Imagine diving into a world of limitless reading and writing possibilities, all on a sleek device that's reshaping how we consume digital content—but at a price that might make you question if it's worth the splurge. That's the buzz around Amazon's latest Kindle Scribe lineup, and trust me, there's more to unpack than meets the eye.
Why You Can Trust CNET
At CNET, our team of seasoned experts and award-winning professionals handpicks the gadgets we review, diving deep into rigorous research and extensive testing to bring you the most reliable insights. If you make a purchase through our affiliate links, we might earn a small commission, but rest assured, our recommendations are always unbiased. For full transparency, check out our reviews ethics statement right here (https://www.cnet.com/home/how-we-test-everything/).
David Carnoy, Executive Editor / Reviews
David Carnoy has been an integral part of CNET's Reviews department since 2000, where he explores a vast array of tech gadgets. His expertise shines in mobile accessories, portable audio gear like headphones and speakers, and he's a go-to authority on e-readers and digital publishing. Fun fact: David is also a published novelist, with works like "Knife Music," "The Big Exit," and "Lucidity" available in various formats, including Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books, and audiobooks.
Expertise: Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, Apple, Sony, Bose, e-readers, Amazon, glasses, ski gear, iPhone cases, gaming accessories, sports tech, portable audio, interviews, audiophile gear, PC speakers
Credentials: Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
3 min read
Back in September, Amazon introduced a trio of upgraded Kindle Scribe e-readers, styled like tablets and equipped with E Ink technology for that paper-like reading experience (perfect for beginners wondering why E Ink matters—it's the secret behind screens that mimic real paper, reducing eye strain and allowing use in bright sunlight without glare). The standout feature? A front light for reading in the dark. Now, those models are hitting the shelves just in time for the holidays.
As Executive Editor David Carnoy, I'm excited to share that I've just gotten my hands on review units of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and the monochrome version with front light, and I'll be putting them through their paces soon.
For a quick refresher, head over to our Best E-Readers for 2025 guide (https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-e-reader-sem/), where we break down top picks for every budget and need.
Let's address the elephant in the room: these aren't budget-friendly devices. The Kindle Scribe with Front Light kicks off at $500 for 32GB of storage (a step up from the 2024 model's $400 starting price). If you're after color capabilities, you'll need to invest $630 in the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft (and yes, upgrading to 64GB adds another $50). But here's where it gets controversial— that price tag puts it neck-and-neck with reMarkable's color Paper Pro E Ink tablet (https://cc.cnet.com/v1/otc/04Yxjj1rHOmYAxbnVDhvKNn?element=BODY&elementlabel=ReMarkable%27s+color+Paper+Pro+E-Ink+tablet&groupuuid=869a3014-fb9c-432b-9913-32053dfc3436&module=LINK&objecttype=article-body&objectuuid=3a5b581b-5b05-45e5-875a-866a8a9b8abc&productLocationId=BODY&template=article&trackcode=COMCLICKID&viewinstanceuuid=548263e1-5f51-40b4-907b-418abfc88c72&url=https%3A%2F%2Fremarkable.pxf.io%2Fc%2F159047%2F1776866%2F20972%3F%26sharedid%3Dcnet%26partnerpropertyid%3D235399%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fremarkable.com%252Fproducts%252Fremarkable-paper%252Fpro%26subId1%3Dcn-COMCLICKID_-dtp). Is the premium worth it for color note-taking on a device that's essentially an e-reader? Some might argue yes, for tasks like sketching diagrams or annotating colorful PDFs, but others could see it as overkill for casual readers— what do you think?
Check this out: A hands-on demo of Amazon's $630 Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.
03:35
Despite the cost, these new Scribes bring meaningful enhancements that might justify the investment. They boast an expanded 11-inch screen (up from 10.2 inches), fitting into a similar body thanks to trimmed bezels. The displays feature revamped "stacks" with a cutting-edge mini-LED setup for brighter, more even illumination—just imagine how this could make late-night reading sessions feel like daytime clarity.
On top of that, they've slimmed down to 5.4mm thick and lightened to 400 grams (from 430 grams before), making them easier to handle during long writing marathons or travel. Under the hood, a custom MediaTek processor promises a 40% jump in speed, ensuring smoother page turns and app responses. And this is the part most people miss—these aren't waterproof like the Kindle Paperwhite or Colorsoft, so keep them away from splashes if you're taking notes by the pool.
Enlarge Image
Amazon faced a hiccup with the previous Kindle Colorsoft, where some users spotted faint yellow discoloration along the edges, especially noticeable under the front light. The company halted shipments temporarily to resolve it, replacing affected units for those impacted. Experts in the E Ink community theorized it stemmed from the display's design, suggesting the new Scribe Colorsoft's advanced setup might banish the problem.
To stay updated on all our objective tech coverage and hands-on tests, add CNET (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=cnet.com) as your go-to Google source.
Naturally, I inspected my Kindle Scribe Colorsoft sample right away for any signs of discoloration. Even at the "vivid" color setting with the front light at maximum, I saw none—take a look at the photo above. Personally, I prefer the cooler tones, dialing the warmth to around 7 or 8 for a crisp, almost daylight feel.
Stay tuned for my comprehensive review in the next few days, but for now, explore my initial impressions of all three new Kindle Scribe variants (https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/i-go-hands-on-with-the-new-kindle-scribe-colorsoft-is-it-worth-630/).
Amazon highlights these improvements as follows:
- An innovative front light using compact LEDs that hug the screen's edge, minimizing bezels and ensuring consistent brightness.
- Enhanced texture-molded glass that boosts the smoothness of pen strokes across the surface.
- A redesigned screen layer that minimizes parallax (for beginners, that's the annoying offset between pen and digital ink), making it feel as if you're writing directly on paper.
- A fresh MediaTek quad-core processor, boosted memory, and proprietary Oxide display tech for zippy performance.
And this is where opinions might diverge sharply: Is Amazon pushing boundaries with color E Ink, or is it just a flashy gimmick for a niche audience? Do you believe these devices justify their steep prices compared to competitors, or should Amazon focus on more affordable options? Share your take in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you're team "worth every penny" or "overpriced novelty"!
)
