The Kindle Scribe features the giant screen Amazon has created for an e-reader and allows you to write on it, but due to its limitations and high price, it mainly appeals to a small segment of the population.
The new 10.2-inch Kindle Scribe offers much, primarily if you currently use the Kindle platform. The 6.8-inch Kindle Paperwhite, though, is superior for reading overall if you are already a fan, and Kindle Scribe’s unique writing features are limited.
The Scribe’s display is what Amazon refers to as a Paperwhite display, which means that other than differences in size, it is identical to that of the earlier model. As an e-ink reader, it can be viewed in bright sunlight because of its 300dpi glare-free screen.
But unlike other Kindle e-readers, this one is designed for writing rather than just reading. You can now create documents in the Notebook area and annotate them with the included pen.
The layout and design of the Kindle Scribe
The screen of the Scribe dominates the front and has one substantial bezel on either side. That’s designed to offer a grip akin to the one on the Kindle Oasis, the previous top-of-the-line model.
There’s a USB-C charging port on the edge by the bezel and an on/off button. This button is much better placed than the Kindle Paperwhite, which is conveniently tucked away on the bottom edge of the screen.
The Kindle Oasis’ bezel was touted as one of the features that made it the most expensive, highest-quality Kindle. However, when in use, at least on the Scribe, it serves as both a handhold and a barrier.
It’s more difficult to reach over your thumb to tap to change pages when reading on the Scribe with one hand while gripping the bezel side. It’s just as frequent to discover that you’ve accidentally tapped to return to the previous page as it is to tap to go to the next page.
