Got a Paperwhite and I hate it.

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Got a Paperwhite and I hate it.

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#808013 30-Apr-2013 14:38

Elpie: The replacement Paperwhite arrived from Amazon. It doesn't have a band of bright light on the side but the discolouration effect on the screen is even worse. This one has a decidedly pink tinge across the screen. Like the first one, I can't read it at all if the brightness level is below 18.

The combination of the blotchy screen, poor lighting, and bad font choices makes this unusable for me.

It was interesting comparing fonts between the Kindle Keyboard, the Touch, and the Paperwhite. The same settings on each device render very different font sizes and readability. The Paperwhite is definitely worse than either of the other two.

So, I'm back to square one. I need a reader but it looks like I will have to investigate alternatives to the Kindle.

Do you have a photo of the problem as it sounds a strange one. With e-ink, I don't use the light at all, as that is it's advatage over LCD screens, you light it like a book with a normal light. Although you can't turn the paperwhite light totally off, you can lower it to the lowest setting. If you want the screen lit, an ipad mini maybe a better option.

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gehenna

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#808023 30-Apr-2013 14:46

Well that's the point of the PaperWhite - the light. And for me it works perfectly. I can have it on nearly the lowest setting and it's just enough light to read comfortably in bed in a dark room. It also helps for daytime reading in sunlight as it boosts the text on the screen when set to full brightness.

Can't see the point in owning a PaperWhite and not using the light...

rossmnz

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#808065 30-Apr-2013 15:55

when i download ebooks I use my iPad to read them!

Far better than my mums kindle from what i have seen but.....

you cant beat a good old fashioned book - unless Im on holiday and dont want to cart 5+ of them!!

The force is strong with this one!

networkn

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#808067 30-Apr-2013 16:00

Yah I am surprised as well, I don't love my paperwhite as much as my kindle keyboard but for me the sole reason is the lack of forward and back buttons.

The screen on mine and the two I have gifted have been great, the chances of two faulty in a row are slim, but possible.

mattwnz

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#808070 30-Apr-2013 16:08

gehenna: Well that's the point of the PaperWhite - the light. And for me it works perfectly. I can have it on nearly the lowest setting and it's just enough light to read comfortably in bed in a dark room. It also helps for daytime reading in sunlight as it boosts the text on the screen when set to full brightness.

Can't see the point in owning a PaperWhite and not using the light...

The paperwhite is basically the newest generation to replace the old models, so the sidelighting is just a 'feature' that you can chose not to use. It is higher resolution than the old models using newr generation e-ink panels, which is the main reason I got mine. But in my opinion, if I was reading in a dark room, I think an ipad is a better option, being colour etc. The only downside is that it is heavier and more bulky.

Elpie

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#808161 30-Apr-2013 18:15

afe66: Wifi+3g version. According to website.
Seems rather cheap. I paid a couple hundred pounds for mine I think...

Yep, but no indication of whether its the latest Kindle Keyboard or which generation it is.

Elpie

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#808163 30-Apr-2013 18:17

eXDee: I'll do a straight swap, my kindle keyboard Wifi-3G (with case!) for your paperwhite model. :D

Which generation is it? I'm tempted - even more so if you have the lighted cover. Sadly, after 2 1/2 years, my cover is dodgy and Amazon no longer make them.

eXDee

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#808241 30-Apr-2013 20:38

Elpie:
eXDee: I'll do a straight swap, my kindle keyboard Wifi-3G (with case!) for your paperwhite model. :D

Which generation is it? I'm tempted - even more so if you have the lighted cover. Sadly, after 2 1/2 years, my cover is dodgy and Amazon no longer make them.

It's the same as the one that the warehouse and dick smith are selling. I believe its third generation but it only got phased out some time last year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kindle_3_by_Jleon.jpg
Fourth gen was the kindle touch
then they did the paperwhite.

This ones from late last year, it's a warranty replacement so it's not that old and I only really used it over the summer. The 3G on the old one didnt work due to a network issue, so they just replaced the whole thing.

They cover is just a standard flip folio vinyl one, not a lighted one unfortunately.

message me if you're keen.

timmmay

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#808249 30-Apr-2013 20:53

You can turn WiFi off while reading a book by tapping at the top of the screen, choosing triple line thing, hit settings, turn airplane mode on, then hit back.

Journeyman

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#808299 30-Apr-2013 22:59

Elpie:
afe66: Wifi+3g version. According to website.
Seems rather cheap. I paid a couple hundred pounds for mine I think...

Yep, but no indication of whether its the latest Kindle Keyboard or which generation it is.

Aren't all Kindle Keyboards the same generation? Ie, gen 3?

networkn

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#808318 30-Apr-2013 23:47

I have a spare perfectly working kindle keyboard and a lighted cover (The leather one with the pop out light I'll straight swap for your Kindle Paperwhite (I'll keep it as a spare for the car)

PM if Keen

It's a 3G and Wifi Model and I'd be much happier if yours is a 3G one as well

bongojona

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#809545 1-May-2013 14:51

I feel that I must defend the paperweight here.

I have had mine for several months now and am loving it.

The only downside after moving up from my kindle touch was the increase in weight - I was surprised how much heftier it was. But I have adjusted. It's not that much really -was just not expecting it.

The light is the star in my eyes (literally) as I find it much easier to look at even during the day. Battery life is not hugely affected by it either.

As to the touch screen, I was already using the earlier touch model so am very comfortable with it.

I wonder, if I may politely ask, if you are currently using a touchscreen phone ?

My theory being that those of us who are comfortable with such screens will adapt to a touchscreen kindle easier than those who do not.

I do occasionally turn the page unintentionally, but I do not not find that a major issue. Just touch to get it back.

As for turning wifi on/off within a book, you can access the setting from the top of the screen while in the book (no need to hit home) then hit the back button to return to your page once done.

timmmay

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#809553 1-May-2013 15:02

I have to say the paperwhite is about 1/10th the weight of my 10" Android tablet, and about 1/20th the weight of the hardcover book "Sarum". I actually delayed reading the book until I got a kindle, because the paper book was too heavy to comfortably read lying down.

MurrayM

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#810133 2-May-2013 13:41

Elpie: The replacement Paperwhite arrived from Amazon. It doesn't have a band of bright light on the side but the discolouration effect on the screen is even worse. This one has a decidedly pink tinge across the screen. Like the first one, I can't read it at all if the brightness level is below 18.

The combination of the blotchy screen, poor lighting, and bad font choices makes this unusable for me.

I've heard that Amazon have had a lot of problems with the Paperwhite's screen and the light. There are many posts on mobileread.com about people having to send their Paperwhite's back for a replacement, I was quite surprised that no one on Geekzone has reported a problem (or maybe American's are more fussy about screens?)

qyiet

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#810230 2-May-2013 15:24

MurrayM: ... I was quite surprised that no one on Geekzone has reported a problem (or maybe American's are more fussy about screens?)

I can say I find my paperwhite an improvement. I've had a kindle keyboard, the current kindle and the paperwhite. I'd keep the paperwhite over the other two. I never tried a kindle touch.

I can see some blotchiness around the margins if I crank the brightness up to max, however I never do that. I usually have it set on 1 or 2 so that reading in regular light is like using a non-lit kindle, but when I get into a low light environment the screen is lit and smooth.

So put me in the I prefer the paperwhite camp :)

Warning: reality may differ from above post

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