I am returning after giving it a few days - I really wanted to love this. I suspect that they can make this a great device with better software but too big of a gamble to wait and see without any transparency on upcoming features they hope to add, if any.
The device itself feels very good, well made, nice size, the fabric case is excellent, lightweight, snappy, and allows for two ways of propping the device up. The pen feels good, and it seems to do what it's supposed to do for the most part. The warm lighting is also nice. Main beefs for trying to use this as a work tool:
1) The is no way to organize notes. Being able to do any of the following would have made it functional: reorganize pages, index or search, being able to add pages from different templates, being able to copy/paste/move sections or text, text conversion, being able to add titles or subsections, being able to jump between notebooks more easily or to pin, being able to create notebook templates from a PDF... as it is you can only create a notebook with a given page format throughout, delete it, or put it in a folder.
2) There is no calendar, task list, or any helpful organizing tool. Only notebooks with various calendar formats, from my perspective, if that's what I wanted I would buy a paper notebook. Being electronic, i'd think would have provided some more flexibility such as mix-match, sort, search, group, keyword, index, titles, email a page...
3) Transferring files for markup - if you put a PDF directly on the device for some reason I can't fathom it is not possible to mark it up. In order to mark up one must send it via "Send to Kindle" service. Perhaps there is some indication somewhere of what security is used there and/or what Amazon's data collection policy with respect to that service is but I could not find it, and so for instance would not be able to send confidential client files to the device in order to work on them. Ultimately this makes it a brick as far as my main use case is concerned, and seems strange given that the ability to mark up a PDF exists on the device.
4) To send files, again there is no obvious way to do this without again passing through Amazon's service, you can only email a download link from the Kindle email address. Not particularly professional, not particularly comforting from a data security perspective.
5) Speaking of data collection - I noticed that it is possible to opt out of allowing Amazon to use data collected for the purpose of sending targeted ads, however it is not possible to opt out of data collection generally (beyond whatever is ostensibly necessary for the functioning of the device such as remembering last page read etc.). I gather from this that they are free to use any data to sell to third parties or create dystopian tools to sell to governments à la [see Washington Post article 2018-05-22 "amazon-is-selling-facial-recognition-to-law-enforcement-for-a-fistful-of-dollars"] which I would have loved to opt out of.
6) Marking up Word files: (again only possible if send via "Send to Kindle?") does not allow any editing of the Word file itself, does not allow any mark up on the Word file, does not allow for "comments" in the native Word document. Again, only sticky notes are allowed. And the only way to view those sticky notes off the device is a summary page with all of the sticky notes, and no indication to where in the document they relate. Basically useless as far as I can tell. The workaround seems to be to send a Word document via the email with the subject "Convert" in which case it will appear on the device as a mark-up capable PDF. No ability to use or edit collaborative documents via Onedrive or other.
7) I have not tried other E-INK devices so I can't say if this is better or worse that others, but it definitely does not feel like paper. It is a slightly roughened screen, but not pen or pencil on paper. And I can't see any measurable pressure sensitivity. That said, it works well for what it does and is nicer than writing on an iPad or on a Samsung Note. It is not possible for anything to come out looking like what they show on the ads. I also can't say whether the 300 dpi vs 227 dpi makes a measurable difference, but I can't say that I was blown away with the crispness either.
8) As an e-reader, which was not my main drive to buy this, but seems to be the main purpose of the device: It is nice, easy to read, nicely backlit and adjustable, a good size, and feels lightweight at first. But holding it in one hand it will put a lot of strain on the hand after a while and gets tiresome, and since the only way to turn pages is by tapping or swiping on the side, I can't see any way out of one handed holding. And, as advertised, you can not really do much with the pen in the e-reader ("in order to keep it uncluttered") - only sticky notes, which are not organizable or searchable, seem unwieldy and useless to me. And you can highlight in the book, but not with the pen... only by long pressing with a finger. It seems strange to me to include pen functionality on an e-reader device but to refuse to allow that pen functionality within the e-reader itself?? And to allow highlighting by a klunky press and hold and resize with a finger, but not with the pen?? If I were to get an e-reader again, I would buy a smaller more lightweight one for less than half the price.
