As the world becomes increasingly digital, e-readers are gaining immense popularity. One such device that has grabbed significant attention is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. But is this upgrade worth the extra bucks? Let’s dissect the features and make an informed decision.
Overview
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is essentially the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite with a fancier name and a few additional features. It offers an increased storage capacity, wireless charging, an automated front light, and eliminates the annoyance of ads. However, these upgrades come at an extra cost of $50. The question remains – are these enhancements worth the additional expenditure? Let’s delve deeper.
Outstanding E-Reader: A Brief Recap
Before we scrutinize the extra features, it’s crucial to appreciate the base model itself. The standard fifth-gen Paperwhite is a fantastic e-reader. It fits comfortably in the hand, has a perfect size, and boasts an IPX8 rating, making it beach-ready and water-resistant.
The device design is user-friendly, except for the relocation of the power button to the bottom, a change that might take a little getting used to. The processing speed of the new Paperwhite is a considerable improvement over its predecessors, and the longevity of the battery is commendable. The transition from the old microUSB connector to a USB-C port is a much-needed upgrade.
Unpacking the Extras: What Does the Extra $50 Bring?
As we move towards understanding the added features of the Signature Edition, it’s essential to note that the basic design remains the same as the standard version. Let’s unravel what each extra feature brings to the table.
1. Ad-Free Experience
Nobody enjoys ads, especially not on a device they’ve paid for. The ads on the Kindle’s home screen are not overly intrusive, but an ad-free experience is always more desirable. You can opt for an ad-free version of the standard Kindle for an extra $20, but then the price difference between the two models reduces to $30, making the Signature Edition more appealing.
2. Generous Storage
The Signature Edition offers a generous 32GB storage, a significant upgrade from the standard model’s 8GB. It might seem excessive unless you’re an avid reader or you frequently send numerous periodicals to your Kindle. But, the comfort of never worrying about storage space is quite appealing.
3. Wireless Charging
The worth of wireless charging depends entirely on your habits. If you have wireless chargers around your house or in your car, it’s a nice addition. However, considering the impressive battery life of all Kindles, you won’t need to charge them too often.
4. Automated Display
The last significant improvement is the automatically adjusting front light of the display. This feature adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the surrounding light, much like modern smartphones. The device also supports dark mode and adjusts brightness accordingly. It’s a convenient feature, once you’ve used it, manually adjusting brightness seems like an unnecessary hassle.
Weighing the Worth
When compared to the steep upgrade costs that some brands demand, an extra $50 for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition seems quite reasonable. You get an ad-free experience (valued at $20), wireless charging, 32GB storage, and an automated display. None of these features are essential, but they do offer a substantial value for your money.
