This is the 2nd Gen Kindle Paperwhite WiFi with the next-gen built-in light.
Dick Smith's catalogue for Oct 24 to Oct 30 (page 5) has this 2nd Gen unit at $179.
BigW has stock in store.
Estimated delivery date is Oct 22 to Oct 23 on Big W's order page.
This is the new version which is only available online. You can still buy the old version in store for $179!
Hang on - are you talking abotu the new version of the paperwhite, or are you thinking paperwhite itself is the new kindle? There are two versions of paperwhite now. I'm putting money on this being first-gen paperwhite.
Second gen Paperwhite. Details are in "Go to Deal" link.
Is this the ad-free version?
Yup, all AU stock is ad free
Would this read color pdfs? How can I load my own ebooks like txts, pub, lit etc on the reader?
Use Calibre http://calibre-ebook.com/ - basically the Swiss Army Knife of ebooks. The Kindle only accepts .MOBI but Calibre essentially interconverts most ebook formats well (even DRM, but not entirely sure of that legality there)
Kindles can read PDF's out of the box (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/32987/how-to-read-pdf-files-o…)
That said you are probably better off converting with Calibre if the document has silly margins. :)
epaper.. NOT lcd.. epaper looks way better for reading text over a long period of time..
Care to elaborate, JV?
The link you provided doesn't exactly say that eyestrain from LCDs is a "myth", indeed they acknowledge that it was an issue in the past…
It concludes that LCD technology has improved over the decades to the point where eyestrain is not a significant issue any more.
I can't see any reference to it being a "myth" ???
This study proves that there is no difference between the two technologies…
I would suggest the study indicates they are similar, not that there is no difference
"Results suggested that reading on the two display types is very similar in terms of both subjective and objective measures."
Perhaps the study wasn't comprehensive enough to cover a wide variety of lighting conditions either because it would be hard to argue that common LCD technologies would be as easy to read in very bright sunlight for example…
I would also suggest that the word "myth" is a bit strong because the idea that LCDs cause greater eye strain was based in fact for past examples of the technology (and could still be true in certain lighting conditions, such as the aforementioned bright lighting).
"Compared to the visual display units used in the previous few decades, these more recent electronic displays allow for good and comfortable reading, even for extended periods of time."
It's not eye strain but rather reading comfort.
Also know: LCD displays have a backlight. This means that when you read, the light is shone directly into your eyes… not a bad thing per se, but reading a tablet just before bedtime can sometimes cause sleeplessness. I know this because I have a habit of reading in bed with a tablet, and it really screws up your sleep.
The same thing may happen even with a front-lit tablet, but the light intensity is much lower.
Being a scientist, I'm all for scientific studies, but I also know not to blindly agree to published results. This study (the one you linked) only involved ten participants, all with perfect vision. When it comes to qualitative research, I'd prefer to see more than that.
Better for reading in strong light sources too (eg: a bright sunny day).
It's a ebook, these are the only things that count when it is only designed for reading ebooks, you want it to be really light, easy to read in all lighting conditions, a battery that lasts for months and to be really cheap.
ratzing fracking son of a gun…. I bought this on thursday for $179 online and was assured it was the new paperwhite model..
a few days later its $158!
is it the newest 2013 model? what is the difference compare to the old model?
Does this model turns page as smooth as tablets? Will get one if this is the case.
New next-gen Kindle Paperwhite
It looks like the first-gen Kindle Paperwhite, you should change the title to be less misleading…
The V2 paperwhite looks identical to the V1.. so it is very confusing all round.. the only difference is that there's now a large Amazon writnig on the back of the device.
Is there, any difference on the packaging box ?
Bought the old version for $85 at Amazon Japan..
That was when the AU$ was stronger and the old one was still available.
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/amazon-all-new-kindl…
$129 from here - new kindle paperwhite
wow nevermind
Shipping cost:AU$31.58!!
I actually have this thing now, I ordered it ages ago when it was announced and it arrived from the US on Friday (my Kindle 3 used its auto-self-destruct to die right at that time). I ordered and waited for the Gen-2 version.
