Should You Buy the Kindle Colorsoft Despite Display Issues? Here’s What Early Users Say

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By Jess G

For so long now, there have been endless teasers on how wonderful a world an illustrated reader book is when finally being visualized with an illustrated ebook to complement and enjoy during storylines or plotlines within e-book titles. To begin with, many in-house users for this electronic platform feel somewhat dissatisfied. This surprise issue has gotten much heated online talk and mixed early users. Worth the buy or wait for Amazon to solve the problem? Well, here’s looking into early adopters talk, as well as what you should know before buying.

Kindle Colorsoft Screen Issues Explained-What You Need to Know About the Yellow Band

Understanding the Yellow Band Issue: What’s Happening?

For an e-reader that Amazon hailed as its first foray into color, the Kindle Colorsoft was something everyone has been waiting to see. Unfortunately, though, to some users, a band across the bottom of the display is yellow-tinted to the extent of nearly completely ruining the smoothest display experience ever. Users described this feature as being quite specific – especially when paired with some edge lighting, or presented against a bright background. Indeed, as conceded even by those claiming it too subtle to garner notice except by seeking it, others proclaims it glaringly too blatant to obviate reading.

This appears a little inconsistent as some devices have reportedly not been affected by the problem. This has made many discuss it on Reddit and the review section of Amazon where some users believe that it is a recent software update rather than a hardware flaw. Some, however are not that sure, bringing us to the big question.

Unique Features of Kindle Colorsoft Compared to Other Kindle Models

FeatureKindle ColorsoftKindle PaperwhiteKindle Oasis
Color DisplayYes, first color e-readerNoNo
Screen Size7-inch6.8-inch7-inch
Resolution300 PPI300 PPI300 PPI
Edge LightingYesYesYes
Battery LifeUp to 6 weeksUp to 10 weeksUp to 6 weeks
Price$279.99$139.99$249.99
Target AudienceIllustrated books, comicsGeneral readingPremium reading

Amazon’s Response: Acknowledgment but No Clear Solution Yet

Amazon has been quoted as stating publicly that it recognizes the problem, and according to a company spokesperson named Jill Tornifoglio, the company knows about “a small number of reports” about the yellow band on the screen of the Kindle Colorsoft. It was kind of reassuring to hear back from Amazon; however, since they encouraged all affected customers to get in touch with customer support for possible assistance, neither a definitive explanation nor confirmation that a permanent solution would be implemented.

This places current and future Kindle Colorsoft users somewhat in limbo. While Amazon seems to be committed to studying the problem, the lack of a timeline or hope for a solution will likely discourage those who want a flawless reading experience.

Common Display Issues and Suggested Fixes for E-Readers

IssuePossible CauseSuggested Fix
Yellow or Discolored BandPotential software/hardware issueContact customer support
Screen FlickeringLow battery, software bugRecharge fully, restart device
Unresponsive Touch ScreenSoftware lagRestart or update software
Uneven Screen BrightnessFaulty LEDsAdjust lighting settings, contact support
Blurry Text or ImagesResolution settingsAdjust font size, check for updates

User Reactions: Opinion Is Divided

Reviews from early adopters range from feeling disappointed to cautiously optimistic. Some customers are so disappointed that they return or exchange their gadget; however, others endure the defect if the yellow band is not that prominent on their gadget. To some people, the color display of Kindle Colorsoft will be so innovative that it will be worth waiting for if Amazon is to deliver an update in the future that will rectify the defect.

Strangely, not all the reviews are terrible. A few users note that the color device is great, and the yellowish band in the screen display is only a small price to be paid for the advantages in color e-reading. Any flaw about the type of display from an e-reader can set the tone between customer satisfaction or lack thereof and the reputation in the products developed by Amazon in the arena of the e-readers very competitive as well.

Top Pros and Cons Reported by Kindle Colorsoft Users

ProsCons
High-quality color displayYellow band issue along the bottom
Enhanced experience for comics and illustrated booksMixed reviews on screen clarity
Sleek and lightweight designLimited software support for color features
Long battery lifePrice is high compared to similar e-readers without color

Should You Buy the Kindle Colorsoft?

Is the Kindle Colorsoft, despite its display problem, worth $279.99? That is for you to decide. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Are You an Early Adopter?

To be one of the first will surely be exciting for any tech enthusiast, and in the case of the Kindle Colorsoft, it’s certainly going to be an investment that will be exciting enough. It offers a completely new form of color display which, in itself, makes comics, children’s books, and the other books with a lot of illustrations even more vividly seen. For those ready to take the chance about software problems or hardware problems with this device, the Kindle Colorsoft will give a uniquely read experience that won’t be found anywhere in the e-reader market, at least not yet.

2. Is the Yellow Band a Dealbreaker for You?

This display problem is very annoying to some people, but not too worrisome to others. For example, if you are one of those persons who easily get irritated about visual defects or if you want your e-reader perfect in quality, the yellow band of Kindle Colorsoft will be irritating. But if you are an occasional user or spend all your time concentrating on what you are reading, you will hardly be aware of the discoloration and will still have a fully functional device to enjoy.

3. Waiting for a Fix?

If you do not need it soon, just wait for Amazon to clear out the problem. There is no known problem-if it really is hardware or software, but maybe Amazon will roll out a patch since they are still analyzing the feedback coming from users. Waiting for some few months could mean you’ll buy a perfected version of the Kindle Colorsoft free from the display flaw.

Kindle Colorsoft vs. Competitors in the Color E-Reader Market

FeatureKindle ColorsoftPocketBook InkPad ColorOnyx Boox Nova Air C
Screen Size7-inch7.8-inch7.8-inch
Resolution300 PPI1872 x 14041872 x 1404
Supported FormatsAmazon proprietary formatsePub, PDF, MOBI, CBRPDF, ePub, MOBI
Audio SupportYes (Bluetooth)NoYes
Color Depth16-level grayscale + colorColorColor
Battery LifeUp to 6 weeksUp to 6 weeks4-5 weeks
Price$279.99$329.99$339.99

Final Thoughts: Is the Kindle Colorsoft Worth It?

This is the Kindle Colorsoft, a first for Amazon ever. It is its very first color e-reader. There is a chance it may breathe life into the illustration of books. That is, if illustrated books needed a new lease on life. The yellow band is something else. Although the objection may not be without justification from the first users, it still is an open question to prospective buyers about whether this device deserves the premium tag it carries on the promise it holds. For someone looking to get the most modern technology and can forgive just one tiny flaw, this is a must-have.

However, if you are extremely concerned with the display difference or require that much from Amazon, you might want to wait until the next updates. At least in this case, it is again reviving people’s interest in e-readers and not doubt a step stone toward even more innovative devices to come.

Common Questions from Potential Kindle Colorsoft Buyers

QuestionAnswer
Will Amazon fix the yellow band issue?Amazon is aware and investigating but has not confirmed a solution.
Is the Kindle Colorsoft waterproof?Yes, it has IPX8 waterproof rating, similar to other Kindles.
Can I use Kindle Unlimited on the Colorsoft?Yes, Kindle Unlimited works seamlessly on the Colorsoft.
Does the Colorsoft support audiobooks?Yes, it supports Audible via Bluetooth for listening to audiobooks.
How does it perform for reading comics?The color display enhances the experience significantly for comics.
Jess G

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