Reading frontiers: new Kindle upgrade

The new Kindle is almost indistinguishable from the previous one in appearance: it is slightly smaller and thin, but the impression is to be in front of the same body, to the same ‘step’ between display and frames and the same power button at the bottom (in the same position a little uncomfortable). And, as always, ergonomics is very good: the Kindle is easily held with one hand and is small enough to be read comfortably in any condition.

Relaxed in bed or in a crowded subway, there is no place too uncomfortable for not being able to remove the Kindle from your pocket and dive into reading. In this regard, one of the undeniable advantages in buying a small ebook reader like this (or like the Kindle Paperwhite) is its portability: the basic Kindle fits easily into the inside pocket of the jacket and, unlike the Kindle Oasis, you can carry it comfortably with you even when you don’t have a backpack.

A small note on the body: unlike Paperwhite, here we do not find the rubberized effect that reduces the risk of scratches and, consequently, the plastic is more sensitive to the risk of showing particular signs. It is nothing you need to worry too much about because generally the Kindle is a very durable product. So if you are one of those who go crazy at the slightest scratch, you should think about investing some money in a cover: on Amazon you will find both the official ones and dozens of cheaper models produced by third-party companies.

Hardware and software

The biggest hardware innovation introduced with the 2019 version is obviously the over-lighting system, which for the first time is also found on an economic-class ebook reader. We are talking about 4 LEDs placed along the frames, which provide a homogeneous and adjustable lighting, divided into 24 intensity levels. To give some reference, the Kindle Paperwhite has 5 LEDs, the Oasis has 12, but honestly counting the LEDs is not so important.