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Is a Kindle Worth It?
If you’ve read my post on three tech products that changed my life, then you’ll know that I listed my Amazon Kindle as one of my most life changing technology purchases. So it’ll be of no surprise to you that my answer to this question is YES!
You may love the idea of physical books, and I used to as well – a Kindle will never replace the experience of a real book. But for me, the Kindle has a few benefits that far outweigh those of physical books.
Here are 10 reasons why you should buy a Kindle.
1. Convenience
I’ve always struggled with getting myself to read as much as I’d like to. Not because I don’t enjoy reading, but because I’m easily distracted and find consuming content in video and audio formats easier and more convenient.
For me to pick up a book, it needs to be at least as convenient as opening a new tab on my browser, and clicking that Big Red Netflix Button. And since I almost always keep my Kindle within arm’s reach, I think it’s a close contender.
2. Portability
My Kindle isn’t much larger than my phone, and it’s certainly a lot more convenient to carry around than a physical book.
But a Kindle isn’t just equivalent to one book – it can store thousands. Being able to bring your entire library around with you is brilliant, and something I don’t take for granted.
3. Space and Minimalism
Some people enjoy owning hundreds of physical books. But for me, they just get in the way.
I live quite a minimalist life, so once I’ve read a book I see no reason to keep it. Before I bought my Kindle, I would worry about where to donate every book I finished, and I think that subconsciously stopped me finishing a lot of books.
This, of course, is no longer an issue for me. I can delete the books I’ve read off my device if I like, but usually I just leave them on there in case I ever want to read them again.
4. Increased reading speeds
The Kindle is a speed reader’s dream.
I read much faster on my Kindle than I do physical books. It’s not something I do consciously, but the fact that you can customise your page to a font, size and spacing that suits you makes reading much more comfortable. You also save a few seconds each time you turn the page, which can add up to hours if you read enough.
These increased reading speeds don’t make a huge difference per book, but over an entire lifetime of reading, it could add up to being hundreds of extra books.
5. Comfort
Whether you’re a fan of the Kindle or not, you’ll have to agree that it’s more comfortable to hold than a physical book – particularly if you attach a pop socket to the back of it.
6. The highlighting function
One of my favourite features on the Kindle are highlights.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you may know I read a lot of nonfiction. And the highlighting function is perfect for nonfiction.
If you find a quote that’s interesting or resonates with you, you can save it by pressing and holding the text you want to highlight. You can then view all your highlights in your Kindle library, or on your Goodreads account.
This is a convenient way to remember what you read, and I review my highlights often.
7. The built in dictionary
The built in dictionary on the Kindle has transformed the way I read books. When I used to read physical books, I would skip past words I didn’t know. Not the best habit to get into, I know, but I didn’t like breaking out of a flow state so I could look up a word somewhere.
On the Kindle you can look up words instantly, while you’re reading.
You can then access all the words you’ve looked up in the Vocabulary Builder section of your Kindle, and even study them as flashcards, which is a great way to boost your vocabulary.
8. The backlight
The newer versions of the Kindles are all backlit, which is a lifesaver for me.
The brightest setting is great for when you’re reading in the bright sun, while the lowest light setting is perfect for reading in the dark.
I always like to read before bed, but having the lights on before I go to sleep is a sure-fire way to trigger my insomnia (read more about how I keep my insomnia under control here).
The Kindle’s backlight makes it possible for me to read until I fall asleep.
9. Reading multiple books at once
I’ve never been the sort of person who can read a book from start to finish before picking up my next book.
I’m currently reading seven books on my Kindle, all of which I’m between 20% and 90% of the way through. This may or may not seem like a lot to you, but it’s the perfect number for me.
I like reading a book purely because it’s what I’m in the mood for, not just because it’s what I happened to be reading yesterday. If I feel like reading, then I sit down with my Kindle, and only then do I think about what I’d actually like to read.
10. It’s easy on the eyes
Until now I’ve only talked about why I prefer to use a Kindle over physical books, but a lot of people wonder whether buying a Kindle is worth it when you can use the Kindle app for free on any other device.
The Kindle’s E-ink display is much easier on the eyes than a typical phone or computer screen, and that makes a real difference when you’re reading for hours at a time. Its also anti-glare, which makes reading on a Kindle a similar experience to reading on paper.
The only drawback
For me, the only downside is that the Kindle doesn’t have a built in blue light filter. I always limit my blue light consumption before bed, so this is a feature I’d love to see in the future.
But for the time being, I’m happy to wear my pair of blue light filtering glasses while I’m reading before bed.
So, should you buy a Kindle?
If you can afford it – yes. It’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made, and it’s allowed me to read so many more books than if I was still reading paper books.
