Among the recent releases unveiled by Amazon is the Kindle Paperwhite. This is the company’s first self-illuminated reader, with an integrated light that Kindle readers have been patiently waiting for. It has become the direct competitor of the Nook Simple Touch with Glow Light device by Barnes & Noble. While it may resemble some of the past Kindle devices, the Kindle Paperwhite provides readers with many outstanding new features at an affordable $119 price.

Rather than an IR-based touch screen, like many of its competitors possess, the Kindle Paperwhite boasts a capacitive touch screen that is easy to use. The only button on the device is the power button to turn the reader on. The rest of the functions can be easily manipulated by touch right on the screen. For example, to adjust the amount of light, the user is able to simply turn the dimmer switch up or down with their finger. The screen’s dimensions are 4.6 in x 0.36 in x 6.7 in. The device weighs in at 7.5 ounces, which is a tad heavy in comparison to other models.

The screen is also a higher resolution than the majority of other e-readers on the market, with its 1024×768 pixel display. The 212 pixels per inch allow texts and images to be viewed in higher detail and clarity, coming out to being 62 percent more pixels than on the prior Kindle Touch. These new features combine to make its primary purpose for reading and entertainment a more crisp experience. The higher resolution is most handy for using the smaller font sizes; however, the added sharpness does not make a noticeable difference for the larger font sizes.

The Paperwhite allows some interesting extensions to provide convenience for users as well. There is a built-in dictionary that can easily be accessed by tapping and holding on a certain word in text. Highlighting sentences or certain paragraphs, and taking notes on the text is a breeze with the improved touch screen. Text to speech is enabled for a large amount of e-books sold by Amazon, and translation services are available. The device has the capability for readers to share quotes with friends on Twitter and Facebook too, through the integrated WiFi. Yet, a drawback is the device’s unimpressive lack of a memory expansion slot and an AC adapter.

Amazon has designed the Kindle Paperwhite to give readers the opportunity to use the device in any situation, ranging from indoors at night to outside in direct sunlight. As mentioned previously, the light is extremely easy to adjust or turn off completely. However, the light will automatically come on when the device is turned on. Individuals who love to read in bed before falling asleep are drawn to this model, mostly because of the integrated light. Instead of buying an expensive clip-on that does not provide appropriate lighting, the LED lights offer readers an adequate brightness level to prevent eye strain.

All of these excellent features combined with the new built-in light and Amazon’s vast e-book selection variety, the Kindle Paperwhite is quickly rising to the top of the market for e-readers.