Kindle Scribe Colorsoft: First Color E-Ink on an 11-Inch E-Reader
▼ Summary
– Amazon has announced the third hardware update for its Kindle Scribe tablet in four years, introducing a new lower-end model and an upgraded color version.
– The new lineup includes a regular Scribe, a Kindle Scribe Colorsoft with a color e-ink screen, and a cheaper model without a front light launching next year.
– The regular Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft are priced at $500 and $630 respectively, both including a Premium Pen and 32GB of storage, with a 64GB option for an extra $50.
– The cheaper front light-less model will cost $430 with 16GB of storage, reflecting a general price increase from the original Scribe’s launch due to inflation and supply issues.
– Hardware improvements for the Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft include an updated front light, a tweaked writing texture, a reduced display gap for a paper-like feel, and a faster processor with more RAM.
Amazon has unveiled a significant hardware refresh for its large-screen Kindle Scribe, introducing a new color e-ink model and a more affordable base version. The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, priced at $630, marks only the second time Amazon has incorporated a color display into its Kindle lineup, following last year’s smaller Kindle Colorsoft. Alongside it, the updated standard Kindle Scribe is available for $500. Both models include a Premium Pen and start with 32GB of storage, with a 64GB option costing an extra $50. A new, lower-cost Scribe variant without a front light is slated for release next year at $430, featuring 16GB of storage. This pricing reflects a notable increase from the original Scribe’s launch price of $340, a trend influenced by broader economic factors affecting technology costs.
The latest Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft models feature several key hardware improvements designed to enhance the user experience. Amazon has updated the front light system with miniaturized LEDs that sit closer to the display. This design change allows for narrower bezels and creates more uniform lighting across the screen. The company has also fine-tuned the friction level of the screen’s paper-like texture and reduced the gap between the glass surface and the underlying display panel. These adjustments aim to make the writing experience feel more natural and akin to writing on actual paper. Under the hood, both devices now boast a faster quad-core processor and additional RAM, contributing to smoother overall performance and quicker responsiveness.
This announcement represents the third hardware update for the Kindle Scribe in just four years, a faster refresh cycle than Amazon typically employs for its standard e-readers. The introduction of a color e-ink screen on an 11-inch device is a notable step forward, expanding the Scribe’s utility beyond monochrome reading and note-taking into areas where color is beneficial, such as reviewing documents, studying diagrams, or browsing magazines. The simultaneous release of a more basic, front light-less model suggests Amazon is aiming to broaden the Scribe’s appeal by offering a tiered pricing structure to reach different customer segments. While the premium models command a higher price, the improvements in display technology, writing feel, and processing power are positioned as justifications for the investment, especially for users who rely heavily on their device for both consumption and creation.
(Source: Ars Technica)
