Paperwhite is a specialty reader only!

I begin each review by reminding all that the purchase of a complicated (if not expensive) electronic device requires a strategy or point of view reflecting one's resources and life style. If you do not have all the money in the world, why buy a Samsung Galaxy 4 when a Galaxy 2 does most of what is possible with a smart phone? That leads to the Ebay resale market. The current model for Kindle is the HDX. The Paperwhite has a black and white display which is razor sharp, but it is no color HDX. Wifi connections are primitive and the only shopping you can accomplish is in the Kindle book store. In fact, if the only function you want to accomplish is reading, the Paperwhite's display is superior to the color display monitors and the device is SIGNIFICANTLY lighter and smaller than the HDX. On the other hand, the device is comparable in price to a used HD, the predecessor model to the HDX. (See my review of the Kindle HD.) The battery life seems average. So, for the average READER, this is a fine machine. For somebody who wants a cheaper Android color tablet, the HD is far more desirable. Finally, a general caveat on discontinued models. Although you can get generic accessories on Ebay, be prepared to kiss off the item if it goes sour. It will not pay to try and repair it and the expertise to repair a discontinued model is limited to large urban areas.Read full review