Using a Kindle in 2019 - Is It Worth It?`

As a first year university student, I’ve been reading more books this year than I have ever before. But as much as I’m an avid learner, I am also a tech enthusiast. In the vein of trying to better mingle both interests, I’ve come across the Amazon kindle, a piece of technology that has created a whole new category in the technology market - but in the age of bezel-less iPads, are Kindles still worth your money?

To answer that question, it’s important to first ask another question: what can kindles provide that smartphones and tablets can’t? Firstly, Kindles have their well-renowned e-ink display, which is way easier in the eyes than a normal Retina display. Secondly, Kindles are distraction-free, offering none of the catchy colours, notification buzzes and other nags that make normal devices so much more distracting. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Kindles have long lasting batteries that will have you reading for weeks on end before needing to reach for the charge - the same of which can’t be said even of the latest iPad Pro.

But what if you’re more a paperback person, are Kindles still worth it then? The answer largely depends on you. For some people, reading a paperback is an experience in itself, from feeling the texture of the cover to seeing physical progress and your page marker consumes more and more of a book’s length. In those user cases, a Kindle simply won’t suffice. Other readers however, simply read paperbacks because it’s the most convenient way for them to access books - and in that scenario, Kindles triumph traditional media in every way.

Photo from WIRED

To be more specific, Kindles are not only lightweight, but also feature a very paper-like display that makes reading possible even in pitch black conditions. Further more, in markets such as the US and Canada, Kindles have come a long way in regards to becoming library friendly, allowing you to rent e-books just as you would normally. It’s in these regards that Kindles are simply unmatched.

As a technological device, I also find the latest 2019 budget Kindle to be a beautifully minimalistic device. From its simple plastic build, to straightforward OS, I feel like Amazon has come a long way throughout the years to ensure that its Kindles deliver on the single promise it has made to its consumers: to make reading more convenient.

Should you buy a Kindle? If you’re looking for the easiest way to access books, and don’t mind missing out on the so called authentic experience of flipping real paper, then odds are you already own a Kindle. But if you don’t, then for its low entry price of sub $100, Amazon has found a way to make me read more amidst the hurdle of being an university student - making it a strong recommendation.

Holiday 2019 Buyer’s Guide: A gift for everyone

It’s that time of the year again, when the snow hits the ground and lights scream “merry Christmas” in joy. But as miraculously beautiful as the holiday season is, there is nothing more stressful than not knowing what to get for that special someone. Don’t worry, as we have composed a list that will make sure to bring the holiday joy to anyone on any budget.

On this holiday gift guide, we have split gift ideas into four distinct personalities: The adventurer, the geek, the tech novice and the niche-lover - giving budget (Under $20), mid-range (Under$50) and expensive (Close to or Over $100) options for each to ensure that you find the perfect gift for your special someone.

To buy any of these products, please resort to either Amazon.com and Gearbest, as both have thousands of options with varying prices that may fit your situation better than others.

The Adventurer

Is your special someone the type to go out for a hike every weekend and get themselves lost in nature? If so, you may have yourself an adventurer - someone who is always on the go and needs their technology to be as versatile as they are.

Budget: Any Xiaomi power bank

When you’re out and about, running out of power should be your last concern. For this reason, you’ll want a nice power bank to keep all your technology booted up during your adventures. Xiaomi’s lineup of power banks features both hefty and lightweight options alike, and the best part - they’re all extremely affordable.

Mid-range: Haylou GT2

If you’re always out and about, we can bet that music serves as your companion when the world itself is simply too loud to ignore. But with the convenience that comes with ditching the wire, we have found it most appropriate to include the Haylou GT2s on this list.

For around $25, this pair of headphones comes with a significantly harder case than its predecessor, and still packs the same enjoyable sound that made the first iteration already a charm to use.

Expensive: Xiaomi Mi Band 4

After months of testing, we are still very fond of Xiaomi’s latest take on its fitness band. With its fourth iteration, the Chinese company has packed a slew of features from sleep tracking to waterproofing that is sure to give a better visualisation of your active lifestyle.

