The Amazon Kindle has long been a popular e-reader option for book lovers, but as someone who has always preferred physical copies, I was skeptical. However, after getting my hands on the latest Kindle model, I have to say that it has some impressive features that make it a valuable addition to any book lover’s collection.
One of the standout features of the 2022 Kindle is its price. Retailing at $99.99, it offers great value for money. And if you want to remove lockscreen ads, you can pay a little extra at $119.99. Considering the features it offers, this price point is quite impressive. The device is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and read comfortably for extended periods. It also comes with double the storage of the previous version, boasting 16GB of storage. This means you can download a significant number of books to your library without worrying about running out of space.
In terms of display, the Kindle’s 6-inch glare-free screen is a pleasure to read on. The resolution is 300ppi, which is the same as the Kindle Paperwhite but at a fraction of the cost. The text and images appear clear and crisp, making for an enjoyable reading experience. One feature I particularly appreciated was the ability to read in low light or even in complete darkness. The Kindle’s built-in light made reading at night effortless, and I experienced no eye strain even after hours of reading.
Setting up the Kindle was relatively simple, although I did encounter a minor issue with connecting my phone initially. However, once I plugged my phone into the charger, it connected seamlessly. The device also offers a “kid-friendly” setting, which is a great option for parents during setup.
Downloading books onto the Kindle was quick and easy. With my Amazon account already linked to the device, I simply had to search for the book I wanted to read in the Kindle Store and click “buy.” The book downloaded to my library almost instantly, allowing me to start reading right away.
One feature that I found motivating was the percentage indicator at the bottom of each page, showing how far along in the book I was. It may seem like a small detail, but it made me want to keep reading and reach the next milestone. This small gamification element added to the overall reading experience.
In terms of size and weight, the 2022 Kindle is the smallest and most lightweight model yet. Weighing only 158 grams, it is lighter than an iPhone, allowing for comfortable one-handed reading. The compact size also makes it easy to carry around and fits into smaller purses or bags.
The Kindle’s battery life is impressive as well, lasting for several weeks on a full charge. While Amazon claims it can last up to six weeks, this may vary depending on usage. In my experience, the battery lasted for about three weeks with regular use, which is still quite impressive.
What impressed me even more about the new Kindle is its eco-friendliness. The device is made with a high percentage of recycled materials, including 90 percent recycled magnesium and 75 percent recycled plastics for the black model. The packaging is also 100 percent recyclable. Additionally, Amazon has a program dedicated to recycling old Kindle models, offering incentives for customers to return their old devices.
One aspect that could be improved is the cost of e-books. While Amazon offers Kindle Unlimited for access to a vast library of titles, the selection may not always include the books you’re specifically interested in. It would be great to see a bundle option where you can purchase both the physical and Kindle versions of a book at a discounted price. This would cater to book collectors like myself who prefer owning physical copies but also enjoy the convenience of e-readers.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a basic e-reader, the 2022 Amazon Kindle is a fantastic choice. It offers all the essential features you need for a pleasurable reading experience at an affordable price. The upgrades from previous models, such as increased storage, improved battery life, and better resolution, make it a worthwhile investment. As someone who has always preferred physical books, I can confidently say that the Kindle has genuinely made me read more than I have in months.