Kindle Scribe Colorsoft: A fun color e-reader with a steep price and narrow appeal
After a two-month test, TechCrunch found the Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft enjoyable for note-taking and reading, but its high price and large size make it a niche device rather than a must-have.
Amazon's Kindle Scribe Colorsoft has been put through a two-month test, and the verdict is clear: it's built for a specific type of user rather than the general public. The device starts at $630 and comes in two colors, black and a purple shade called Fig.
Size and design
The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft weighs 400 grams and features an 11-inch display, roughly the size of a standard sheet of paper. Its thin design is striking, but the large footprint makes it awkward to hold in one hand. The reviewer found it most comfortable propped against her knees or laid flat on a desk. Unlike smaller e-readers, it isn't the type of device you'd casually toss in a bag for errands — it's better suited to being carried to an office or coffee shop for focused work.
Writing and reading experience
The larger screen offers more room for writing, sketching and diagrams, and makes reading PDFs and other documents easier. The device ships with templates for daily, weekly and monthly planners, allowing users to build a color-coded digital planner and reading journal. It also comes with a Kindle Scribe Pen that attaches magnetically to the side and can be programmed for different functions; its eraser works smoothly and responds almost instantly.
Color display and battery life
Colors on the screen resemble soft highlighter shades rather than the vivid tones of a typical tablet, meaning comics and other visual content look less rich. Still, the color options proved useful for highlighting different types of notes in books, and a fast refresh rate makes switching between colors quick. Battery life impressed the reviewer, who only charged the device twice over two months, though writing drains the battery faster than reading does.
Overall, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft makes the most sense for students, researchers and journalers seeking a single device for reading, annotating and organizing handwritten notes. Those simply looking to replace an older Kindle are better off with the cheaper Kindle Paperwhite, which starts at $159.99.
