Make it easy to read
Photo: Nena Farrell
If you’ve ever had hand cramps while reading for long periods of time, these accessories may help. Check out our guide to the best Kindle accessories for more options.
Strapsicle e-reader hand strap, $21: Attach one or both of these to the back of your Kindle (one angled for your right hand, the other angled for your left hand) and slide your hand into it. It won’t cramp your hands and won’t accidentally hit the screen or tip over. The reader won’t slip out of your hand as you turn the pages. It comes in three sizes to accommodate different types of e-readers. You can find out which models work on Amazon’s page as well as This page on the Strapsicle website.
Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder $29: WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell tested it and said that while it’s not completely hands-free, it’s a very convenient and comfortable experience, especially if your wrist is the source of chronic pain. Ta. The clamp easily attaches to your bed frame or side table (clamps are also included). Floor stand version is $70). It’s lightweight so you can place it anywhere, and it has enough neck resistance so it won’t fall forward or shift from its installed position. When you touch it to turn a page (or bump into a curious cat), it wobbles a bit. She tended to hold onto it to keep it from moving from herself or her cat roommate. If you want to be completely hands-free, add the following page turning remote control You can read without lifting a finger.
Pop sockets are $10.: PopSocket is great not only for mobile phones, but also for e-readers. Whether you have a Paperwhite or a basic Kindle, it’s another great solution to reduce hand cramps.
Do I need a cover?
Photo: Amazon
Thankfully, Kindles aren’t as fragile as more expensive smartphones, but if you frequently carry them around in your bag, you might want to add a cover to protect the screen. These are not padded for serious drops. The kids version comes with a case.
Cloth cover for Kindle ($32) and Paper white ($37): These open like books and come in black, blue, pink, and green variations. Made from post-consumer recycled fabric.
Fabric cover for Scribe ($60): It can be flipped upside down like a notepad or placed on a stand. There’s also a slot for a pen if you don’t want to attach it magnetically all the time. It’s also made using recycled materials.
Quirky Cup Collective e-reader sleeve now available for $42: I love this gorgeous sleeve, especially sun & moon version. It’s beautiful and protects your device when not in use, so you can toss it in your bag with confidence. Velvet on the outside, satin on the inside with padding in between and zip closure. There is a small zip pocket on the back. Each product page will tell you which devices will fit, but please refer to the dimensions. Some are separate and larger. book and ipad sleeve.
CoBak clear case $10: The biggest benefit of a clear case is that it protects the back of your Kindle. and You can decorate it by pasting a sticker on the bottom. Besides the CoBak case, we also recommend Fun sticker pack ($10).
great reading light
Photo: Simon Hill
If you usually read before bed but don’t want to disturb your sleeping partner, kids, or roommates, you may want to invest in a reading light. All Kindles now have front lights. need One, but it’s still useful, especially if you’re switching between Kindle and physical books. Here are some of our favorites. Check out our guide to the best reading lights for more information.
Vekkia 14 LED Book Light, $18: This is our top recommendation. This is a clip-on light with an adjustable gooseneck and two rotating light bars with 7 LEDs each. You can switch between 5 brightness levels and 3 warm colors. However, it is relatively large, so it is not suitable for small paperback books. The clamp opens to 2.1 inches and serves as a stable base for placing it on your nightstand.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light $22: This reading light wraps around your neck, so it looks ridiculous. However, this is a great alternative to clip-on reading lights while keeping your hands free. It’s lightweight and adjustable, with 3 color temperature modes and 6 brightness settings. It is rechargeable and offers up to 80 hours of battery life with dimming settings.
Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp $28: This is a popular headlamp among children. Comfortable, adjustable straps available in a variety of colors. With 3 brightness settings and IPX4 waterproof performance, you don’t have to worry about splashes. It automatically turns off after 2 hours in case you fall asleep with it on. Requires 2 AAA batteries.
About old Kindles
Amazon doesn’t release new Kindles often. Typically, the company takes several years to release a model. Every time a new model is introduced, the stock of its predecessor begins to dwindle. It’s not that I don’t recommend these per se, but I only recommend them if you find them on sale at a good price. Otherwise, we recommend purchasing the latest version.
Before you buy, check the price against the latest model to see if your older device costs significantly less.
- Kindle (2022, 11th generation): This is the smallest of the lot with a height of 6.2 inches, a width of 4.3 inches, and a 6-inch screen. Consider this if you find tablets cumbersome to hold with one hand. With this model, Amazon has doubled the storage to 16 GB and upgraded the display from 167 PPI to 300 pixels per inch (PPI) resolution. It’s hard to find, but if you manage to find one, don’t spend more than $50.
- Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th generation): This is a model that is a step up from the basic model. It features a bright 6.8-inch screen, adjustable warm lighting, fast page-turning speeds, a USB-C port, and 16 GB of storage. It’s also waterproof. I like the Signature Edition (8/10, WIRED Recommended), which also has automatic brightness adjustment and 32 GB of storage. Even if you can find one, we recommend not spending more than $100.
- Kindle Scribe (1st generation): The Scribe (8/10, WIRED Recommended) is a great option for note-takers. It features a huge 10.2-inch screen for taking notes, marking up PDFs, drawing, and more paper formats to choose from, including college-lined and dotted lines. It also includes a basic pen that magnetically attaches to the side of your Kindle for a natural writing experience. We only recommend those under $230.
- Kindle Kids (2022): This is the children’s version of the entry-level Kindle. Comes with a cover, a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, parental controls, and a 2-year warranty. I don’t recommend spending more than $70 on this.
- Kindle Paperwhite Kids (2021): The Paperwhite version is a step up from Kindle Kids. It has a high resolution 300 ppi display with an adjustable warm screen and is also waterproof. You shouldn’t spend more than $110 on this.
