Kindle Paperwhite 2014: Increased Storage and Subtle Updates Confirmed
About a week ago, we reported that the Kindle Paperwhite seems to have quietly received a small facelift. At that time, it was still unclear what exactly had changed—an increase in storage space was speculated by various user reports and Amazon partners.
I can now confirm this speculated change: The Kindle Paperwhite 2014 with the item number “B00JG8GBDM” does indeed have larger internal storage, which, upon initial startup after the latest software update, amounts to 3,174 MB (see screenshot below). For comparison: the “older” version with the item number “B00CTUKFNQ” has a free storage space of 1,359 MB (provided no eBooks are on the device).
The designation “Kindle Paperwhite 2014” actually comes from a link on Amazon’s US site. However, this doesn’t seem to be a name under which the device will be marketed, as the year for the small model change is not mentioned anywhere else. Therefore, the product name “Kindle Paperwhite” will likely remain unchanged, and the facelift model can probably only be distinguished in advance by the item number.
More Storage, Almost Everything Else the Same
Facelift brings more storage capacity
Aside from the addition of a few more seals on the back (next to FCC, CE), there appear to be no other notable changes from an external perspective. However, something does seem to have changed under the hood, as the old Kindle Paperwhite weighs 203 grams according to my measurements (manufacturer’s specification 206 grams), while the 2014 model is exactly 5 grams heavier (= 208 grams). This difference is unlikely to be caused by a single memory chip, so it is reasonable to assume that something has changed in the case manufacturing or a few more small components.
Another change concerns the current delivery of the eBook reader. Instead of being shipped in a simple carton without any additional packaging, the 2014 model is currently being sent out in a typical Amazon box with a nicely printed exterior (as seen at Media Markt & Co.).
In any case, the difference is very minor, so if you already own a Kindle Paperwhite 2, there’s no need to fret over this facelift. The larger storage is a nice touch, but considering the unlimited use of Kindle Cloud (for eBooks purchased from Amazon), the smaller storage of the 2013 model remains acceptable.
As mentioned in the previous article, this model refresh suggests that Amazon isn’t looking to replace the Kindle Paperwhite this year but rather expand the product line. It’s conceivable that the Kindle Paperwhite could act as a price driver at 109 euros (with the option for further price actions), while the eBook reader codenamed Kindle Ice Wine could be positioned as a premium model at a higher price. There is definitely potential for selling devices in a higher price segment, as shown by the success of the Kobo Aura HD or the recent strong demand for the Onyx Boox T68.
