a real book but I am running out of room but I do love this Kindle 😀
Just in time for Christmas gifting. A tip for your mother -- as someone with ridiculously small hands and a dislocated thumb in my past I use a Popsocket on my Paperwhite. It's placed slightly below center so I can rest the bottom of the device on my palm and position my fingers through the Popsocket. It allows me to balance it better without having to stretch out my hand.
If kindle had an 8" oasis with turn page buttons, USB C and stylus capability, I'd buy it in a heart beat
I switched to paperwhite because I need a bigger font size due to eyesight not as good as it used to be. I love love love my Kindle.
Great video! I have a 2017 oasis which is still working fine and I love. I also have kindle basic 2022, its fantastic I use that one to take with me in my bag, I would highly recommend it.
Brilliant run down, thanks Olly. We’re shopping one for my MIL and this helped. Cheers.
I would disagree on the warm light feature, I didn’t think I would like it but it’s definitely worth the price difference.
Interesting, I suspect I am in the minority as they keep putting it in new devices
I use a 2020 Fire Tablet. The Kindle app works great. It is portable and I have my books, videos and apps on it. It also has a slot for an expansion card. I still have my original Kindle Fire (2010) also and it still works!
Nice review! I recently bought a new Paperwhite as an upgrade to the Paperwhite I had had for 10 years. I think the Paperwhite is a cozy reading experience but mostly I end up reading ebooks on my phone since it is always with me.
I had one of the original kindles that the screen got damaged in transit on a trip home to the UK. I ended up replacing it with a Kindle fire so I could use it as a mini tv screen too and it’s still amazing. I have the kindle app on my normal tablet/iPad but I’ve recently gone back to the fire purely for Kindle as the screen is easier on the eye. Admittedly it’s a bit chunky with the cover/case but wouldn’t change it. It’s the 2015 model and is still amazing. Do need to charge it a lot more often these days but considering the age, it just goes to show how long they last. Will be sad when I need to replace it. That being said, will go for another fire or the basic paperwhite based on this video alone.
Finally a review of the Kindles that make sense . Thanks
Thank you for the reader-focused reviews, Olly. My 2019/20 Paperwhite continues to serve me very well. I want a newer one for increased storage (8 Gb requires a few compromises that 16 Gb can ignore), speed, and charging, but I cannot say with a straight face that I *need* one. The one thing that’s changed for my Kindle usage is needing hearing aids: they can pair with my phone, and now I never listen to audio in the Kindle. So convenient (and tinnitus relief is soooo nice).
The paperwhite batter is genuinely amazing.
I finally managed to finish of my Gen2 Kindle a few weeks ago, so i need to replace it going into Black Friday, so this video is timed perfectly. Thanks for the insights
Glad it was useful!
Great video Olly. I use my Paperwhite at home and always have basic for reading on the go. But I agree the Basic is such good value. In regards to space I want mention Pdfs are usually twice the size of the epub equivalent file. So if you have a mix of pdf and epub on your device, the pdfs is hogging all the space.
Biggest selling point is I love the idea of having my library with me. I'm considering a paperwhite PW but want the green one which isn't offered in OZ. Worth mentioning audible doesn't work in Australian sold PW kindles.
Oh, nice. My kindle fire is a few years old now and the battery isn't holding up that well anymore, so this video is very nicely timed.
When I switched from the Oasis to the updated Paperwhite, it was like a breath of fresh air where the battery was concerned. It was so upsetting using the Oasis, and basically being able to watch the battery percentage go down while reading.
Thanks for the informative run through of the various devices.
Dear Olly. Thank you so much for this very useful video! I want to replace my 5 year old kindle and needed an honest reader's perspective of the current options. You have provided that, and I am very grateful. 😊
Good review thank you. For me the perfect kindle is the combination of Kindle App,Audible app, hoopla and Libby on my iPad mini. The size, color screen and speed are perfect for my needs. Yes, there is a trade off on battery and cost compared to a dedicated kindle devices but I can live with it.
