For many Brits, the essential checklist before walking out the door consists of keys, phone, and wallet. For one editor, however, the non-negotiable item is her Kindle. Jada Jones, a self-confessed bibliophile with a physical library of over a thousand books, admits she was initially sceptical about e-readers. Now, she reveals she can't imagine stepping outside without her trusted Kindle tucked safely in her bag.
My Journey With The Kindle Paperwhite
Jada's foray into the world of digital reading began two years ago with a Kindle Paperwhite from the Kids programme. She still uses the protective case it came with and, fortunately, never had to use the included two-year, no-worry guarantee. She notes that the Paperwhite model is slightly larger than the base Kindle.
The device has several standout features that have cemented its place in her daily life. It is fully waterproof, eliminating any anxiety about reading in the bath or by the pool. The ability to adjust the screen warmth for comfortable reading in any light is another major benefit. While the core experience is similar to other models, Jada believes a key advantage of the Kids version is that it automatically comes without ads.
Unbeatable Black Friday Prices And Key Features
The timing for new customers is perfect. Amazon has kicked off its Black Friday sale early, offering significant discounts. Both the standard Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Paperwhite Kids are now available for the same special price of £124.99, down from their usual cost.
The Kids bundle includes six months of Amazon Kids+ and a creative cover, while the adult version offers three months of Kindle Unlimited as an optional free add-on. Jada didn't anticipate how quickly the Kindle would become an indispensable part of her routine.
The backlit screen allows for reading under blankets or in poor lighting, making it perfect for late-night flights or long car journeys. The battery life is another triumph, lasting for weeks on a single charge. Furthermore, the storage capacity is impressive, with Jada currently housing over sixty books on her device.
How The Kindle Transformed My Reading
Jada has found that she often reads faster on her Kindle. She isn't sure if this is due to the ability to customise the font to her preference or the motivational push from the 'time left in chapter' feature, which turns reading into a personal challenge.
She also loves the integrated dictionary, which makes it effortless to look up unfamiliar words or confirm contextual meanings. Her only minor gripe is with the highlighting function; after a few years of use, she has noticed a slight lag if she accidentally highlights a few words too many.
On aesthetics, she confesses a wish that the Paperwhite came in the same matcha green as the original Kindle, a temptation during this sale, though she admits it would be an indulgence. She also briefly considered the Kindle ColorSoft at £164 but couldn't justify the extra expense for a coloured screen.
Kindle vs Kobo: Which E-Reader Wins?
When looking at competitors, Kobo is the most obvious rival. Jada, who also owns a Kobo Clara Colour, believes the Kobo Libra Colour (£179 at Argos) is the superior option when compared to Kindle's coloured e-reader. She enjoys its slightly smaller size and the fact that its case can be folded into a stand.
A significant advantage for Kobo in the UK is the integration with Libby, allowing users to borrow free ebooks from local libraries directly onto the device—a feature not available on Kindles. However, Jada's loyalty to Kindle for travel is cemented by the vast library of books she has purchased over the last fifteen years, coupled with her use of Kindle Unlimited.
Her final verdict? If a coloured screen isn't a priority and you've already invested in the Amazon ecosystem, a Kindle is an unbeatable recommendation. However, she firmly states that Kobo offers an equally compelling selection of devices, which can be browsed at retailers like Currys.
