Amazon’s New Full-Color Kindle Could Be A Game Changer For Comic Books

The Kindle Colorsoft has a 7-inch full-color display that lasts up to eight weeks on a full charge, which is pretty remarkable for a color e-ink tablet. Designed to be used anywhere, the Colorsoft’s front light will automatically adjust to your surroundings. The high-contrast screen has built-in anti-glare technology to help create the Kindle’s signature paper-like reading experience, just with a full color palette this time around. While reading, you can highlight passages in color, which sounds like a nice little benefit for those who regularly like to revisit to share their favorite sentences.

Amazon has labeled the launch-model Colorsoft a “Signature Edition.” This may sound a bit confusing since it’s the only model available at launch, but Kindle Signature Editions offer a handful of upgrades versus lower-priced models: support for wireless charging, auto-adjusting front light, no ads, and 32GB of storage. Signature Editions also have metallic chassises. The Metallic Black Colorsoft checks all of the Signature Edition boxes.

Amazon says it’s totally safe to read in the bathtub or the pool, as the Colorsoft has an IPX8 water resistance rating. In lab tests, the Colorsoft still functioned after being immersed in 6.5 feet (2 meters) of fresh water for up to 60 minutes. You probably won’t want to bring the Kindle with you in ocean, though, as it’s only graded for three minutes of immersion at less than 0.8 feet (0.25 meters) of depth.

As mentioned, the Colorsoft is especially exciting for fans of comic books, graphic novels, and manga. Being able to read your favorite graphic novels in color on a paper-like display could bring those who have wanted to switch to digital but weren’t keen on the idea of looking at black-and-white illustrations into the ereader community.

At $280, the Colorsoft is cheaper than the Scribe but a good bit pricier than the Paperwhite. Amazon is running one of its generous trade-in promotions for existing Amazon device owners that can save you some serious cash. Trade-in values for your old devices vary, but what doesn’t change is the 20% discount on the Colorsoft. You’ll automatically save $56 plus however much you get for your old device. Click the “Save 20% with Trade-in” banner below the price to instantly see trade-in values for eligible devices. It doesn’t even need to be a Kindle. Other devices, including cheap Fire TV Sticks, can get you the 20%-off deal.

Amazon is also offering a deal on the Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle, which comes with a plant-based leatherette cover and a wireless charging dock/stand for $328. You’re saving $35 by purchasing the bundle compared to buying the Colorsoft and both accessories separately. Cases are available to purchase separately, too. Amazon has fabric protective covers in three color options for $37, while the leatherette covers are $43. That means you’d spend $317 or $323 for the Colorsoft and one of the cases. The Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle is probably the way to go here, as you’ll only spend $5-$11 more to get the charging stand thrown in, too.