9) The web browser is completely not functional at all. Not that I can see any reason a web browser would be necessary. But there is also no ability to add any apps so whatever comes with the device seems to be all that can be done. So no Word, Excel, Onenote, Outlook, calendar, task list...
Just overall most of what I would expect to be basic on a device like this is not present. Maybe it will be in 6 months.. but not now. Note taking and organization are just way too limited and the inability to transfer documents in a normal secure way and do useful mark up are deal breakers. I might have kept it even just as a book reader but given the pen doesn't add anything to the reading, I would opt for a smaller, cheaper, lighter Kindle in that case.
Read and write as naturally
as you do on paper
With a 10.2” 300 ppi glare-free Paperwhite display, Kindle Scribe is perfect for reading and writing, even in direct sunlight. The large display gives you room to take notes and journal, and makes it easy to adjust font size and margin width for improved reading comfort. Writing on Kindle Scribe feels like writing on paper. From the natural grip of the pen in your hand, to the sound you hear when you write, Kindle Scribe’s surface is crafted for the best possible reading and writing experience.
The power of the pen
Kindle Scribe includes either a Basic or Premium Pen. Both give you more ways to use your Kindle than ever before. The Premium Pen has a dedicated eraser and a shortcut button, which can be assigned to seamlessly switch between pen, highlighter, and more.
No charge or setup required
Attaches magnetically
Dedicated eraser (Premium
Pen only)
Shortcut button (Premium
Pen only)
Add handwritten notes
to your books
Create handwritten sticky notes in millions of eBooks from the Kindle Store without cluttering up the page. Simply tap where you want to insert a note on the page to quickly capture that handwritten thought for later. Sticky notes are automatically organized by book, into one place, so you can easily navigate, browse, and export all your in-book notes and highlights.
Streamline your
life’s notes
Kindle Scribe is also a notebook and a journal with included templates like lined paper, blank paper, to-do lists, and more. Stop searching through stacks of paper—keep notes organized in folders, and search for notebooks by title to quickly reference later. Get access to your notebooks through the Kindle app sync feature.
Make notes in
your documents
Securely import files to your Kindle Scribe through Send to Kindle (in your desktop web browser or with the “Share” button of the Kindle app for iOS and Android). Files imported through Send to Kindle are encrypted during transport and, while stored, are secure in Amazon's data centers, which are designed to meet the requirements most stringent security in the world. Mark up imported PDFs with the original design or insert sticky notes into documents imported from Microsoft Word and other compatible file formats to send to Kindle. In early 2023, you'll also be able to send documents to your Kindle Scribe directly through Microsoft Word.
Read and write
in any light
Adjustable warm light and auto-adjusting front light provide a comfortable, personalized reading and writing experience, day or night. And with USB-C charging and a battery life that lasts months for reading and weeks for writing, you can immerse yourself in your content without the worry of finding a power outlet.
A world class library,
more beautiful than ever
Kindle Scribe enhances the beauty of images, illustrations and graphs on a large, thin, high-resolution display. The Kindle Stores worldwide offers an unmatched library of content with more than 13 million titles. With a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you gain unlimited access to millions of comics, fiction, nonfiction, and newly added top nonfiction books.
Handy covers and necessary tips
Designed exclusively for Kindle Scribe, these slim, form-fitting covers attach securely and can fold back into two reading positions. They automatically put your Kindle to sleep when closed and wake upon opening, making it easy to get back to reading and writing. Learn more about our covers. Replacement tips for your Pen are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of documents can I import and write in?
You can write directly on PDF documents that are imported through Send-to-Kindle. Kindle Scribe does not currently support writing directly on the page in PDF documents loaded via USB-C or previously sent to your library before 11/11/2022. You can also create handwritten sticky notes in millions of Kindle books, as well as PDF (with adjustable layout), DOC, DOCX, TXT, RTF, HTM, HTML, PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, BMP, and EPUB documents imported through Send to Kindle. Learn more about supported file types and what you can do with your documents.
