Amazon has officially taken the wraps off the Kindle Oasis. It definitely redefines the next generation in the e-reader lineup of the retailer, clearly standing out from the rest with its distinct design and remarkable features.
To start things off, it looks like most of the leaked details of the tablet turned out to be true after all, and in that case, it's a premium device from every perspective.
Running through the notable specifications really quick, the Kindle Oasis is 30 percent slimmer and 20 percent lighter compared to previous models, clocking in at 0.13 inches thick and 0.33 inches at the part with the bump and weighing in at about 0.28 pounds.
Meanwhile, the 300 ppi display measures at 5 inches, similar to what the Kindle Voyage offers, but it's more than that, as it's fitted with 60 percent more LEDs embedded in the side of the display, not the bottom, to deliver improved lighting and an overall better reading experience.
The Kindle Oasis' design is certainly something to behold. Thanks to the bump at the back, the weight of the device is centered on the palm of one hand, making it easier to hold. On top of that, it sports physical page-turning buttons on the heavier side so that readers can go from page to page at a tap of a button. The e-reader even has a built-in accelerometer that allows it to adjust the screen when the user switches hands.
Battery life is outstanding, as it's capable of lasting months on a single charge. That's because of Amazon's dual-battery system: one battery on the protective case included in the package and the other in the device itself. The two components are attached via magnet and are charged simultaneously when plugged in. Do note that the retailer cleared up the early leak's claim of 20 months of battery life, saying that it is simply not true.
Taking a look at all those features, Amazon outdid itself with this one both on paper and in a real-life situation, and the device is arguably the most tricked out e-reader in the market. However, it comes with a pretty steep price tag of $289.99. That's roughly $170 more than the Kindle Paperwhite, and the new offerings of the Oasis just doesn't seem to be worth that much, not to mention that it's not waterproof.
The ad-free version of the Kindle Oasis will set back buyers by $309.99. On the other hand, the 3G model with ads has an asking price of $359.99 and $379 without.
The whole deal doesn't even include the Amazon power adapter, and that vital piece of hardware costs $19.99. Also, customers will have to pitch in $69.99 if they want a two-year warranty and accident protection plan.
To boil things down, there's no mistaking that it's a premium e-reader all around, but with the price point, it's treading on luxury territory. In other words, it's safe to say that most customers would stick with their Kindle Paperwhite or Voyage and that only die-hard Kindle aficionados would probably get their hands on the Oasis.
Amazon is already accepting preorders, and the expected shipping date is on April 27.
Do you think the new perks of the Kindle Oasis call for an upgrade? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
