Critique of the Amazon Kindle Oasis: Evaluating Performance, Features, and User Experience
Amazon's latest offering, the Kindle Oasis, stands out as a unique e-reader with a distinct design that sets it apart from other models, such as the Paperwhite or Voyage. Weighing in as the lightest dedicated reader ever released by Amazon, the Oasis boasts a premium price tag of around $280 for the entry-level model. If you're considering an upgrade, here's what sets the Oasis apart.
Hardware
The Kindle Oasis boasts a 6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 and 300 Pixels Per Inch (PPI). Its e-paper panel uses e-Ink Carta HD technology, and the screen is flush with the bezel, creating a sleek design.
One significant differentiator for the Oasis is its built-in gyroscope. Users can easily switch between orientations simply by flipping the device over. Additionally, there are two physical page turn buttons on the right-hand side, although these do not provide haptic feedback as found in the Voyage. These buttons, however, complement the gyroscope, making the Oasis friendly to left-handed users.
The Oasis' night reading experience is noteworthy, with a brighter screen than previous models and improved lighting technology. The device uses 10 evenly distributed LED lights, compared to the 6 in the Kindle Voyage and 4 in the Paperwhite. This lighting system results in a noticeably brighter and clearer display, reducing bleeds and splotches along the edge of the bezel.
The Oasis promises up to a month of battery life, thanks in part to its accompanying cover case, which also houses a dedicated battery. Charging both devices simultaneously is possible if you plug them into a wall charger or computer. It's worth noting that the Kindle battery drains first, switching to the cover charger once it reaches approximately 10-20%.
However, the 10 LED lights do contribute to a significant battery drain, especially at maximum brightness. In a 15-minute test, the battery dropped 12%. Readers may find themselves needing to recharge on the third night if they utilize the Oasis primarily for night reading.
Design
The asymmetric design of the Oasis is unconventional, with the device being relatively thin (0.13 inches or 3.3 mm) on one side and transforming into an ergonomic grip on the other, where the page turn buttons are positioned. This design allows readers to hold the device in one hand and turn pages comfortably.
Software
In February 2016, Amazon released a new firmware update for several devices, including the Kindle Oasis, Kindle Voyage, Kindle Paperwhite 2, Kindle Paperwhite 3, and the Basic model. This update introduced a revamped home screen layout, a new gear button for adjusting brightness, and a battery level indicator.
While some users might not appreciate the revamped home screen layout, it can be disabled in the settings menu, as detailed in a provided video tutorial. The software on the Oasis is largely the same as other modern Kindle e-readers, with the experimental internet browser still available.
ebook Experience
The Kindle Oasis features a new font called Ember, designed for easy night reading. This font shares similarities with Helvetica, a popular choice among serious readers.
Turning pages on the Kindle Oasis is intuitive, with the physical page turn buttons and tap or swipe gestures available. Tapping at the top of the screen while reading opens options to adjust font type, size, line spacing, margins, and text alignment.
One of the Oasis' most compelling features is its capability to enable notes, highlights, annotations, look up words in the dictionary or Wikipedia, and translate text between languages, all accessible within any eBook or PDF file. Translation is available for both purchased books and sideloaded files.
Conclusion
The Kindle Oasis, priced at $359 for the WIFI/3G model without Special Offers or $289 with Special Offers, represents the most expensive six-inch Kindle to date. While the asymmetrical design might take some getting used to, the Oasis' high-resolution display, effective lighting, long battery life, and new Ember font make it an attractive option for avid readers, especially those who prefer reading at night.
- The Kindle Oasis, with its 6-inch touchscreen display using e-Ink Carta HD technology, stands out as a gadget showcasing advanced technology in e-reader devices.
- Despite the premium price tag, the Kindle Oasis offers a remarkable battery life of up to a month, thanks to its innovative cover case that houses a dedicated battery.
- The Kindle Oasis features an e-ink display, physical page turn buttons, and a built-in gyroscope, making it comfortable for both right- and left-handed users to read, a testament to the advancements in technology and design.
