Notes: 4 Reasons I Don’t Regret Buying the Budget Kindle over the Paperwhite

Introduction

• Article by: Craig Donaldson
• Published on: April 15, 2025
• Main Argument: The budget Kindle is a better choice for first-time Kindle users compared to the more expensive Paperwhite for several reasons.

Key Comparisons

Price

• Base Kindle: $110
• Kindle Paperwhite: $160
• Price Difference: $50

Features

• Storage: Both models have 16GB
• Connections: USB-C for both
• Screen Size:
  • Base Kindle: 6-inch E Ink display (300 ppi)
  • Kindle Paperwhite: 7-inch E Ink display (300 ppi)
• Weight:
  • Base Kindle: 5.56 oz (158 grams)
  • Kindle Paperwhite: 7.4 oz (211 grams)

Reasons for Choosing the Budget Kindle

1. Waterproofing Not Needed

• Base Kindle: Not waterproof
• Paperwhite: Waterproof with IPX8 rating
• Personal Use: Primarily indoors, no need for waterproofing

2. Portability

• Base Kindle: Smaller and lighter, fits easily into pockets
• Paperwhite: Larger and heavier, still portable
• Preference: Smaller size is more comfortable for prolonged reading

3. Battery Life

• Base Kindle: 6 weeks of battery life with 30 minutes of daily use at brightness level 13
• Paperwhite: 12 weeks under the same conditions
• Conclusion: 6 weeks is sufficient, and the cost-saving is worth it

4. Price

• Affordability: Base Kindle is more budget-friendly, especially for first-time buyers
• Usage: Suitable for basic e-reading without extra features like warm light or faster page turns available in Paperwhite

Conclusion

• Recommendation: The base Kindle is an excellent choice for first-time users looking for an affordable, basic e-reader.
• Consideration for Upgrades: If budget allows and additional features are desired, the Paperwhite could be considered.

Additional Related Topics

• First Actions with Kindle: "5 Things I Did First on My Kindle to Improve My Reading Experience"
• Cleaning and Maintenance: "I Found a Great Way to Easily Clean My Kindle"
• AI Features on Kindle: New features like AI-generated book recaps on the Kindle

Reader Comments

• Discussion around backlight presence and ad-supported versus ad-free models.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the reasoning behind choosing the budget Kindle over the Paperwhite, emphasizing its affordability, portability, and sufficient features for a basic e-reader experience.