I've spent a lot of time with Amazon's e-reader line-up, testing my way through each model. My preferred device is the Kindle Paperwhite, which never leaves my side. Unfortunately Amazon is being conservative with Kindle pricing during their Big Spring Sale. While the Paperwhite isn't on sale right now, the Kindle Scribe is.
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a much larger e-reader in the line-up that offers something no other Kindle has: the ability to take notes. With the inclusion of the premium pen, users can jot down thoughts in a notebook or even annotate in the margins of books and PDFs. But it's honesty hour here — is the Scribe worth it?
At its standard retail price of $419.99, the Kindle isn't a great value. Sure the extra ability to take notes is a big draw (literally), but with that comes some downsides. Even in this redesigned model released in December 2024, the Scribe's performance drags. It often lags between pages, and the screen suffers a significant ghosting problem. Combined with the fact that it's the most expensive Kindle, I wouldn't encourage anyone to run out to buy it.
However, my opinion of the Scribe changes when it goes on sale. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the e-reader and note taker starts at $339.99, saving you an abundant $80. At that price, I think the Kindle Scribe is a much better purchase. If you're an annotator at heart or a student looking to mark up readings for class, the Scribe offers the feel of pen on paper with the convenience of a digital device. A price tag of $339.99 is the Kindle Scribe's lowest price ever, and therefore its best savings yet. So as an e-reader expert, I say if you're looking to buy one, let it be now.