I adore the vibe of this chanel. The name is clever.
Thank you! That’s the first time anyone has said the name is clever lol
Another issue with the Oasis power consumption is the # of LEDs. The basic has four LEDs for lighting along the bottom bezel. A 2016 Paperwhite I have has four LEDs as well. If you compare the illumination of a basic (4 LEDs) to Paperwhite (17 LEDs) to an Oasis (25 LEDs) you should notice better illumination as the price increases. On my 2016 Paperwhite (4 LEDs) compared to a 2022 Paperwhite (17 LEDs) I definitely notice darker sections of the screen on the 2016 Paperwhite which has the same number of LEDs as the current basic Kindle.
In addition to the waterproof feature of more expensive kindles you probably get a more durable product as the eINK display is protected by a piece of glass. I have a 2mm crack on my 2016 Paperwhite due to a leather eye glass case falling about 1 foot vertically on to the display of my neoprene encased 2016 Paperwhite. With a tiny piece of cellophane tape over the crack the Kindle is completely functional. Thus, I suggest a hard case for all kindles but definitely the basic variant.
One test which would be interesting to see is how responsive to touch are the different variants you own. My 2016 Paperwhite is quite a bit slower than the 2022 Paperwhite, especially at navigating through my library of books.
Another perk of the basic and my 2016 Paperwhite is the minimum width of a line of text. I prefer a shorter width line to decrease eye fixations when trying to quickly read through text. Not only was the 2022 Paperwhite providing a wider column of text which did not benefit me but it also would not even allow me to increase the margin width to achieve the same minimum line width as the basic/2016 Paperwhite. Due to the margin issues, delivered to me in an internal box that was dented, a battery that would never charge to 100%, no bubble wrap/packing paper inside the outer Amazon box, and a less comfortable to hold width, I chose to return the 2022 Paperwhite and deal with 2016 Paperwhite with a cracked screen. Really wish they had a Paperwhite in a basic Kindle form factor or even smaller like an elongated, thin cell phone form factor.
I have a second generation Oasis, Paperwhite Signature, and the Scribe. The Scribe is my go to device at home and the Paperwhite is what I bring if I need to read in public like waiting at auto shop for new tires. I have the Oasis to my wife but she only read one or maybe two books a month.
I’m surprised that the Basic model is so useful, but I guess it makes sense if you’re on the go a lot.
The basic really is excellent
I've been waiting for an updated Oasis, but it seems like an eternity waiting for that to happen, and I needed a new one. Guess what? I bought the basic, and I'm pretty content with my decision. Like you said, it's very light and compact, the portability is great. But, I would still recommend Paperwhite if people ask me.
I have the Scribe - purely because of the big screen. I never use the pen either. I wish they'd kept the Voyage alive, as there was something really special about that device, particularly the screen. But I'm super happy with my Scribe.
...not using the pen . Is due to complex procedure?
Probably just reads books.
I have an old fire and fire 10 plus both 32 gb and the 64 gb scribe with premium pen. I like the fires for the things I can do on it and it's color. For just reading, I love my scribe. I wouldn't want it any smaller. I use the notebooks all the time. I need larger type and find its perfect for me.
My friends remember you can change font size on these devices. This makes reading so much easier if you have eye issues. They are worth getting
This was a great breakdown Olly! I love my 2 year old Paperwhite lol.
New kindle basic is truly a perfect choice, funny that’s the one I don’t have 😂😂 (currently own kindle Paperwhite 5th gen + kindle scribe + kindle basic 8th gen)
Very informative.
I'm always concerned about storage, for silly reasons, and only keep a handful of books downloaded on my Kindle at a time.
The pen feature is kind of cool with the Scribe.
Thank you for doing this video.
16 Gb will hold several thousand volumes, including at least fifty to a hundred audiobooks, with a good comfy margin. Let ‘er rip!