The backlighting is rather uneven by modern standards but it's very effective - generally you can wind it up and down to match the environment and the battery life with the backlighting on is measured in months actually; I'm not sure what rates of usage over those months but the LCD and AMOLED screen devices are of course measured in days for charge. I found myself winding it down more to make it just enough to light the screen in the current situation without being too bright; it's much less obtrusive than an LCD or AMOLED configuration, the lighting fills that gap when you're sitting in a poorly lit section of a bus, train, etc. and it's much better than having a booklight or trying to angle it to what little light there is.
It's slightly heavier in the hand than I expected but not a problem at all - VERY nice to read from actually, page turns are quicker (the new unit has a 1ghz CPU) and the experience is very good; the management of books is now slicker and easier to handle and it feels substantially more complete and finished a product than the Kindle 3 did. I haven't been able to compare the V1 and V2 side by side, I've just read that the backlight on this is supposed to be more effective and efficient (as well as the CPU boost).
Only one button on it (power), I bought a little leather magnetic case for it which fires it up when you open the cover and it resumes to where you were at instantly. If you're a reader or you're looking for something that can be read in all lighting conditions without sticking out too much it's very hard to beat; fonts are very clean and clear, the responsiveness is good and graphics (with grey shades and tones) are very clear and crisp. Backlighting irregularity is at most a cosmetic thing in my book, it's performing the required function perfectly; turning pages via screen touch is very easy and the menu/management process is infinitely better than the Kobo Mini that I've been using as a stop-gap system.
Thanks for the objective user review Davo-CC :-)
When you say the backlighting is "rather uneven" are you referring to what I would describe as a "grainy effect" that previous models also had?
not sure what the grainy effect was - I only had a brief look at the V1 product - this is more a spotlight effect where one edge-lighting bulb seems to be brighter in a certain area and there's a shadow between them. It reminds me of the type of effect you used to have on some B&W LCD displays when you pushed the little "light" button on things like old MP3 players or even really old digital watches; it's not serious though, just something I noticed. I found that with the lighting set correctly I was reading far more than I used to on the old one; it's rather nice to use, I'd recommend getting a case for it though (magnetic wake support is a welcome addition).
Ok thanks, I get what you mean.
I actually noticed this effect too, but it as you say it wasn't serious (and it even seemed to vary slightly on a number of display models I played with in the same store - perhaps slight differences in build quality?)
The grainy effect seemed to be caused by the light passing through remnants of the "ink" that hadn't become totally clear when it was "erased" if that makes sense, but, as per above, it wasn't a serious issue…
And I guess if you didn't notice it, it might have improved :-)
I didn't notice any of this grainy effect myself - I've not looked quite that closely at it but I've yet to notice it personally. The biggest surprise to my eye is the ease of transition from dark to light conditions, it's very easy to read in either lighting condition without adjustment. So far I'm rather impressed with it and it's making me read more than I realise.
By grainy effect you mean the ghosting effect where unless the page is refreshed you can make out some previous content? So I take it the screen still suffers from this issue?
What case did you get for yours?
I have one as well. The page turns and updates are quite a bit better than a Kindle 3. It's a very good device all round.
Thanks for the thorough review. Is there an option to turn off swipe page turn? I use my index finger to track the text as I read but the swipe page turn prevents me from touching the "page" as I read. Would appreciate if you could confirm this for me. Thanks!
Are they selling the leather cover for the new Kindle Paperwhite?
It looks like Click and Collect is only available in NSW.
Yeah or a bug. It kept telling me to go nsw
"NOTE: Click & Collect is currently being trialled and is only
available in selected NSW, ACT, Victorian and Tasmanian stores.
Keep an eye out for more stores coming soon!"
If you are in one of those states, look at the top of the page for "Hi! Welcome to BIG W. Your location is xxxx (change location)" and change as necessary before clicking to click-and-collect.
It doesn't look like there are a lot of click and collect stores, i can only see two in victoria - Wonthaggi & Morwell both are in the middle of nowhere.
This is not a bargain considering the standard Australian price is $159 for the WiFi edition. The two Australian stockists are Dick Smith and BigW according to a Google search, so It's pointless comparing the cost to the Amazon US one. If anything, this deal is more expensive than other authorised Australian resellers if you add the cost of postage (assuming Click and Collect is unavailable where you live).
i see your point but i combined this with the Amex $50 promotion that ends tomorrow and wouldnt have seen this in time otherwise so im happy ;)
Also big w seem to be the only people + 1 other that actually have it yet
100% agree with you on the amex deal.
