ZDNET's key takeaways Amazon's base model Kindle promises quicker page-turning, a brighter display, and a fun matcha green colorway (alongside the classic black)
The e-reader is more reactive and vivid, and reading anything on the lightweight, portable device is convenient.
This model has the shortest battery life out of the entire lineup, but it's still six weeks long. $109.99 at Amazon $109.99 at Best Buy more buying choices
Unlike an iPad or tablet competitor, a Kindle's sole purpose is to be as close to analog as possible for a tablet -- delivering distraction-free reading with a battery life that lasts weeks and a screen that's easy to view no matter the environment.
That means Kindle customers and devotees aren't expecting cutting-edge technology in a new release. They just want a great device with important but minimal finishing touches that improve upon the previous generation.
Also: The best Kindles you can buy
This is especially true for the base model Kindle, the most affordable and least feature-rich model in the new Kindle lineup that includes an updated Paperwhite, Scribe, and a brand-new entrant, the Colorsoft (Kindle's first-ever full-color model). The base model doesn't have an adjustable warm light like the Paperwhite, drawing capabilities like the Scribe, nor vivid color like the Colorsoft. What the 2024 Kindle does have, however, is beautiful and effective simplicity that makes it easy to recommend the e-reader to anyone looking to dial into their reading goals in the new year.
I spent some time reading and playing around with the new base model Kindle, and I highly recommend it if you're in the market for your first e-reader or if you're upgrading from a Kindle you purchased more than two years ago.
Amazon released the previous base model Kindle in 2022. The 2024 version keeps most of the specs of the base model, with a few exceptions. These include different exterior colors (Matcha and Black), a brighter front light, a higher contrast ratio, and a faster page-turn rate.
Also: I tested the Kindle Paperwhite, and it has the one upgrade I've been waiting for
... continue reading