When Amazon unveiled the new 7-inch Kindle Oasis this past week, one of the key new details highlighted a lot is the fact that it’s waterproof.
While Waterfi Kindle Paperwhites have been available for the past several years, the new Oasis is technically the first waterproof Kindle that Amazon has released.
Like Kobo’s waterproof ereaders, the new Kindle Oasis is IPX8 rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 60 minutes.
That’s kind of a vague definition but that’s the general standard for an IPX8 rated device.
Amazon has a page on their website with more details about how waterproof the new Kindle Oasis is, and what to do to reduce the chances of water damage.
Technically they say it can withstand being submerged in 2 meters of fresh water, and they recommend taking some extra precautions if it ever gets dropped in a hot tub, bath tub, a swimming pool, in ocean water, etc.
Here’s an interesting quote:
If your Kindle is immersed in salt water, chlorinated water, soapy water, or liquids other than fresh water, make sure you rinse that liquid out of the device with fresh water such as cold tap water. Then dry your Kindle.
Here’s more about how to properly dry the Kindle:
To dry your Kindle, let the water drain out through the micro-USB port, gently tapping the side of the device as necessary. We recommend you also let your Kindle dry fully in a well-ventilated location, with it standing upright so that any excess water can continue to drain from the micro-USB port.
They go on to say not to use any kind of heat source such as a hair dryer to dry it, and not to jab anything into the USB port to try and soak up the liquid.
Another thing it says on the page is to avoid steam rooms and other extremely humid environments, so keep it away from saunas.
The user manual (PDF) for the Kindle Oasis offers some additional advice, saying not to intentionally immerse the Kindle in water or expose it to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water, or other liquids. It says the Kindle is not intended for underwater use and it might experience temporary effects from exposure to water.
The user guide also notes that the waterproofing of the Kindle Oasis may be compromised if you drop or otherwise damage the device.
Another thing you might not have noticed is the fact that Amazon is offering water-safe covers for the new Kindle Oasis. They’re textured fabric and come in three colors. Amazon defines “water-safe” as being able to withstand brief accidental exposure to water without resulting in cosmetic damage to the cover. They’re also selling premium leather covers that are not water-safe and should not be exposed to liquids at all.
Are these requirements normal for waterproof devices? Or…are you saying Waterproof should be in quotes? “Waterproof” Kindle.
More or less for that rating. I think Amazon is just more open about the stipulations than most. I broke the frontlight on the Waterfi Paperwhite back when I reviewed it, but I left it in water overnight.
So…that rating is more “Resistant” than “Proof”. I would think of Waterproof as being able to be submerged….then able to use normally right away.
Basically that’s what they say as long as it’s fresh water you just dry it off and keep using it, just don’t charge until completely dry. Seems the USB port is the main issue with trying to avoid getting salt and other crud in it.
I’ve actually seen devices with the same IPX8 rating listed as water resistant, instead of water proof.
I think for most people the benefit of being waterproof or water resistant is that you don’t have to worry too much if you get caught in the rain with it.
My current phone is my first waterproof one and before this I always carried a folded up baggie in my back pocket just in case I got caught in the rain with my phone. I still do but now it’s more out of habit than need.
Barry
When you’re reading by the pool, you’re near chlorinated water. When you’re reading by the beach, you’re near seawater. It kinda defeats most common usage scenarios when it’s not recommended to be used near these types of water.
Nobody’s saying you can’t use it around these environments; only that if it gets immersed in water which is not freshwater, you have to rinse it with freshwater before it dries.
It’s the same for any Kobo, Nook or any of the others