Amazon has traditionally dominated e-readers with devices that prioritize crisp text and long reading sessions, and the new Kindle Colorsoftpriced at $189.99 (was $249.99), is no exception. Standard Kindles offer black and white pages that look quite similar to paper. Amazon has now stepped up their game with their first model to include color. This 7-inch gadget is designed on top of the Kindle Paperwhite base, but features all-new display technology.
Holding the Colorsoft in your hand you will notice many recognizable aspects. The body measures 6 by 7 inches and weighs about 7 ounces, making reading with one hand a breeze for hours on end. The smooth plastic back of the gadget feels nice and provides a firm grip without adding bulk. The water resistance is sufficient; it has an IPX8 rating and can withstand immersion in fresh water for up to an hour. Charging is done via USB-C; it’s not very fast, but a full charge takes about 2.5 hours with a regular adapter.
The display details are what really made this model different, as Amazon has a custom version of E Ink Kaleido technology refined for color. Black and white content is still displayed at 300 pixels per inch for razor-sharp typography. The color bits are slightly lower (150 pixels per inch), but the covers, graphics and strips all have more depth. The front light has become brighter and the specific coatings ensure that the colors appear more vibrant than on any other color e-reader.
When you open a graphic novel or manga, you are blown away by the darker blacks and the way the colors fill the panels. In Library view, book covers are now sharper, making browsing a lot more enjoyable. You can now even highlight sections in yellow, orange, blue or pink, which is great for keeping your notes organized. In regular novels, the text remains the primary focus, but the additional color palette adds beautiful extras such as drawings and maps.
Battery life is still excellent, as Amazon claims you can get up to 8 weeks of use if you read for half an hour every day with the wireless connection turned off and the lights set to moderate. Actual users report that it normally lasts a few weeks with heavier use, such as an hour or two per day. If you use it to listen to audiobooks via Bluetooth, the time is greatly reduced, but the standby consumption is small.
Amazon has been gradually incorporating new features into the software, such as double page turns and redesigned home screens. The previous version had a small problem: a yellow band along the bottom of the screen; however, this is largely visible in photos. Amazon resolved the issue by replacing and modifying the units, and now all new units appear to be consistent.
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