Kindle Paperwhite Deals & Offers

Kindle Paperwhite: Comfortlight and Real Paper Feeling

The Kindle Paperwhite is a high-quality e-reader from Amazon, who claim that it "reads like real paper". The reader features a 6” display, an adjustable light and has the ability to store thousands of separate books. Often thought of as the gold standard for everyday e-readers, the Kindle Paperwhite has been embraced by travellers, business users and families alike, helping them enjoy the books they love, wherever they want to read them.

Amazon's E-Reader with Built-in Light

The Paperwhite story begins with the introduction of the very first Kindle back in 2007. That first version was the product of three years of intense research, spearheaded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Realising that Amazon’s future relied on making reading as cheap and easy as possible for millions of people, Bezos sought to create an e-reader that could store whole libraries and be as easy to read as a conventional book.

The Kindle went through numerous iterations before the first Paperwhite appeared in September 2012. The Paperwhite was a new departure, thanks to its easy-to-adjust lighting system which allowed readers to enjoy their texts comfortably in any ambient conditions. Doing away with page turn buttons, the Paperwhite also introduced a wholly touchscreen based control system.

After that, the second generation Paperwhite appeared in 2013, beefing up the processor speed and refining some of the lighting features. The third generation followed in 2015, doubling the resolution of the first version and adding some extra text select functions for PDFs while also introducing the Bookerly font that was designed by Amazon to be as readable as possible.

As of 2017, that’s where things stand, with the possibility of a new Paperwhite at some stage. However, the Kindle Oasis may be the real successor to the Paperwhite, with its lightweight design and similar range of features (see the comparison below).

Key Features of the Kindle Paperwhite

The third generation Paperwhite is a slick e-reader, with numerous features and capabilities that made it a premium product in 2015 (and still one of the best e-readers around). Key features include:

• A 6” screen which delivers a resolution of 300 ppi.

• The use of Bookerly, a specially created font that sets out to be as readable as possible on digital screens.

• Improved typography features which ensure that texts can be displayed precisely as intended by their creators.

• A lighting system and screen which mimics paper as closely as possible and minimises the problems caused by glare, allowing users to read even in intense sunlight.

• An adaptable front light which helps to guide the reader’s vision naturally to the text, reducing the possibility of developing eye strain.

• Enough charge to last for six weeks or 18 hours of continuous reading.

• An easy-to-use touchscreen-based page-turning system which makes reading smoother than ever.

• A light weight construction, making the Paperwhite extremely comfortable to hold over long periods of reading.

As with all Kindles, the Paperwhite offers enhanced reading functions too. For instance, you can instantly look up the meaning of words, access in-depth encyclopedia entries, share reading suggestions with family members and play specially created word games while you read that help to build up your vocabulary.

The Kindle Paperwhite: Specifications

Here are some of the basic specifications of the third generation Kindle Paperwhite:

• Dimensions: 16.9 x 11.7 x 0.9cm

• Weight: 205g (Wi-Fi version) 217g (Wi-Fi and 3G)

• Processor: 1GHz

• Memory: 512MB

• Storage capacity: 4GB

• Display: 6” frontlit Carta E Ink HD touchscreen with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 at 300ppi

• Connectivity: 802.11n Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity

• Battery life: 6 weeks (assuming 30 minutes of reading per day)

Those specs placed the Kindle Paperwhite near the top of the e-reader class in terms of screen readability, battery life and storage capacity. However, it’s worth noting that both the Kindle Voyage and the Kindle Oasis have bettered them in key respects. For instance, the ultra-compact Kindle Voyage has a 10-week battery life and is slightly lighter (as it would be, being Amazon’s main travel reader).

Should I Go for a 3G or Wi-Fi Paperwhite?

Amazon chose to make two different versions of the 2015 Paperwhite: a 3G and Wi-Fi enabled version and one with just Wi-Fi connectivity.

