Amazon Fire or Paperwhite?

[Etherealhedgehog]

I'd like to get some kind of Kindle for one-handed reading while breastfeeding. I'll probably also take it on holiday to expand my choice, alongside some actual books. I don't expect it to be my main way of reading as I love real books too much.

As I see it, pros of a Paperwhite are: water resistant for reading by the pool/in the bath; better screen for reading in sunlight.

Pros of getting an Amazon Fire are that it would also function as a second tablet, which I imagine would come in useful once DD is old enough to be distracted with a bit of screen time eg. on holiday. Would also give me the option to use something like Borrowbook to get e-books from the library.

WWYD? Has anyone used a Fire as an occasional e-reader? Is the screen ok for this or is it unbearable/is it useable at all on a sunny day?

[shivermetimbers77]

I have both and I far prefer the paperwhite for reading.. I use the fire for other stuff , but the paperwhite feels much more like a proper book in my opinion.

[Etherealhedgehog]

@shivermetimbers77 thanks, that's really helpful

[nocoolnamesleft]

I love my paper white for reading. Don't get tired eyes like with a standard screen. And my house is mostly decorated with book shelves...

[BunnyRuddington]

Another vote for the Paperwhite. I love mine and you can use the app that lets you borrow books from the library on your phone if you want that.

[winnieanddaisy]

I love my paper white . It's not too heavy for holding while I'm lying on my side in bed . It's screen is lit up so don't need a bedside light on . I joined kindle unlimited for about £7 per month which allows me to borrow as many books as I want each month. You can only borrow ten at a time but you can send them back and borrow more . I probably read approx 15 books per month .

[Gmmllw]

Another vote for paperwhite. I have both and simply cannot read on the fire, hurts my eyes too much. Plus I think it's a rubbish tablet.

[Mabelene]

Paperwhite definitely

[Notachanceinheaven]

Paperwhite if you are a dedicated reader and you have another tablet somewhere.

The fire is a bit heavy to read single handedly, is harder on the eyes, emits blue light and reflects the sun.

The Paperwhite is lovely to read, much lighter and you can easily adjust text, brightness, font and the battery will last longer.

[Bigpinkslippers]

Paperwhite for reading. Also in the sun fire's overheat and switch off whereas paperwhite was fine

[HollowTalk]

The advantage of the Kindle Fire is that you can use your library's ebooks for free - that's a huge advantage for me. I love books on the shelf and have tons, but I don't always want to keep a copy of a book or read it again, particularly books that I'm reading late at night or when I'm tired.

[JennysWell]

Check what service your local library offers. I have the Kobo equivalent of the paperwhite and can borrow library books.

[MargaretFraggle]

I have a paperwhite and am a complete convert despite being a massive luddite generally. I read so much more now. I would not on a Kindle Fire (I have one of those which the kids pinched becayseI didn't use it). It ties you to Amazon, which is the only downside for me. But there are lots of ebooks at decent prices.

[Montalbanosono]

I use my Kindle Fire to read library books but it's only a last resort - it's not so nice to read on. I have a Kindle (basic version) for reading and I find it a lot nicer for books - how does it differ from the Paperwhite? Would love to know what an upgrade would be like!

[StColumbofNavron]

I really didn’t like my Fire. It was too heavy for what you are suggesting (that was my motivation too). My Paperwhite I have not looked back though. I love it. Light, feels more like the pages of an actual book, long battery, no issues in the sun.

[StColumbofNavron]

Basic kindle and paperwhite difference used to be the backlight, but I believe the latest basic model is also backlit now.