Amazon’s Latest Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader Is Thinner And Waterproof

Amazon has announced a new iteration of its Kindle Paperwhite e-reader that is changed significantly from the previous generation. The new Paperwhite has a thinner and lighter design with a flush-fitting front display and waterproofing. The waterproof design of the new Paperwhite means that users can read while they are in the pool or at the beach with no fear of liquid damage.

Amazon uses a soft and grippable material to cover the tablet that is designed to stay in the hand easily, and with water resistance, the additional grip will be welcome is used in the pool or bath. The new Paperwhite is thinner than the previous version of the e-reader at 8.18mm thick and it is lighter as well at 182g; Amazon says that it is the lightest and thinnest Kindle it has ever made. The screen is a 6-inch unit with a high-resolution 300ppi display that is glare free in direct sunlight or bright rooms.

Waterproofing is one of the main features of the new tablet and the Paperwhite is the first waterproof Kindle with IPX8 rating. That rating signifies that the Paperwhite could be submerged in up to two-meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes and survive. Another significant change with the new Kindle device is the doubling of storage compared to the outgoing model, the new Paperwhite has 8GB of storage, twice what was available on the previous version. However, heavy readers can get the Paperwhite in a version with 32GB of storage.

Audible is supported on the device by pairing the Kindle with an external Bluetooth speaker or headphones. Amazon bundles six months of Kindle Unlimited in the cost of the device; after that six-month period is over the user will be charged $9.99 monthly to continue with Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon will offer the Kindle Paperwhite in an 8GB version for $129.99 and the 32GB version is $159.99; a version of the Paperwhite with 32GB of storage and free cellular connectivity is $249.99. Buyers can choose a thin leather cover that snaps onto the device and wakes it when the cover opens and puts it to sleep when the cover is closed. The cover comes in black, merlot, punch red, and indigo purple for $39; a premium leather version is $59. Fabric Covers in charcoal black, canary yellow, and marine blue are offered for $29 each; Amazon’s new Paperwhite ships November 7.