The 3G and Wi-Fi version is slightly heavier and pricier than the Wi-Fi only option, and there’s no reason to invest in it unless you intend to take advantage of the 3G functionality. Then again, this could actually come in really handy. The beauty of 3G is that it is accessible anywhere you can receive a 3G mobile signal. Wi-Fi, by contrast, is limited to Wi-Fi hotspots, and these can be patchy.

In general, the 3G version is suitable for people who live in more remote locations and for travellers (especially those who like to visit out of the way destinations). The Wi-Fi version is targeted at city dwellers who value the lighter feel and cheaper cost. They can still add whatever content they like when they are near Wi-Fi hotspots, so most people won’t be limited by the lack of 3G connectivity.

In the end, whether you opt for 3G or Wi-Fi depends on how you intend to use your Paperwhite, but bear in mind that the cost difference can be significant. However, if you shop around at sites like HotUKDeals, even 3G models can be found at affordable price points.

How Do You Load Books onto a Kindle Paperwhite?

As with all of Amazon’s e-readers, you can choose and purchase commercially available books via the company’s Kindle Unlimited service. This places over a million titles at users’ fingertips, often at prices well below the cost of a print copy.

However, Kindle Unlimited is a paid service (despite regular offers of free trials). Instead of going through Amazon’s portal, you can simply download ebooks onto any computer and use a USB cable to send them directly to your Kindle Paperwhite. Just put them in the “documents” folder and they should be available to read.

How To: Kindle Owners Lending Library

Pros and Cons of the Kindle Paperwhite

OK, so we know that the Paperwhite is an accomplished e-reader. But does that mean that you really need to add it to your tech collection? There are plenty of reasons to do so, but also some potential problems to think about.

The Paperwhite display is a major plus. Even a few years after the device was first unveiled, the 300 ppi display reads like a dream and the intelligent lighting system makes it easy to use in almost any environment – and 300 ppi is an impressive number, by the way. At the time of design, 167 ppi was standard, and most readers still can’t better 300 ppi. The anti-glare function also ensures that the Paperwhite is as useful on the beach in mid-summer as it is during the darker months. All of this makes a difference to your enjoyment (and your eyes) if you use the Kindle Paperwhite over long periods.

The Paperwhite is also physically accomplished, with a comfortable design that is easy to hold over extended reading sessions. The rubberised back is another useful physical feature, helping to avoid damage if (or when) the Kindle slips from your hands or out of your bag. Those kind of build features may seem like details, but they will ensure that Paperwhites last longer and are more accessible than most other competitors.

Other pros include Bookerly, which is pleasant to read and matches the screen neatly. There’s also the Amazon Store itself, which provides a huge repository of great (and not so great) books, all ready to download. 4 GB should also be enough space for even the most hopeless reading addicts, so there’s nothing to worry about there.

Then again, there are some potential drawbacks. Navigation between texts and online services tends to be fairly easy (or at least, you get used to it). However, the way the Paperwhite has been organised won’t be to everyone’s taste. The absence of physical navigation buttons means that everything has to be done via the touchscreen, which for some people can be a chore. At times, having a simple home or a page turn button just makes sense, but you won’t find either on a Paperwhite.

Size is another thing to think about. Although the Paperwhite is sleek and beautifully designed, Amazon have introduced slimmer, lighter models like the Oasis and the Voyage which could suit commuters and tourists slightly better. However, you’ll have to pay for the privilege, so the Paperwhite is a good mid-range compromise.

Another potential issue is the absence of a headphone socket. Not everyone wants to read texts on screen, and there’s a thriving market for audiobooks from companies like Audible. Amazon decided to ignore this market when they launched the Paperwhite, so if you love audiobooks, it won’t be the reader for you.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Waterproof?

It’s easy to imagine relaxing on a lino in the summer sunshine, reading your favourite author and sipping a cocktail or two. But if you happen to let your Paperwhite slip into the pool, what would be the result? Would it be curtains for your prized e-reader?

Potentially. Conventional Paperwhites are not completely waterproof. However, you can get hold of what are known as Waterfi Paperwhites which are some of the most water resistant e-readers ever made.

