Which Kindle is Right for You?

The Apple iPad is synonymous with tablet computers, but there’s still a segment of the market that will always cling to their e-readers. Unlike smartphone and tablet screens, Kindle utilizes a Carta e-paper display, which looks more like paper and is easier on the eyes. In fact, everything about Amazon’s Kindle line is optimized for reading, so the experience is much more natural than reading on an iPad.

The bare-bone Amazon Kindle is your cheapest entry in the e-reader market, priced at $80. It has the easy-to-use interface common to all the devices, but this model lacks 3G and a backlight. The former isn’t important if you’re fine with running on WiFi, which really only matters if you want to browse the internet or purchase a book while on the road. The backlight might be an issue though if you want to be able to read in low light.

The Kindle Paperwhite is a step up in features, implementing network capabilities and lighting. Priced at $120, this is one of the best deals you can find for an e-reader. Amazon later released the Kindle Voyage ($200), which is like an improved version of the Paperwhite with a slimmer design, 330 ppi display, ambient light sensor and page turn buttons. The flagship Kindle Oasis improves upon the Kindle with even more battery life and an asymmetrical wedge design that fits in your hand.

Depending how voracious a reader you are, the Oasis might be a waste or a solid investment, but casual readers can’t go wrong with a Paperwhite. If you’re looking for another brand, Nook from Barnes and Nobles is Kindle’s main competition, but plenty of people have also been raving about Kobo and the Glo HD.