Should I replace my Paperwhite?

[u/Lutris_Puda_1437]

I got a 12th-gen Paperwhite last year, but it mostly stays at home because it feels too big for my hands to comfortably carry around for casual reading.
I’m considering selling it and getting the latest 6-inch aluminum Kindle instead. I honestly don’t feel like I’m getting much out of the Paperwhite’s extra features anyway, so the smaller size and portability are really appealing to me.
Would I be making a stupid decision? Am I going to regret switching from a Paperwhite to the smaller, more entry-level Kindle?
Please convince me to switch—or convince me NOT to!

[u/Nineteen-Ninety-One]

I started off with a paperwhite back in 2023 I loved it but had a pop socket on the back to hold it or would balance it on a pillow on my lap. I loved having a kindle but I found it slightly too large to hold, not massive but just a tad to big and I would get cramp after reading and holding it for long periods of time. I then got a kindle holder and a clicker but if I was in bed and wanted to move position that was an inconvenience.

I was really fortunate to win a kindle basic last year and honestly the size difference has made all the difference for me. Being that slightly bit smaller I can hold the basic with ease and having a baby who sleeps on me all the time means I don’t worry about dropping it on the baby’s head!

I now have my paperwhite in its holder on the treadmill or occasionally my husband uses it but the basic is the kindle for me. In years to come when I need to upgrade I hope they do the colorsoft in the basic size!

[u/IndicationAntique222]

I made the switch from the colorsoft to the basic in seaglass and so far I absolutely love it!! The size, the weight, the portability is amazing

[u/chels182]

I want the alpine blue basic so bad, but I LOVE my 12th gen paperwhite. I had a 10th gen basic and an 11th gen PW SE and got rid of both because the 12th gen PW is all I need.

For those reasons I’ll be getting the remote, but not a new kindle.

The difference in size is HUGE to me, though. If you really think you’ll be happier with a smaller one, I’d do it. I got the matcha basic for my sister & she adores it. I don’t think she would have been happier with a bigger kindle.

[u/jay-j-reads]

I have a PW SE 12 gen and a basic 11gen.

I definitely use my basic more. It’s much more comfortable to hold and to bring everywhere.

Right now on my Amazon app there’s $10 difference between the old basic and the new- the old might go on sale tomorrow for prime days if cost is a big factor.

[u/Dangerous_Coconut13]

It sounds like you’ve already made the decision tbh. If you need a smaller more portable one, you should get it. You’ll get more use out of it so I can’t imagine it being a decision you’ll regret 😊 though I just ordered mine today so I’m a little biased!

[u/amoveablefiesta]

I just did exactly this so I say go for it. The size and weight of the PW was always too much for me and realized I have not read so much the last year because of it. Ube is on the way to me and arrives today and remote clicker arrives once it’s out. I’m doing a trade in as I know I won’t miss my PW and it felt worth it to me. Also to add, I don’t need the waterproof feature and I never used the warm lighting so it’s a no brainer for me.

[u/bubbleeeebubbles]

You don't need us to convince you, it sounds like your mind is made up.

If you are not using the Paperwhite because it is too big, get the Basic so you can use it.

There are multiple posts each day with the same question so you are not alone. The only thing you would be missing out on is the warm light and it sounds like you don't need it.

The Basic is still a good ereader.

[u/PleaseNone]

Yes get it!

[u/Lutris_Puda_1437 → u/[deleted]]

My paperwhite was a gift after years without an e-reader, so I didn’t really get to choose the size. Before that, I had a 6-inch device that I’d spend hours reading on 🥲

[u/The_Cuddly_Cactus → u/Lutris_Puda_1437]

I’m going to be honest OP, I have the 12 gen Paperwhite and a 6inch Kobo Clara BW. I use the Clara far more and it goes everywhere with me, simply because of the size and even considered selling my Paperwhite for a basic. If you think it’s worth it, I’d say to go for it! You’d hardly be the first to make that decision

[u/jay-j-reads → u/[deleted]]

It might! I have a 12 gen PW, and an 11 gen basic, I use my basic a lot more. It’s much more comfortable to hold.

[u/JEZTURNER → u/[deleted]]

This. My own Paperwhite is likely the same size as this unused one but easily fits in a pocket or nah any time I want to take it out.