Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite Now Available from Amazon: Do You Still Need a Case?
Update from February 9, 2019: There is now a waterproof Kindle Paperwhite available directly from Amazon. Resorting to third-party solutions (described below) is no longer necessary. You can find all further information on the Paperwhite 4 detail page.
Update from June 2, 2016: You no longer need to rely on third-party solutions to purchase a waterproof eReader. Instead, you can opt for the IP67-certified Kobo Aura H2O, which comes from the factory with a waterproof and dust-proof casing. On top of that, the H2O also offers perhaps the best readability on the eReader market. The price is barely higher than the waterproof Paperwhite from Waterfi: the Kobo model costs 179 euros.
A somewhat more affordable alternative is the Tolino Vision 3 HD. The device is water-protected through nano-sealing, meaning that while liquid can penetrate the casing, the electronics are water-repellent thanks to a special coating. The Tolino eReader offers similar readability to the Kindle – with a pixel density of 300 ppi. The Vision 3 HD is available for 159 euros.
Below, we also take a quick look at waterproof cases, as well as an after-market waterproof Kindle Paperwhite offered by the American company Waterfi. Finally, there’s a video about the first waterproof eReader concept from 2013.
Waterproof Case for the Kindle Paperwhite
If you already own a Paperwhite and want to use it at the pool, in the bath, or at the beach, there are solutions for that too.
Various “plastic bags” are available for universal use in the 6-inch range (for all devices with a capacitive touchscreen, like Paperwhite and Voyage; not for infrared touchscreen like, for example, Kindle Touch 2). These cases are flexible, transparent, and protect the eReader from harmful influences. One definite advantage is the affordable price of 6 to 12 euros.
The waterproof Kindle Paperwhite case from Alienwork or Redpepper is substantial
However, these bags aren’t very attractive to look at or handle. As a sturdier alternative (see picture), there’s also a tailored waterproof case for the Kindle Paperwhite from Alienwork or Redpepper. This is available on Amazon.de for around 22 euros.
The Paperwhite fits perfectly inside. The case is particularly solid, which is noticeable not only in handling but also in its weight of approximately 120 grams.
However, the case lacks an IP rating, so there is no data on its robustness, and caution should still be exercised with the eReader. The solid construction and the continuous rubber seal between the front and back give a good impression.
One downside is the reflective surface, which has also been criticized by buyers. In direct sunlight, text becomes difficult to read. Fortunately, you can remedy this yourself by sticking a matte screen protector on the front of the case. You can get such protectors in a double pack for just over 7 euros.
It’s worth noting, though, that the contrast decreases somewhat due to the double layering, but luckily, this doesn’t weigh too heavily, even in direct sunlight. Upon receiving the product, it’s recommended to test the seal of the case without the eReader inside to discover any possible defects. If this is the case, you can exchange the case through Amazon.
Note: We’ve tested many other (non-waterproof) Kindle Paperwhite cases here.
Aftermarket Paperwhite with Water Protection
Announcement from May 30, 2013: With the Sony Xperia Z smartphone and tablet, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, there are already some devices on the consumer electronics market that now feature special protection against water and dust. In the eBook Reader market, there hasn’t been such a device until now. This changes with a dust- and waterproof Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.
However, it’s not Amazon itself that is responsible for the device, but a California startup called Waterfi. The company specializes in equipping everyday consumer electronics with water protection. The Kindle Paperwhite was recently added to their program and can be ordered for approximately 170 euros plus shipping.
Waterproof eBook Reader as a Market Niche?
Ideas for a waterproof eBook Reader have existed for some time (see below), but they’ve never advanced beyond the conceptual stage. The potential for such a device is significant, but despite eBook Reader manufacturers boasting that their digital reading devices can be used anywhere and everywhere, that claim is only half the truth. In the bathtub, at the beach, or the pool, you always have to be extremely careful when using an eBook Reader. Even sitting outdoors when it starts to rain can be problematic. In such situations, the trusty old book often proves to be the better choice, unless you want to rely on an often cumbersome and tactfully unappealing plastic cover for your eBook Reader.
The water- and dust-protected Kindle Paperwhite offers a solution here, provided you’re willing to accept the additional costs at purchase and for shipping (and customs) (see below).
Here’s how it works: The Kindle is equipped with a dual protection layer. First, a rubber-like material is applied to the device’s insides, offering the electronics protection from water. Then a protective layer is applied that also shields the Kindle from more intense influences such as chlorine or saltwater. The device remains sealed up to 64 meters deep, so you can even continue reading during a diving excursion (!). The functionality of the Paperwhite remains fully intact, allowing you to continue using features like the illuminated display.
Waterfi sells the ad-supported version of the Kindle Paperwhite for 170 euros with a one-year warranty. The ad-free version costs 184 euros, and the 3G version costs an additional 46 euros each. Shipping to Germany and Austria adds another 27 euros, and experience shows that customs fees are roughly the same. All in all, the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite will set you back around 225 euros, which is still cheaper than buying a second device in case of water damage.
In my view, this is quite a reasonable deal, especially if you want to use the eReader anywhere and without worry. What do you think?
Waterproofing as the Next Evolutionary Step?
This naturally raises the question of whether we’ll soon be able to purchase waterproof eBook Readers regularly and directly from manufacturers. The trend towards water- and dust-protected electronics is evident in the smartphone and tablet markets, so an extension to the eBook Reader market would be a logical step.
We’ll have to wait until fall to answer this question, as that’s when new device series are usually presented.
Image source: Waterfi
Concept: Waterproof eBook Reader [Video]
Announcement from March 4, 2013: There is a recurring demand from consumers for more durable electronic devices. This is especially true in the smartphone and tablet sectors, due to the high prices of these gadgets. Sony has two current devices in their lineup, the Xperia Z smartphone, and the Xperia Tablet Z, both of which are dust-protected and waterproof.
Now, there’s movement in the eBook Reader market as well. Whereas digital reading devices have relied on sometimes impractical plastic covers to safely use in bathrooms or on sandy beaches, there are now initial attempts at dust- and waterproof eBook Readers.
The Next Logical Step?
The concept comes from Neonode, best known for the infrared touchscreen technology used in devices like the Kobo Glo, Sony PRS-T2, or Tolino Shine. However, in the following demo video, a modified Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is shown, equipped with a waterproof case.
The unique part isn’t just the casing; it’s also the ability to operate the eBook Reader underwater. In the video, a paintbrush is used to demonstrate this capability, though the optical touchscreen technology should work just as well with a finger. The video commentary highlights: “Powered by Neonode’s infrared technology – this e-reader doesn’t mind being submerged under water. The demonstration is done with a paintbrush to show the technology’s performance and fast response time. The device has been in the water tank for four days, and we didn’t re-charge it once.”
Thus, at the time of recording, the eBook Reader had been underwater for four days without needing to recharge the battery, likely until the end of the fair, thanks to eInk technology. As a bookworm, you’d certainly wish for such a device for home use. With current eBook Readers, you always have to ensure that the device doesn’t make contact with water or sand when using it in the bathtub or at the beach. Looking at Sony’s current smartphones and tablets, there’s hope that this technology will also find its way into the next Sony eBook Reader (Sony PRS-T3?). Perhaps the concept was even created by Neonode at the request of a business partner, offering a reason for optimism.
