Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Review: A Color E-Reader with Mixed Results

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Review: A Leap into Color E-Readers

Four years after the first color e-readers appeared on the market, Amazon has finally launched a Kindle with a color screen, the Kindle Colorsoft. Priced at $279.99, this device makes use of the latest color E Ink technology, similar to the Kobo Libra Colour, but comes with several enhancements that aim to improve user experience.

Enhanced Display Technology

The Kindle Colorsoft features a seven-inch screen that boasts brighter LEDs, special coatings, and a customized display stack. This results in more saturated and vibrant colors compared to its competitors. Users have reported faster screen refresh rates and better contrast, making comic book lines bolder and more distinct than those viewed on other color e-readers.

Performance & Experience

When reading in black and white, page turns on the Kindle Colorsoft are nearly instantaneous, similar to that of the 11th-gen Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. However, color images, especially larger ones, take slightly longer to refresh, which can affect the reading flow. Even with these delays, many found them less intrusive compared to other color devices.

Highlighting Features

The highlighting feature allows users to choose between four colors – pink, yellow, blue, and orange – but lacks an organization system for labeling which color corresponds to what kind of note. Moreover, while highlights can sync with the Kindle mobile app, exporting them in a color-sorted format can be inconvenient.

Customization & Settings

Unlike some competitors that offer extensive controls over color settings, the Kindle Colorsoft simplifies usage by providing just two modes: standard and vivid color. Users can toggle between these modes, but it is somewhat disappointing that other custom features have not been included.

Screen Limitations

As impressive as the Colorsoft’s display seems, it still suffers from limitations due to the E Ink Kaleido technology. With a mere 4,096 colors available, the display often appears muted in comparison to devices with LCD or OLED screens. For example, it can resemble the color reproduction of a newspaper rather than the vivid imagery of a magazine.

Battery Life & Charging

Amazon claims that the Colorsoft lasts about eight weeks on a single charge under optimal usage conditions, though real-world usage will likely require more frequent charging—especially when using brighter settings. The device supports wireless charging, though the alignment can be tricky without built-in magnets.

Comparison with Competitors

In the current market, the primary competition for the Kindle Colorsoft comes from the Kobo Libra Colour. While the Colorsoft may present advantages in screen vibrancy and faster response rates, features like physical page turn buttons and stylus support can sway users towards the Libra.

Pricing & Recommendations

At $279.99, some might question whether the Kindle Colorsoft is worth the investment. It's essentially a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition but with a color screen, for an additional $80. If Amazon added note-taking features or enabled stylus support, it might make more sense. Currently, a standard Kindle Paperwhite may still be a better choice for those not keen on color functionality.

Final Thoughts

The Kindle Colorsoft is indeed an admirable attempt at modernizing color E Ink technology, but it falls short of expectations due to washed-out colors and lower resolutions. Current Amazon Kindle users weighing on a color upgrade should consider the functionality offered by the Kindle Paperwhite, as the color display alone may not be a game-changer.

In Summary

• Price: $279.99
• Screen Size: 7 inches
• Battery Life: Estimated at up to 8 weeks
• Screen Technology: Color E Ink with 4,096 colors
• Pros: Bright, vibrant colors; faster screen refresh; best option for comics and manga
• Cons: Limited color options; lack of stylus support; potentially lower resolution for color content.

As of now, the Colorsoft stands as a notable entry in the color e-reader market, but depending on your needs, you may find more value in alternatives like the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kindle Paperwhite.