I love to read but could not spend whole weekends reading on my tablet as this caused eyestrain so severe my eyelids would twitch for days. I resorted to audiobooks but listening to a story is not the same immersive experience as entering the magical world of the written word. So after much deliberation, I sent off an order for a Kindle Oasis.
Design: 4.5/5
I did not expect the Kindle Oasis to be such a handy, compact size. Even with the current 7-inch screen an inch larger than the first generation 6-incher and sizeable bezels all around, it is still just the size of a pocketbook—only much thinner and lighter. Dimension wise, it measures 159 mm tall and 141 mm wide. It has an anodized aluminum back that is asymmetrical, measuring 3.4 mm on its thinnest edge bulging to 8.3 mm on the side containing the battery. This thicker side also has a wider bezel in front, with Page Up and Page Down buttons. Along one side of the bulge is the power switch, while the micro-USB charging port is on the opposite side.
Hardware: 4/5
Over the years, Amazon has perfected its Paperwhite display technology so that reading on the Kindle Oasis feels like reading on paper. It uses the latest E-Ink Carta monochrome active screen that delivers crisp text for enhanced readability with absolutely no glare. Adaptive, front LED lights automatically adjust brightness to your preferred settings based on ambient light.
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to listen to audiobooks via a Bluetooth headset or speaker. It has built-in Wi-Fi so you can quickly download books directly to your library. Or, if you want the added convenience, you can also opt for a unit with Wi-Fi + free cellular connectivity so you can download books anytime, anywhere. Amazon pays for the data charges for life. Storage options are 8 GB or 32 GB.
The Kindle Oasis is rated IPX8, which means it can be immersed in up to two meters of water for up to an hour. This means you cannot just bring this e-reader into the bathroom, you can actually read in the pool, bathtub or shower!
User Experience: 4.5/5
The Kindle reading app is available on other platforms and I have it installed on my iPhone and iPad. But reading on a premium, dedicated e-reader like the Kindle Oasis 9th Generation is the best book reading experience ever. Due to its compact, lightweight dimensions, you can hold it comfortably in one hand and turn the pages by pressing the PageUp/PageDown buttons or tapping the screen. Thanks to a built-in gyroscope, the Kindle Oasis automatically changes orientation and flips the page over when you transfer it to the other hand.
Because of its matte, glare-free, high-contrast display, reading on the Kindle Oasis actually makes you feel like you’re reading a book, including the physical page turns. The built-in front light lets you read comfortably in the dark, without eyestrain. There are a choice of font settings and sizes to choose from, plus language support for the major languages. Paired to a Bluetooth headset or speaker, you can also listen to audiobooks or switch seamlessly from reading to listening for Kindle books with Audible narration. I love that I can be in the middle of a good novel at the breakfast table, switch over to the audiobook while dressing up, continue listening in the car, and then switch back to reading during my lunch break.
Value: 4.5/5
A basic Kindle can be had for only PHP 4,500, while a higher-end Kindle Paperwhite is in the PHP 7,000 range. The Kindle Oasis, Amazon’s most premium e-reader, is also premium priced. For the Wi-Fi only models, the 8 GB version is priced at PHP 17,000 while the 32 GB retails for around PHP 19,500 from a local online store. These are on order basis only, so you will have to wait for the devices to arrive. If you absolutely must have one right away, you can order directly from Amazon—and with a Prime membership, delivery is assured within 3-4 days. Amazon takes care of everything including import duties which is calculated upon
check-out.
Is the Kindle Oasis worth the exorbitant price tag? If you’re an avid reader, think of it as an investment.
Bottomline:
The best gift you can give a bookworm.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE October 2018 Issue.
Reviewed by Maribelle Alba