Kindle Oasis E-reader with Leather Charging Cover - Black, 6" High-Resolution Display (300 ppi), Wi-Fi, Built-In Audible - Includes Special Offers (Previous Generation - 8th)

About five years ago, I got my first Kindle after saying I would never want one because I loved holding books so much. The first time I used it, I loved it and have read a lot more e-books than paperbacks and hardcovers. My first Kindle was the basic Kindle E-reader (the one without the back light). I used it a lot and three years ago, I upgraded to a Kindle Paperwhite. I loved that Kindle even more because it has a back light and I took it on many plane rides and car trips. Recently, it started to get a little sluggish and I figured I would be in the market for a new Kindle sometime soon. I planned to replace it with a new Paperwhite when my husband surprised me on Mother's Day and said I could get a Kindle Oasis, which I had been eyeing up since they were released! I never would've bought one for myself, mostly because of the price tag, but since he said I could, I wasn't about to turn him down!The Basics:The Kindle Oasis E-reader is currently the newest type of Kindle available. I chose the option that has Wi-Fi only but you can also choose to get the Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity (so you can download books anytime you have a 3G signal, even when you are away from a wireless signal). Here is some basic information on the Oasis taken from the packaging, as well as my own descriptions in parentheses.-Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity so you can download books)-4 GB (storage for books, which translates to storage for thousands of books)-Daylight Readable (it has a glare-free screen)-300 PPI touch display (pixels per inch, which means it has a very clear resolution on the screen and you can touch the screen)-Built-in light (You can read in the dark without any lights on!)-Page turn buttons (there are two buttons to turn the pages, one is forward and the other is backward. You can also turn the pages by swiping the screen)-Charging cover (You don't have to have the cover on to charge this Kindle since the charging port is on the Kindle itself but attaching the cover while you charge it will increase the battery life)This Kindle is very thin and lightweight, which makes it a great e-reader if you read for long periods of time and/or have wrist problems from holding books and other, heavier Kindles or tablets. Keeping the cover on will increase the battery life of your Kindle and it's said that one charge can last for months (this requires you to turn off your wireless and turn the adjustable light down to a lower setting so the Kindle doesn't use so much battery). The Oasis currently comes in three cover colors to choose from: black, walnut, and merlot. The Kindle itself is only available in black. The screen measures 6 inches diagonally and the Kindle (including the cover) measures 4 3/4 inches by 5 5/8 inches. This product is assembled in China.The device comes charged already, although it may not be fully charged. I was able to set mine up quickly and it was just like the Paperwhite I had. I feel this device is very user-friendly, especially if you've used Kindles before and, even if you haven't, some trial and error has you learning how to use it fairly quickly! I love having two options for page turning since there are buttons and you can swipe the screen backward and forward. This Kindle also makes it easy to use no matter if you are right or left-handed or like to switch hands while reading. When you open it up, it's set up for right-handed people but if you are left-handed or want to hold it in your left hand, simply turn it 180 degrees and the Kindle will adjust for you! You even still have both page turning options.When you open the cover, the Kindle will automatically turn on. If it's been awhile since you last used it, it will take a few seconds to wake up and then you can swipe it to open to the last place you were when you turned it off. To turn it off, you can close the cover or press the power button on top.What's Included:- Kindle Oasis with cover- USB charging cablePlease note, there are no instructions included on how to set the Kindle up but, once you turn the Kindle on, it walks you through the setup. To get started, you will need your wireless password and Amazon login information. If your new Kindle is the default device in your household and you want any books to automatically download to your device, you will need to go into the "Manage Your Content and Devices" section and switch it to your new Kindle, whichever one that may be. Otherwise, you can go into your Kindle library and manually download it by tapping the book you want. It will then download to your device and you can begin reading!My Thoughts:I've had this new Kindle for about a month now and I really love it! I love how lightweight it is and it's very comfortable to read for long periods of time. I find that the battery life is about the same as my Paperwhite BUT that's only because I always have the wireless on, the light is turned to a higher setting and I read for more than a half-hour a day, which are the factors that determine how long your battery will last. I typically read for an hour or two a day, sometimes more, and one charge has lasted me a couple weeks so far. This doesn't bother me at all because it's easy enough for me to charge it at home.Speaking of charging, the port requires a micro USB charging cable and my Samsung Galaxy S6 phone uses the same port so I'm able to use the same charger for both devices. This may be an option for you as well or you can use the included charging cable. I've never had the Oasis die completely on me but when it gets low on battery, I can usually have it fully charged within an hour or two, depending on how low the battery was.I feel the Oasis gives me a similar reading experience to when I had my Paperwhite. The screens are the same size and both have back lights, which allow me to read in bed at night without having a light on. The Oasis is lighter, even with the cover on, and I haven't had a problem with my hands or wrists hurting. If you tend to experience wrist pain or have trouble holding a book or other Kindles/tablets, this one may be a great option for you since it's so light. The design