Is a Kindle worth the expense over using a phone/tablet?

[TameRacingDriver]

As per the title really. I've slowly started getting into reading Kindle books, and generally I just read them on my phone or laptop.

I get that the Kindles have that slightly "paper like" appearance and good battery life, but is it really a much better experience? Are they really worth paying ~£100+ for? Anyone started out using the phone app and moved to a proper device have any opinions on the value of these things?

[simon_harris]

I use mine exclusively for when I am on holiday, it is a paperwhite and must be at least 10 years old but there is no way I could read on my phone or tablet in the sun.

My only criticism is that I don't get a paper copy of the books I buy, in an ideal world if I bought a physical copy I would get a copy for the kindle as well.

[davek_964]

I think they're a much better reading experience - nicer screen for reading, enormous battery life, nicer size (bigger than a phone, smaller than a tablet).

If you're happy with the phone / tablet, then probably no point in changing - but I wouldn't want to swap from my Kindle to using my phone or tablet.

[8bit]

TameRacingDriver said:

As per the title really. I've slowly started getting into reading Kindle books, and generally I just read them on my phone or laptop.

I get that the Kindles have that slightly "paper like" appearance and good battery life, but is it really a much better experience? Are they really worth paying ~£100+ for? Anyone started out using the phone app and moved to a proper device have any opinions on the value of these things?

I bought a Kindle for my wife for Christmas a few years ago, which she loves. She does occasionally use the app on her phone but much prefers to use the device itself.

[gregs656]

A kindle or something similar is a no brainer for me. If mine broke I would replace it, also an old paperwhite.

[davek_964]

They do last a really long time too.

I replaced my old one because the battery was getting a bit poor - but it must have been well over 10 years old. £100 over 10+ years isn't really too bad cost wise.

[the-photographer]

Yes and look at Kobo devices as well

[TameRacingDriver]

Quite a lot of love for these little gadgets then...

And there's an Amazon sale on at the moment...

Edit: I notice some say "With Ads" and others "Without Ads", with the latter more expensive. I guess this is exactly what it sounds like. Are the ads intrusive? I feel they'd be out of place on a device like this.

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Tuesday 10th October 16:00

[xeny]

They're pretty much only there on the lock screen and suggested titles on the home screen. I've one kindle with, one without, and I'm happy using either. They don't appear once you are in a book.

[gmasterfunk]

For bright light or direct sun kindle is a far better solution than a phone.

Also you may cook your phone on the beach

[TameRacingDriver]

xeny said:

They're pretty much only there on the lock screen and suggested titles on the home screen. I've one kindle with, one without, and I'm happy using either. They don't appear once you are in a book.

That doesn't sound too bad to be fair. Doesn't sound as though it'd be worth paying the extra, although hopefully they won't one day do an update where they start putting them in the books. Nothing would surprise me from these tech companies.

gmasterfunk said:

For bright light or direct sun kindle is a far better solution than a phone.

Also you may cook your phone on the beach

That's a good point, my phone overheated quite a bit this summer, and on holiday.

[Cloudy147]

I started on a phone to see if I’d like the Kindle experience. I enjoyed the Kindle app, but not reading on an phone and so purchased whatever the cheapest one is without Ads (Prime days usually have discounts if I recall).

It’s great, I find it as relaxing as reading a real book, but the advantage of being light, easy to carry and massive battery life, and adjustable light for reading at night.

For what they cost, and how long they last, if you enjoy reading I would recommend one. I love mine for it’s perfect simplicity and doing exactly what it’s meant to do.

[surveyor]

I believe you can buy the ads out if they bug you. You find the odd book so I quite like them.

I have a Kindle Unlimited which allows me a certain number of downloads at the same time for £10 or so a month.

I am a fast reader, and it's amazing value for money. Hate reading from a proper screen.

[51mes]

I much prefer reading ona kindle than a phone, it's also better when reading at night in bed, the screen is less bright as the reflective light on the e-ink is a much lower level than a phone.

You cannot buy books from the kindle app on your phone, you have to go via the Amazon website.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.ht...

I'd never travel without my kindle, save the phone battery for important things like boarding cards, google.pay email etc....

[devnull]

Amazon’s return policy is pretty lax. I’d suggest you just buy one and try it.

[dundarach]

For reading they're significantly better than a phone outside.

However if you're not a massive reader and it's for holidays, buy a physical book.

Nothing beats chucking it on the floor and not worrying AT ALL about it.

[Bill]

Fair point, but being able to download a new book is a massive advantage. Not least because it saves you having to read your wife's chick lit.

Has anyone spotted any deals on the Prime sale??

[simon_harris]

dundarach said:

For reading they're significantly better than a phone outside.

However if you're not a massive reader and it's for holidays, buy a physical book.

Nothing beats chucking it on the floor and not worrying AT ALL about it.

I read prolifically when on holiday, not unusual for me to get through 10 books in a 14 day break, I used to take a little carry on case just for my books - now all I need is a Kindle and internet connection if I get through everything in my read list.

[LimaDelta]

Yes, way better in the sun as mentioned above, and also (as not mentioned above) I find way better at bedtime too. I have an ancient non-backlit Kindle which is much nicer on the eyes at that time in the evening. The only time I've used the Kindle app on my iPad rather than the Kindle was for Tim Urban's new book which has a lot of graphics, which don't work so well on my old monochrome Kindle.

[eeLee]

for screen performance, battery life, weight....the Kindle is worth getting if you read books. I have a stack of books on mine and would never use an iPad - not even a Mini - to replace it. I would never read on my phone either, the screen is too small.