Kindle Scribe Colorsoft vs. 3rd Gen: 2025 Review
▼ Summary
– The AI summary feature on the new Kindle Scribe is unreliable, as it omitted content and misinterpreted handwritten words like “lift” and “hoop.”
– A major drawback is the inability to write directly on ebook pages; notes must be made around the text using the Active Canvas feature or sticky notes.
– The author recommends against upgrading from the second-generation Scribe, as the older model will receive the new homepage update in 2026.
– At its current price, competitors like the reMarkable tablet offer more capabilities, making the Scribe a limited and expensive investment.
– While not bad devices, neither new Kindle Scribe model is the author’s top choice for a combined e-reader and digital notebook.
When comparing the latest Kindle Scribe models, the Colorsoft and the 3rd Gen, it’s clear that Amazon has focused on incremental software updates rather than addressing core user requests. The primary function remains excellent for reading, but the note-taking experience still feels constrained compared to other e-readers and dedicated e-paper tablets on the market. This leaves potential buyers weighing a significant investment against devices that might offer more versatility.
A persistent issue with the built-in AI tools is their unreliable accuracy. For instance, when attempting to summarize a page from my workout journal on the new Scribe Colorsoft, the system omitted an entire day’s schedule. It also struggled to correctly interpret my cursive handwriting, confusing words like “lift” and “hoop.” As someone who takes extensive notes, I rarely find myself using these summary features. They feel more like unnecessary additions than practical tools. While the promise of AI assistance is intriguing, I remain skeptical about placing my trust in it for important tasks.
My fundamental criticism of the Kindle Scribe compared to rivals with notebook functions remains unchanged: you cannot write directly in the margins or on the pages of your ebooks. The workaround is the Active Canvas feature, which lets you place notes around the text but not directly interact with it. This was a notable drawback of the previous model, and it’s disappointing the new edition hasn’t resolved it. For my needs, this core functionality would be far more valuable than any new AI capability. Options like adding a sticky note or using expanded margins are available, but they don’t replicate the intuitive pleasure of annotating directly on a page, something I easily do on my Kobo e-reader. Perhaps a future fourth-generation model will finally address this limitation.
In the end, if you already own the second-generation Scribe, an upgrade is difficult to justify. The older model is scheduled to receive the new homepage interface in 2026. It’s also worth considering that at this premium price point, alternatives like the reMarkable tablet present a compelling case, offering broader capabilities and accessories that can transform it into a more versatile e-paper laptop. What was once a strong value proposition as a combined e-reader and basic digital notebook now feels like a substantial investment for a device that remains limited next to its competitors. A more basic Scribe model without a front light is expected next year, which should lower the cost, but losing that illumination is a significant drawback for anyone who reads in low-light environments like at night, in a classroom, or on an airplane. Neither of the new Kindle Scribes is a poorly made device. However, if you’re searching for a top-tier e-reader that also excels as a digital notebook, neither model would be my first recommendation.
(Source: Wired)
