Amazon has made a new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader available for pre-order. The device will be released on November 7, 2018.
Features:
Here are the features of the new device:
- The new device is thinner and lighter than the previous generation of Paperwhite. And, yes, that means a new size cover. According to the specs for the new cover, it will not fit any of the previous Paperwhites.
- The new Paperwhite has more LEDs so it is brighter than the previous generation.
- The screen is now flush with the bezel of the e-reader.
- It’s waterproof: IPX8 rated to protect against accidental immersion in up to two meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes.
- It’s got more storage: The basic version comes with 8 GB (twice the previous model). Or, you can choose 32 GB to hold more content. (This is a must if you are going to use the content for comics and audiobooks.)
- Audible compatibility. Amazon had added Bluetooth so you can pair with headphones or speakers. The device is now Whispersync For Voice compatible, so you can not only sync across devices, but can switch back and forth between the ebook and Audible versions of a book.
The new Kindle Paperwhite also includes the ability to invert black and white text, allowing for nighttime reading with white text on a black background. That is one of my favorite features from the Kindle Oasis and it is exciting to see it available on the Paperwhite.
Covers:
Currently, Amazon has three covers available for the new device:
- Premium Leather Cover (10th Generation-2018), Rustic (Brown), $59.99
- Leather Cover (10th Generation-2018) – Available in Black, Cobalt Purple, Merlot and Punch Red, $39.99
- Water-Safe Fabric Cover (10th Generation-2018) – Available in Canary Yellow, Charcoal Black and Marine Blue, $29.99
I will be on the look out for 3rd-party covers for this new model and will do a post as soon as new covers are available.
Bonuses:
- Kindle Unlimited – Amazon is offering 6 months of Kindle Unlimited free with the purchase of a new Paperwhite. The Kindle Unlimited a subscription service that offers unlimited reading of books, magazines and audiobooks. Offer is only available after purchase and terms and conditions apply.
- Trade in – Take advantage of Amazon’s trade in program and trade in your existing Kindle before you buy a new one. Besides a gift card for your old Kindle, you will get 25% off the purchase price of your new one. (And, yes, some Fire Tablets are eligible for trade in, too!)
The new Kindle Paperwhite prices start at $129.99 (only $10 more than the previous model). It is available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 4G LTE models. Complete specs are here.
So, what do you think? Are these new features worth an upgrade to you?
The eBook Evangelist 
Can’t find this answered anywhere yet. Do we know if the LED’s will have an adjustable color temperature? The only reason I haven’t gotten a Kindle is because the LED’s are a cold blue which is bad for your eyes at night. Almost got a Nook because it has a warm option for the lighting. Any idea yet if this new Paperwhite will have that? It’s pretty much a dealbreaker for me if it is still using that terrible blue light.
From the reading of the specs, it seems apparent that it DOES NOT feature an adjustable color feature like some of the Kobo e-readers and the NOOK Glowlight 3. None of the videos I have seen so far show that type of lighting. A lot of people were hoping for that feature on the next Kindle.
You can adjust the brightness on this model and invert the text from black to white. I use that feature on the Oasis 2 every night and actually like that feature better than the adjustable comfort light on my Kobo Aura One. Personally, I find the orange light hard to read on, although everyone’s preferences are different. 🙂
I think I might be tempted to put this on my Christmas list. Thanks for listing a fabric cover, by the way!
Karen, I think Amazon got the message a while back that there are A LOT of people wanting vegan options for covers! I am happy to see that they are making them available. 🙂