The Geek

Technology can sometimes be quite difficult to get a grasp off, but whenever you are around this friend, you find yourself in awe at simply how talented they are with technology. Whether it be the latest processor, or simply an upcoming software release, this friend is always in touch with the tech

Budget: A 2 metre cable

For anyone that enjoys technology, there is nothing more frustrating than having to sit at an awkward angle just to be able to charge your phone. With these cheap cables, this problem is now solved. Whilst perhaps not the most complex gift idea, there is nothing that can truly describe just how helpful a long cable can be.

Mid-range: A wireless charger

Being often found in this price-range, a wireless charger is a holiday gift that though odd-looking at first, can become a geek’s favourite device moving forward. Just like wireless earbuds, cutting the wire means that you can just set your phone on top of the wireless-charging pad before hitting the bed, eliminating all the confusing wire meddling that we are sure you’d love to avoid.

Expensive: Redmi K20 Pro

Having filled this website with content for nearly a year at this point, the Redmi K20 Pro is the sort of expensive, yet awfully cheap for its capabilities sort of gift that is sure to please anyone seeking a new smartphone. Packing in enough performance for even the most requiring games, and a camera that is sure social media-ready, the Redmi K20 Pro is a phone sure to amaze this holiday season.

The Tech Novice

Just as the Geek knows everything, the novice either doesn’t want to learn the hassles of technology or simply doesn’t care for as long as it works. This makes this gift recipient the pinnacle of minimalistic, accepting anything novel that isn’t a hassle to learn and effective to use.

Budget: The Minimalist Smartphone Wallet

Having been recently covered in the channel, the minimalist smartphone wallet is the perfect gift for the person that still asks how they’re supposed to fit their phone and their wallet in the same pocket. Featuring a sleek “stick on” design, this accessory combines two daily necessities into one - now just make sure not to lose your phone!

Mid-range: A D-Brand skin

On the topic of phone customisation, there is no better way to make someone more attracted to their technology than to make it look pretty. D-brand, the most popular smartphone wrapper producer in the market, sells high-quality skins that not only protect your device, but gives it another added layer of protection that can save it from the daily scratches and falls.

Expensive: The UE Boom Speaker

If you’re looking for a gift idea that is simple to use and will add value to a person’s life, look no further than a Bluetooth speaker. These pair and play gadgets are low profile, can be taken anywhere, and provide much better audio than any pair of headphones ever could. The UE Boom speaker in specific is a durable, bass heavy speaker that is sure to pair well with any pop-music listening experience.

The Niche-Appreciator

Ever find your special someone looking at things that most see no use in with wide-open eyes? Then this person perfectly fits into this category. The niche-appreciator is always looking for the small, but life-changing items in life that will never have you doing any activity the same way.

Budget: Baseus Mag-Safe USB C Cable

Ever miss the good old days of not having to worry about tripping on your charging cable and losing your expensive piece of technology? Us too! With this USB C cable however, this problem is gone for good as this Baseus cable brings back all the joys of careless cable tripping the MacBooks of the old could provide. If you don’t have a USB C powered device, worry not, as Baseus offers other mag-safe cables for your enjoyment on their website.

Mid-range: The Rocketbook

For those of us that are always writing down notes and sketches, damaging the environment is one of our worse concerns - but say no more to that with the rocketbook. Featuring an app that allows you to easily transfer notes from the paper to the screen with a simple scan, you can now bring your notes with you anywhere you go.

But the main appeal of this product has to be its ability to be erased clean with its included erasable pens and fibre towel, meaning that with this roughly $35 purchase, you will never need to buy another notebook again.

Expensive: Amazon Kindle

With books so easily accessible for most, and our phones and tablets already serving as a very reliable reading screen, one may ask why we chose to include a kindle on this list. The answer to that is hands down its e-ink screen. This technology, though simple, makes reading a joy needless of the condition, providing a very true to life book-reading experience that comes without the hassles of bringing hefty paperbacks around.

That concludes our holiday buying guide. We hope this list was extensive enough to help you find the perfect gift for whomever you may be gifting this holiday season.