These Kindles look and read exactly the same as conventional devices until you dump them in the pool or leave them out in the rain. However, you won’t find them if you search for Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (or you’ll have to look very closely). That’s because they are refurbished Paperwhites, not official products. They are essentially real Paperwhites just with a Waterfi coating, and yet Amazon refuse to approve them.

Still, that doesn’t matter much to buyers. You can find Paperwhites with Waterfi treatments at places like HotUKDeals, and they could be the difference between finishing War and Peace or seeing your reader give up the ghost on page 900.

How Can you Tell what Kind of Kindle Paperwhite You Have?

Amazon have released three generations of official Kindle Paperwhites, and they all have slightly different screen properties, lighting, processors and capacities. If you already have a Paperwhite, it might not be clear which generation you have. So how can you tell which is which?

The first port of call is probably Amazon’s website, where the company have provided tools to help you identify your Paperwhite. Head here and choose the “my devices” tab. You might be able to tell which generation your Paperwhite fits in by comparing the devices shown there.

If that doesn’t work, the secret is in the serial numbers. If you still have your Kindle Paperwhite box, it should be on the outside. Alternatively, go to the “settings” tab on your Paperwhite, then choose “device info”. The serial number should then be shown.

Focus on the first four characters of the number.

If it begins B024, B01B, B01C, B01D, B01F or B020, it’s a first generation Paperwhite.

If it begins B0D4, 90D4, B0D5, 90D5, B0D6, 90D6, B0D7, 90D7, B0D8, 90D8, B0F2, 90F2, B017, 9017, B060, 9060, B062, 9062, B05F or 905F, it’s a second generation model.

If it starts G090, then it’s a third generation model (and there’s no need to plan an upgrade).

Suggested Accessories for Kindle Paperwhite Owners

As you might expect with a high-end e-reader, the Kindle Paperwhite can be enhanced with a multitude of different accessories, most of which can be found on the Amazon website (and almost all of which are regularly discounted at HotUKDeals). Here are some of the most useful:

• Leather cases – These attractive, classy cases are designed to complement the aesthetics of the Paperwhite, turning it from a sleek piece of technology into a book-like library volume. They also help to provide protection from scratches and smudges – and just look fantastic.

• Stylus – The Kindle stylus is a useful tool for people who use all of the functions on their Paperwhite, helping to navigate its menus rapidly and to avoid smearing the screen when you use your fingertips.

• International power adapters – Amazon provides a range of charging products. International USB charging plugs are possibly the most useful of all, allowing you to take your Paperwhite across international borders and to keep your reading going wherever you happen to be. There are also car chargers if that makes more sense for your lifestyle.

• Sleeves – These useful products feature stand functions that enable you to prop your Paperwhite up, so you can read without having to hold the device all of the time. This is particularly handy for anyone who loves to take notes while they read.

Find the Kindle Paperwhite Best Price

If you’ve checked out out the options and considered the alternatives, how do you actually find the best Kindle Paperwhite deals?

After checking out the Amazon website to make sure you’ve picked the right reader, head to HotUKDeals – the best place to find a cheap Kindle Paperwhite.

When you search the listings for Kindle Paperwhite deals, you’ll find a vast range of offers from UK merchants like Argos, Currys, John Lewis, Rymans and – of course – Amazon itself. There should also be plenty of Kindle Paperwhite accessories on offer, so bundle everything together if you can and pick the hottest discounts available.

Another good tip for anyone seeking Kindle Paperwhite offers is to time your purchase intelligently. Think about seasonal sales. For instance, Amazon schedule deals around Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Black Friday and Cyber Monday (in November) are good times to buy as well, as are the January Sales.

The key thing is to shop around. Don’t go for the first price you see, whether it’s at Amazon or Tesco. You might be surprised by how many retailers are offering competitive Kindle deals. Take advantage of them and you’ll save plenty of money.

Kindle Paperwhite Offers at HotUKDeals

With its high resolution, cleverly lit screen, comfortable design and impressive processing power, Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is a formidable e-reader. If you love to read and want a cutting edge device to do so, you can find the best possible Kindle Paperwhite prices by checking out the HotUKDeals listings.