Dick Smith is selling this 2nd Gen Paperwhite for $179.
I stand corrected - looks like the early reports on the web were quoting the wrong standard price of $159. On that basis, this is indeed a bargain.
Bought the 3G version last week for $248. There better not be a price drop of this one.
According to the Cnet article, the price for the 3G edition should be $229. Perhaps there was a price rise recently.
the old paper white 3g is 259 at dick smiths.
They havent swapped over the new one yet.
New one is cheaper than old.
The new paperwhite 3G
is this the new 2013 one http://www.bigw.com.au/electronics/computers-office/ebook-re… ?
Combined with the Amex 50 dollar off deal
(expires tomorrow)
Can you explain the Amex deal for me?
I ordered this Kindle yesterday pretty much just because of that Amex deal. The charge still doesn't appear on my credit card's recent transactions list. Which makes me rather worried that if it's not actually charged during today, I might miss out on the $50 money back offer! I guess we'll see.
your credit card transactions apppear on the date paid but sometimes take a couple of days to show :)
double post
if anyone is in japan/going japan order it off amazon jp to your hotel
price is 9980 Yen ~105aud
just fyi - not necessarily comparable because not everyone is able to do this
I tried, My order got cancelled twice, once with Australian IP, the other with Japanese IP over proxy in Tokyo.
here goes the cancellation email
Greetings from Amazon.co.jp.
We have cancelled the order below because we sell this item to customers residing in Japan only.
Did you try to have it delivered to Tenso? Amazon Japan won't ship to them but there are other forwarding services that they will still ship to.
yes Tenso is my only address on amazon jp. I think they started checking ip address in order to prevent mail forwarding.
The cancellation was probably because of the Tenso address, not because of the IP address.
See the info on this thread www.ozbargain.com.au/node/110189
yeah agree
my comment wasn't in relation to freight forwarding service - just for tourist visint japan on business/holiday
not sure how much it costs but i assume you'd erode alot of the savings if you use a freight forwarder
Ordered a next gen from amazon a couple of days ago with the $40(!) cover. Ended up at $195US or $210AUD (delivered) - an almost identical price(?)
(Arrived this morning)
Is this definitely the second generation paperwhite?
yes :)
I've been scouring the web trying to find out, but can the PaperWhite v2 turn off the backlight completely?
AFAIK No. On the lowest level it is still on.
1% is the lowest the light goes, although it is meant to have almost no effect on battery life at that level.
The Kobo Aura can have the light turned off if that is important to you.
It seems you can turn off the light:
http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/amazon-kindle…
"The original Kindle Paperwhite for its time blew away the Kobo Glo and Nook Simple Touch with its front-lit display. The second generation evenly distributes the light more evenly and its less blue then before on higher settings. One of the new software enhancements on the Paperwhite 2 is the ability to maximize the brightness with the click of a button. You also have the ability to completely shut off the light, which was lacking in the first iteration."
Dick Smith's catalogue for Oct 24 to Oct 30 (page 5) has this 2nd Gen unit at $179.
$157 delivered from Amazon international using 28 degree card. Amazingly fast delivery too. I bought from them for their famous service
Anyone knows when it would be in store ?
On a very cursory glance at this post, I thought it said "Kindle Paperweight". Hmmm…
out of stock now.
BigW has stock in many stores. $158.
changed back to in stock in store this morning
Correct my self , called a few store and was told thestock has not come in yet
Go to BigW website and check the store stock from there.
I have called a few stores showed "in stock" online , the same response ~no stock in store.
i just rang up a few stores in Melb and they all have stock.
would u mind to share which ones you have called? thanks.
went to Dick Smith George St, Sydney. They have stock now, but won't match BigW price. I must be a very bad bargainer. :(
Can anyone who has bought the kindle from Big W confirm if indeed this is the latest version?
Comparing the specs on Amazon, the new paperwhite weighs 206 grams compared to the old version (213 grams). The specs on Big W says .21Kgs. Can anyone confirm?
Thanks
Specs for new Paperwhite is 207gm in BigW webpage. Old Paperwhite is 213gm. Note that both products have different Sku Codes.
Yes, received it today by post. It's the 2013 model.
hows everyone enjoying theirs? I havent opened mine yet
The new version won't be available until 22nd oct? isn't this one the old version?