makes it comfortable to hold for long periods of time too.Honestly, I love the Oasis and am so glad my husband said I could get one because I never would've purchased one myself. When these first came on the market, I really wanted one but the high price tag prevented me from buying one. I would've been perfectly content to buy another Paperwhite since I had my old one for three years and loved it. I think a big concern for a lot of people is the cost for this Kindle. Is it really worth it? I haven't come to a conclusion on this question myself but here are a couple of things to consider. Do you love to read, especially for long periods of time? Is it uncomfortable to hold books or other tablets while reading? If so, you may want to look into purchasing the Oasis, if it's in your budget. If you want a good Kindle that is a bit more budget-friendly, I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite. I've never had the Voyage so I can't compare that device to the ones I've had. I would've purchased another Paperwhite if my wonderful husband hadn't said I could get the Oasis!In summary, I love the Oasis! It's expensive but great for anyone who reads a lot. It's small enough to stick in a purse, can hold lots of books so you have plenty of options to read, and is comfortable to hold in both your left and right hands. I've only had it for a month and will update this review periodically with any new thoughts and adjust my rating as necessary. I use this Kindle daily so I'm already getting great use out of it. If you are considering buying the Kindle Oasis for yourself or someone else, I think it is a great option. In the pictures I've included, I have one with my old basic Kindle e-reader, the Paperwhite, and the Oasis so you can see how they all compare in size. Overall, this is a great device and I'm very fortunate to have one because I love it!

I admit that I have a bias toward all the products in the Kindle line. I have owned a Nook, two Kindle Fires, and many Kindle e-readers. My preference is a Kindle which is designed for the reader. While tablets have their many uses, I don't particularly care for them when reading for long periods of time - I only use one if in a pinch. The Kindles have been designed with the reader in mind and they just keep getting better and better with every new product introduction.I very seriously debated getting this new device since I have a Voyage and have loved it from day one. The price was a bit of a shock initially, but when I broke it down and realized I was paying for a leather cover in addition to the actual device, it seemed to be a reasonable price point.Having received this several days ago and reading on it many times, here are my impressions:1) I have always preferred reading with my Kindle "naked" and did so until the Voyage when it became too difficult to remove and replace the cover each time. With the Oasis, I am able to read the device naked since it is easy to separate it from the cover. When out of the cover, the device is incredibly lightweight and fits perfectly in my hand. I feel no apprehension about dropping it. The design lets it rest comfortably and firmly in my hand.2) Obviously, when the Oasis is in the cover, the weight is significantly more than the device by itself. However, the two combined are still less than my Voyage in its cover and I didn't feel like I had the option of taking the cover off so the weight difference is significant.3) I was in heaven when the Voyage allowed me to both swipe the screen as well has having page turn buttons. As happy as I was, this one is significantly better in that respect. I find myself always using the page forward/back buttons - they are so easy to find and my thumb rests in just the right position to take advantage of it.4) The ability for the device to be read one-handed in either the right or left hand is great for the way I read. I am a fidgeter and don't stay still when reading. I move the device from one hand to the other or move it to hold with both hands frequently. The ability of the screen to "flip" automatically means the reading experience is much more pleasant for me. Also, the ability to specify which button is the page forward and which button is the page back is incredible! I didn't realize how awkwardly (in comparison) I was holding the Voyage to be able to have my thumb in the correct position for utilizing the buttons. I find that I love having the bottom button the page forward and it feels so natural to me.5) As someone who reads a lot and also loves to travel, the battery life is another area when the Oasis beats the Voyage. As far as I am concerned, the longer the better as long as it doesn't add to much weight or heft to the e-reader. I am going on a two-week trip soon and am still taking my Kindle charger with me, but I will be eager to see if I will need it. To potentially be able to go without any cable or charger would be a benefit since I travel very light and am always looking for ways to eliminate items when travelling.6) The only drawback I have seen so far is that when I flip open the case, it takes it an additional beat or two for the Kindle to spring to life. Not a problem for me since it is only a moment or two, but (in fairness) it should be noted.Everytime I get a new Kindle, I wonder how it could ever be improved upon -- only to have the next one wow me. I have to hand it to the Amazon development team that they know their reading audience and give us better and better products.I have seen a fair number of negative comments about the price but I think each person gets to decide for themselves what adds value for that individual. If you have never tried an e-reader and are just exploring the option for the first time, I would recommend the Paperwhite. Great e-reader, great value, and a solid workhorse. In fact, I just purchased one for my husband about a month ago since he isn't a huge reader and is the best value for how he will use the device. For me, this is one area of my life where I appreciate those incremental improvements. I am willing to pay more since this is a device I use daily and derive a great deal of happiness by my reading experience being the best it can be.Is the Oasis for everyone ? Absolutely not but, for me, it is pure joy to hold it in my hand and get lost in the world of reading.