Amazon Unveils a More Affordable Kindle Colorsoft with Reduced Storage
So, Amazon's back at it again, tweaking their Kindle lineup! This time, they're offering a slightly more accessible version of the Kindle Colorsoft. I remember when the first color Kindle came out last year; it was exciting but felt a bit pricey for many, including myself. Now, with a new $250 model, it seems they're trying to broaden the appeal.
The big difference? It comes with 16GB of storage – half of what the original Signature Edition offers. While this might sound like a huge downgrade, it probably isn't for most ebook readers. Think about it: your average ebook is tiny. However, if you're into graphic novels and comics, which, let's be honest, look fantastic on a color display, you might find yourself filling up that space faster. But even then, it would take quite a collection.
There are a couple of other trade-offs to consider. The cheaper Colorsoft ditches the auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging, features that were available on the Signature Edition. For me, personally, while wireless charging is convenient, it's not a deal-breaker. And regarding the light, well, I almost always set manually anyway.
Beyond these changes, it's still the same ereader we saw before. You're getting that 7-inch color E Ink display, weeks of battery life, pinch-to-zoom, and adjustable warm light. Apparently, Amazon even addressed the yellow-band issue that some initial units had – good to know!
Kindle Colorsoft Kids: Reading Fun for the Little Ones
And for the younger readers, there's the Kindle Colorsoft Kids. It comes with a cool illustrated cover, a year of Amazon Kids+, and a two-year guarantee. Plus, there are some kid-friendly features like Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise, and support for the OpenDyslexic font, which I think it's a brilliant addition. They've also included Bluetooth for audiobooks which is great because sometimes you just want to listen to a story. As a parent, I appreciate the Amazon Parent Dashboard too; it allows you to keep an eye on what your child is reading.
Both new models are available now. The standard 16GB Kindle Colorsoft is priced at $250, including three months of Kindle Unlimited. The Kids version is $270. Meanwhile, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition remains at $280.
Ultimately, if you've been eyeing a color e-reader but were hesitant due to the price, this new, slightly cheaper Kindle Colorsoft might just be the ticket. You'll just need to consider if the storage and missing features are something that you can live without.
Source: Engadget