Keeping Kindle Without Color

Well, I mulled it over. After my eyes were opened to Kobo, I decided that despite some greener grass there, I’m gonna stay comfy in Amazon’s pasture. The reasons are simple.

Amazon’s Antics Kindled Look At Competition

There's been chatter, if not mild uproar, on the interwebz lately about Amazon pulling the plug on downloading your "purchased" Kindle books. At first, I dismissed it because I have only ever read on my Kindles, buying books from the Kindle Store; nothing would change for me. Nevertheless, this news may lead to the Biggest Change Ever. It has caused me to seriously consider switching eReaders from Kindle to Kobo.

Clarity To Kindle Lineup

Right after taking a wait-and-see approach to the Kindle Colorosoft – colorful yet discolored – Jason Snell at Six Colors published his review of Amazon’s new eBook devices. It’s timely, confirming, and helpful. Now I’m leaning away from waiting for the Colorsoft issues to be fixed and towards preferring the cheaper and crisper Paperwhite Signature Edition. That said, it sure is hard to say no to a color Kindle. But I have an idea that helps.

Kindle Color Me Cautious

Well, October was exciting. After waiting for years, Amazon announced and released its first color Kindle. I was ready to plunk down some money, expecting a superb eReader. But I also knew that at a high $280, I should wait for the initial reviews. Glad I did. Because oh boy, the Kindle Colorsoft launched with a discoloration issue and lack of a true Dark Mode. And even if I wanted one now I couldn’t buy one because Amazon paused orders until the issues are resolved. Yikes.

Why I Plan To Buy Kindle Colorsoft

When Amazon announced the new Kindle Colorsoft earlier this month, many people said, “Finally!” I’m one of those people. But some folks pointed out they’d stick to the Paperwhite because, you know, text is black-on-white (or white-on-black in Dark Mode). Color is cool but not necessary for long-form reading. I agree. But I plan to buy a Colorsoft anyways. Here’s why.

Kindle Finally Gets Color E-Ink

Folks, they did it! Amazon finally brought color to the Kindle. Not the casing, the display. We will all be able to finally enjoy reading black text on white backgrounds - with a splash of color. It's not necessary but it sure is nice. I for one will pay the premium just to bring book covers to life in living color and to have my highlights colored. I might even start enjoying comics or manga.

Hooked On Books Lately

I’ve been reading a lot lately — MOAR BOOKS! I’ve found books on sale via Amazon and the Kindle store. It’s been very satisfying and relaxing to enjoy several good reads over the past month or so. And I’m catching up on my annual Reading Goal, having read 7 out of 12 so far this year. Now there’s just four months left for me to read five books; it’s still a challenge.

Will The Kindle Be Killed?

About a month ago, I started to draft a post about how, after all these years, nothing has killed the eReader. Despite tablets and huge smartphones, the humble eInk reading device keeps kicking. I still love reading a good book on my simple device, the Paperwhite. But this week I read an article with an arresting, if not foreboding, paragraph. It gave me pause. What if Amazon kills the Kindle, either on purpose or by neglect?

Thoughts On The Anxious Generation

I recently finished reading a book by Jonathan Haidt, “The Anxious Generation.” It’s a must-read for many, especially those who interact with kids on some level. Or if you’ve ever struggled with smartphone addiction to some degree, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Teachers, parents, and people who sense screen-time is too much will benefit from reading Haidt’s research and well presented findings. He names the cause of anxious Gen Z as The Great Rewiring of Childhood.

Put Down The Phone And Read A Book

Like I said in my last post, I’ve been enjoying reading again, especially thanks to my Kindle. Nearing the end of my current book, I’m faced with the common question: which book should I read next? With many good ones on my to-read list, this can be a tough choice. Besides that, with many good games to play — and so little time — things get even tougher. There happens to be, though, a certain non-fiction book that I’m eager to soak into my brain. But there’s also another particular fiction novel that I NEED to read.

Kindle My Love For Reading

Recently, I dusted off my Kindle and resumed enjoying a good book that I had digitally shelved months ago. It’s called, “Pure Invention”. Now I’m reading an eBook called, “The Paradox of Choice.” How have I found time for all this reading? I paused YouTube for 20 days. And thanks to severing my brain from the sticky tendrils of its video vortex, I’ve rediscovered the blessing that is my Kindle Paperwhite — especially in the black of night.

My 2024 Reading Prospect

With the year refreshed, it’s time again to renew my annual goal for reading 12 books in 12 months. And this time, I’ll try to not repeat my previous failure. So far, I’ve read zero of twelve but am on track. My kindle awaits.

My 2023 Reading Retrospect

Last year, I bought the newest Kindle Paperwhite; it’s awesome! This year, I read almost zero books on it; that’s awful! Goodreads thoughtfully reminded me how badly I bombed my Reading Challenge 2023. And you know what? No worries.

A Rare Backlog Of Books

When I mention the backlog, it’s usually about video games I own yet haven’t played. But today it’s about books, which is a unique situation for me. I’ve found a few books on sale this year and snapped them up, adding to my Kindle library. And I’ve been too distracted busy to read them.

Reading Progress Or Lack Thereof

Goodreads emailed me last week, reminding me how far behind I am in this year’s reading challenge. I’m unlikely to catch up, but I should try to read something. I even bought a book last month. Yet the dust on my kindle would make you think I unearthed it from an archeological dig.

Fight Magic Items Review

Done! I finished reading Fight Magic Items and gave it 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. Bottom line: if you like JRPGs, it’s a must-read. Pause your game on occasion and grind out some of the pages; it’ll be worth your time. Let me share why and also sprinkle some of my favorite quotes throughout.

Fight Magic Items

This new book by Aidan Moher was an instant purchase for me! I read a few words of the synopsis and skimmed a couple reviews and — boom! — I clicked Buy Now and sent it directly to my Kindle in a flash. It’s said to be “unputdownable” for someone who likes JRPGs and grew up playing them in the 90’s. Oh yeah. Pause game…read book…resume game.

Reading Challenge Update 2022

It’s September, and I just now half-completed my annual reading challenge: 6 of 12 books read. Looks like I’ve got catching up to do. My next two books are bought, I’ve started one of them, and I have a few other recent additions to my list. I might reach 12 this year after all.

Who Let The Blogs Out? Review

In the heyday of blogging, and the year (2004) Facebook first launched, Who Let The Blogs Out? was published. Author Biz Stone’s answer was, of course, bloggers, along with the early pioneers of the first blogging platforms. Blogging meant anyone could post anything, since it enabled the masses to publish online and en masse, which coalesced into the blogosphere. I enjoyed reading about blogging, from the view atop its pinnacle and in the rearview following the proliferation of social media.

How Books Are Better On Consoles

What if I told you there is a game console for books? I don’t mean you can shove a paperback into the cartridge slot of a game system and play it. I’m talking about a single purpose device designed to do one thing, but instead of playing games, it’s dedicated to reading books.