But if the price tag puts you off, then I see no reason for you to switch from paper books. A Kindle is nice to have and I certainly love mine, but it’s by no means a necessity. Not to mention that if you like the idea of ebooks, then you don’t need a Kindle to read books from the Kindle store.
Which Kindle should you buy?
I bought the 2019 Amazon Kindle because I was worried about the price, although if I knew how much I’d love it I would have upgraded to the Kindle Paperwhite from the start.
I have no issues with the budget Kindle, and I don’t plan on upgrading any time soon. But the improved screen resolution on the Paperwhite would have been nice, as well as the fact that it’s waterproof.
Comment and Subscribe
Do you have a Kindle? If so I’d love to know in the comments if you love it as much as I do.
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21 comments
Haha; we have the same kindle and cover! I upgraded mine because of the backlight; saves so much faff having lights on to have to read – especially if my boyfriend is trying to sleep next to me. I love being able to carry it with me on travel journeys like trains (pre corona) as it is such a pleasant past time. Some are skeptical of kindles, but I think they are so great! Thank you for sharing this x
Paige // Paige Eades
I’ll admit I used to be so doubtful of Kindles! But after buying mine I’m never going back.
I don’t have a Kindle. I used to read books on my iPad but then stopped and went back to physical books. Now that I am trying to reduce waste maybe I will give it another try. I am also thinking about visiting the library when it reopens so I can borrow books instead of buying them.
Ooh I forgot about libraries, that’s a great idea! I usually just buy my books because it’s easier on my social anxiety, but I might give my local library a shot when it’s open again.
Lately I’ve been using my Samsung Tab for reading more and honestly it’s made all the difference, I’m getting through books much quickly. The only physical books I buy are spiritual or self help books now.
Right? I have quite a few physical books I still need to read but I often forget about them. I can’t believe how much quicker I get through ebooks!
I use the Kindle app a lot on my phone so I think I might end up investing in a Kindle one day soon. It would be nice to read off of a slightly bigger screen
It took me a while to give in and buy myself a Kindle but it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made for myself!
I have one and I love it. Sometimes when my purse is full I use the kindle library on my phone but I miss the bigger screen. Lovely blog post, thanks for sharing
I’ve recently been considering making the switch so this was great content to read! I‘Be used an iPad in the past but I just can’t handle the glare and you’re right, a kindle is so much easier on the eyes. One of my hesitations is owning yet another device I have to charge. How good is the battery life? Do you find the kindle overheats too much if you use it to read at the beach? Great post!!
Oh yes! I didn’t mention the charge since I’ve heard it varies from device to device, but the charge on the budget Kindle is incredible. I charge it once week maybe? But I usually read 1-2 books a week, so I charge it less if I’m having a lighter reading week. My main issue with charging is it uses the old micro USB cable, so you may want to wait until Amazon make the switch to USB-C. I’ve never had an issue with overheating, although I’ve never taken it to the beach. Thanks for the comment!
A great post breaking down how amazing the kindle is. I still like to read real books but I switch it up. I always take my kindle travelling for more space.
Thanks for sharing
https://icanshowyoutheworld5.com
I love that! Balance is key.
I’ve just bought myself a Kindle! I used to be such a diehard fan of a physical book that I refused to get one for years but I’ve recently discovered the true joy of ebooks and I’m so excited to get stuck in on my new kindle! (I still love a paperback though!)
I’m the exact same! I used to be so confused why people were spending money on them, but now I’m converted.
I’m so grateful for this post!! I have been seeing a lot more people using kindles again recently so I have been doing a lot of research into whether they’re still worth purchasing in 2020 – and after reading your post i’m now fully convinced. Going to treat myself to one!!
Roni💖
http://www.myelevatedexistence.com
Definitely worth it in my opinion! I hope you end up loving it as much as I do.
i totally agree with this! I love using my kindle to read – it’s so convenient that times when I normally wouldn’t bring a book (on the way to work, in bed, etc) I can whip it out xx
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com
I’d never really considered getting a Kindle because I was never much of a reader. In the last few months I’ve been really getting into reading again and I have to admit it’s kind of annoying having books that I’ve read just sort of sit around and take up space! I’ll definitely be considering getting a Kindle in the future – if my new reading habit sticks that is haha x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Hopefully you can make it stick! Reading really is one of my favourite ways to spend my time, although it’s definitely a habit that can get lost in the crowd easily. One of the reasons I bought a Kindle was to force my reading habit to stick – I feel guilty if I don’t use it since I spent money on it!
Totally love this post! I loveeee my Kindle and so glad I bought one. It’s so easy to just read from something so light when I’m on the subway to/back from work. Can you imagine carrying a book as thick as Game of Thrones… Though I like reading from a physical book from time to time, I’ll choose my Kindle anytime 🤗
Shuana
howivebeen.com