Hi!
Are you considering a new Kindle ereader? Kindle is a great choice, but there are so many options! We have tried various Kindle models at my house and recently purchased new Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Fire models.
Which is the best Kindle for you?
That really depends on what you want it to do. My husband and I want different things from our E-readers, so I chose Kindle Paperwhite and my husband chose Fire. Before Paperwhite, I always traveled with my basic Kindle.
Here are the pros and cons of Kindle Fire, Kindle Paperwhite and regular Kindle, from my personal experience. This post does contain affiliate links.
Fire
Pros – Fire is the way to go if you want to enjoy all types of media on your Kindle. Its bigger, full-color screen is great for magazines, picture books, games, movies and internet browsing. In addition to reading ebooks, my husband uses his Kindle Fire to check Facebook, keep up on current events and read my new blog posts.
Kindle Fire is a good option for keeping younger children entertained in a plane or in the car. They can watch a movie with headphones or play games. Amazon helps parents limit kids' access and screen time with parental controls and Kindle FreeTime.
Kindle Fire also has a front and rear camera and it is priced to sell. Kindle Fire is the least expensive Kindle available.
Cons – Kindle Fire has a shorter battery life than other Kindles. If you use it a lot, you'll probably need to re-charge it daily. Kindle Fire is not as easy on the eyes as other Kindles. Its screen glares more in sunlight.
Kindle Fire's glowing screen can also be harder to fall asleep at night if you read before bed. However, Fire's newest operating system has a feature that allows you to reduce the blue light that keeps you awake at night.
We have found that Kindle Fire may not be as durable as regular Kindle, but that may be because it is more versatile and gets used more. My children never ask to use my Kindle, but they use my husband's all the time. My husband went through two Kindle Fires in the life of my one regular Kindle.
Kindle Paperwhite
Pros – This is the Kindle I requested for Christmas when my old Kindle died. It's the best Kindle for book lovers. I don't use my Kindle for movies, internet or games; I do those things on other devices. I just want a great reading experience.
Kindle Paperwhite has higher definition than regular Kindle and the no-glare screen and adjustable back light make it easy to read indoors or out, day or night. When we all sleep in the same room on vacation, I can keep reading after “lights out” for the kids. At home, I regularly tuck my Kindle Paperwhite under the sheets so I can keep reading, but not bother my husband while he goes to sleep.
The battery on Kindle Paperwhite can last for weeks. If I charge it before we leave, I don't have to worry about the battery on most trips. Kindle Paperwhite is smaller and slimmer than Kindle Fire, so it tucks easily into my purse or carry on.
Cons – I can access the internet on Kindle Paperwhite, but the black and white experience is far from ideal. Same goes for magazines and picture books. Don't expect apps or games for Kindle Paperwhite. Kindle Paperwhite is more expensive that basic Fire models.
See Kindle Paperwhite on Amazon.com.
Kindle
Pros – This is the one that started the E-reader revolution, but newer models are sleeker, better and cheaper than my first Kindle. The no-glare screen is great in sunlight and like Kindle Paperwhite, the battery lasts for weeks. Kindle is a great basic E-reader and it may last you for years.
Cons – Kindle has the same cons as Kindle Paperwhite and it has no back light. I could not read in low light with my old Kindle.
No matter which Kindle you choose, be sure to buy a case to protect your investment! You can get everything from basic, to heavy-duty childproof cases on Amazon.com.
Do you have a Kindle? Which is your favorite model and why? Please share your experience in the comments!
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