I have a basic kindle but have downloaded the kindle app on my tablet which is great. I've recently being suffering with vertigo so have struggled to read. I have however changed the brightness to sepia tone which has taken the brightness off x
I own all 4 kindles and I’d say the paperwhite signature edition is best because of the battery with the basic as a runner up. The scribe is great I just can’t recommend the large screen to everyone. And the oasis, I love it with the buttons and the way it’s shaped but the battery life is insufficient.
Considering the price point, the basic is a great compromise between the best features of the paperwhite. And it’s the lightest kindle as you pointed out! I got my basic on sale plus I was able to use a student discount. Definitely worth every penny
I have the intro level, paper white and scribe. I prefer the scribe for reading but will take the paper white with me when I am out as it is smaller. I am not a fan of the intro kindle as for my migraines I find having the warm light less eye strainer and more calming overall. I would like for the page buttons to return as I miss them but I can’t see paying out for the oasis since it hasn’t seen an update to it in many years.
i got 3 kindles, an old one from the 2011 and two Paperwhite from different generations.
Excellent info..thx you.
Lol, love my paperwhite in the bath, so water proof/resistant is essential! That and making a preset BATH setting for maximum font because my relatively new reading glasses fog up. My decadent tastes have nearly done away with paper books...😢
Ha! I love the idea of a bath setting
Yeah, I use that cheaper little Kindle. It’s the perfect size.
I got mine today. So far i love it.
I need to get a bigger pocket 😆
Ha ha excellent
I love Kindles. But I've lost two from falling asleep in the bath. Perhaps I should invest in the waterproof model. If I'm allowed another one, that is.
A friend of mine swears by putting their devices in high-quality Ziplock bags for bath time use.
I don't have any form of Kindle ( yet) but do a fair bit of e-reading on my Lenovo Duet Chromebook (with a beautiful OLED screen). I might get a Kindle basic if there is a particularly good deal during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.
I just recently got an Oasis and love almost everything about it with the exception of, of course, the battery life. It is horrific. I am lucky if I get to the end of the day and it is not in the single digits percentage of battery life left, or dead. This is for a device that is supposed to provide a week or more of battery life. I am sad to do it, but I am probably going to return it and get a Paperwhite.
Yeah the battery life ruined the Oasis for me. It’s a shame because the 1st gen Oasis solved that problem by coming with a case that had a battery built in and charged the device. No idea why they got rid of this design.
I love the paperwhite because the front lighting is easy on my eyes. (17 front LEDs vs 4 in the basic.) I'm somewhat light sensitive, and even a paper book with bright white pages can be hard to read for long. Backlit devices are the hardest.
I agree that storage isn't an issue, especially because you don't need to keep books downloaded.
Really helpful video! Thank you!
Glad it was useful!
In AUD it's about double the numbers you mentioned: 179, 269, 299, 429, 549.
Gosh that's high
Hi
Can I ask are the screens anti glare?
Thank you
Janice
They are!
@@CriminOllyBlog thank you
i have a 2017 kindle it has not even filled 2 gb yet and im sure most of that is from updates
Interesting 🤔. What ratio of books do you read on your Kindle versus physical books?
Do any of the Kindle models allow you to custom sort your books within collections? Like if you have purchased all the Ed Mcbain or John Connolly novels and put them in a collection, can you organise them into series order? Thanks.
Great video thanks.New to kindle and gadgets,Can anyone please tell me,Whats ad free ??? version and should I avoid the other ?
I like the premium Kindle but Kindle is portable and lightweight in any case.
Paperwhite will suffice for me until they come out with a color model.
Ive always felt like i wouldnt like an ereader but the comments are convincing me otherwise
Im here cause my ipad just cant keep half a day charge reading books….
Kindle battery life is way better!
Gadget freak. Lol. Me too.
🖤💚
Sticking to paper. I don't support e-books, never will. Yes, I will die on this hill. :)
Minor nit pick but watch your eye line. It's looking screen right rather than at us, your audience. I guess cause like many on here, you're looking at yourself and not the lens.
No Kindle.