“New White Kindle Debuts in Germany; Kindle Paperwhite 2 Drops to 90 Euros”
In China and Japan, the basic Kindle model has been available in white since March — today the device in the new color variant also launches in Germany. Amazon.de is releasing the Touch eReader just in time for the holiday shopping season. However, there are no changes to the actual specifications.
While the basic Kindle appears in a new color variant, the Kindle Paperwhite 2 becomes even cheaper: Instead of the previously announced roughly 100 euros, you currently only need to put 90 euros on the virtual table. This increases the price gap to its successor.
Kindle Paperwhite 2 even more attractive
At the same time, the gap to the basic model is reduced: The Kindle Touch currently costs at least 69.99 euros, making it only slightly cheaper than the technically superior Kindle Paperwhite 2. Compared to the entry-level device, the Paperwhite offers built-in lighting with even light distribution, modern E-Ink Carta technology, and higher resolution (1024×758 pixels). Oh, and the device is ad-free too. For the ad-free Kindle Touch, you have to pay 79.99 euros (only 10 euros cheaper).
The Paperwhite 2 thus continues to offer probably the best price-performance ratio on the market. Anyone who wants to read digitally at a particularly affordable price and make as few technical compromises as possible should definitely go for it.
The basic Kindle is now also available in white.
However, the entry-level Kindle is undoubtedly also a very solid device and offers an excellent range of functions thanks to the software identical to the rest of the models. Just a reminder: The Kindle features 6-inch E-Ink Pearl technology with a resolution of 800×600 pixels. Operation is via an infrared touchscreen. As usual, you can access the built-in eBook store via WLAN.
Recently, Amazon also launched the eBook reader in a special (insured) version for kids here (currently not available in white).
Nevertheless, one cannot deny that opting for the Kindle Paperwhite 2 is ultimately the more sensible choice. It’s quite ironic that the new white edition of the basic model actually shifts the focus more toward the Kindle Paperwhite 2.
Back to the Beginning
The white variant of the device represents a “back to the roots” for Amazon. The first two Kindle models were also launched in white. It wasn’t until the Kindle 3, aka Kindle Keyboard, that this changed.
However, one should not hope for a renaissance of white casing colors. There’s a very good reason that most illuminated eBook readers come in a black casing: A white frame makes differences in color temperature of the LED lighting much more noticeable. Such an effect is something manufacturers want to avoid since no one can guarantee pure white lighting.
Barnes & Noble is currently the only mainstream provider with an illuminated reading device available in a white casing. The recently introduced Nook Glowlight Plus is, however, only available in the USA.
Due to the lack of built-in lighting, this is not a concern with the white Kindle Touch. For the upcoming holiday season, the new color variant is definitely a nice bonus (even though my recommendation remains the Paperwhite 2).
With the launch of the “Kindle for Kids” bundle and the new white model, Amazon.de has made two changes to the lineup in a short period. However, a new eReader is still awaited. Whether the long-anticipated new edition of the Kindle Voyage will still appear remains to be seen. The closer it gets to Christmas, the less likely a new release becomes.