2. What types of books can I write in?
You can create handwritten sticky notes in millions of Kindle eBooks. Kindle Scribe does not support handwritten sticky notes on manga, magazines, or newspapers, though they are still available for download and look beautiful on the 10.2” 300 ppi display. Look for supported features, by eBook, under “Product Details” section of the eBook you wish to purchase.
3. What writing tools can I use on Kindle Scribe?
Kindle Scribe offers pen, highlighter, and eraser tools with 5 thickness options each. You can use these tools in sticky notes, notebooks, and on PDFs imported via Send to Kindle. With the writing toolbar, you can also undo, redo, and erase a selection or page.
4. Can I write directly on my books?
To keep pages clean and uncluttered, we enable sticky notes and not writing directly on the page. You can add sticky notes on supported books to take handwritten notes with your Pen.
Every day is an earth day
We considered sustainability in the design of this Kindle device. Here’s how:
Materials
48% post-consumer plastic in device
100% recycled aluminum in device
Device Packaging
99% of this device’s packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Part with Purpose
There may come a time when you want to recycle your device. Explore options with Amazon Second Chance.
Compare Kindle e-readers
| Price | From: $99.99 | From: $119.99 | From: $164.99 | From: $259.99 | From: $429.99 |
| Ratings | (260) | (3,467) | (1,378) | (1,260) | (118) |
| Display Size | 6" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free | 7" glare-free | 10.2" glare-free |
| Storage | 16 GB | 8 GB | 32 GB | 8 GB or 32 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB |
| Resolution | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi |
| Front light | 4 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 25 LEDs | 35 LEDs |
| Writing Capability |
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| Weeks of battery life |
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| Cover | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately |
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| Adjustable warm light |
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| Wifi Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Free Cellular Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Color | Black or Denim | Black | Black | Graphite | Tungsten |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Technical Details
Kindle Scribe
|
Display |
Amazon's 10.2” Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale. |
|
Size |
Device: 7.7” x 9.0 x .22 (196 x 230 x 5.8mm excluding feet) Premium Pen: 6.4” x .35” x .33” (162 x 8.8 x 8.4 mm) |
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On-Device Storage |
16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB |
|
Weight |
Device: 15.3oz (433g). Premium Pen: .49oz (14g) Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. |
|
Wi-Fi Connectivity |
Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
|
Content Formats Supported |
Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion. |
|
Accessibility Features |
VoiceView screen reader, available over Bluetooth audio, provides spoken feedback allowing you to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (available in English only). Kindle Scribe also includes the ability to invert black and white, adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins. |
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Warranty and Service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year or 3-year Extended Warranty available for CA customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to the terms found here. |
|
Setup Technology |
Amazon Wi-Fi simple setup automatically connects to your home Wi-Fi network. Learn more about Wi-Fi simple setup. |
|
System Requirements |
None; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content. |
|
Included in the Box |
Includes wifi-enabled Kindle Scribe, Basic or Premium Pen, USB-C charging cable, 5 replacement tips, tip replacement tool, and built-in rechargeable battery. |
|
Generation |
Kindle Scribe 1st generation - 2022 release |
|
Battery Life |
For reading, a single charge lasts up to 12 weeks based on a half hour of reading per day, with wireless off and the light setting at 13. For writing, a single charge lasts up to 3 weeks based on a half hour period of writing per day, with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life will vary and may be reduced based on usage and other factors such as annotating content. |
|
Documentation |
Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide. |
|
Charge Time |
Fully charges in approximately 7 hours from a computer via USB-C cable; or fully charges in approximately 3.5 hours with a 5W USB-C power adapter. |
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Available Colours |
Tungsten |
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Software Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Kindle, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
So, I have seen some reviews where the reviewer expected it to do everything but the dishes. ;-) It is an amazing Kindle reader and weighs in 465.5 grams less than my hardcover copy of Robert Jordan's Lord of Chaos. The notebook acts just like any other notebook I've used (pen & paper), though I suspect I'll save a few trees now. It feels great to write on and I can save the notes to my home pc. Yes, there is no magic ocr, maybe one day but again, I knew what I was buying. Last but not least, yes the battery is amazing. I have had it for 11 days and use it daily for work notes and reading at night, I will have to charge it tomorrow.
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