There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the Kindle Colorsoft since it was released about 7 weeks ago. The reviews at Amazon are scathing. It currently has a 2.8-star rating, and over 50% of reviews are only 1 and 2 stars.
Despite that, the Kindle Colorsoft appears to be selling pretty well. Amazon never reveals actual Kindle sales numbers, but ever since they added monthly sales estimates to their product pages you can get an idea of how well products are selling.
Right now the page for the Kindle Colorsoft says they’ve sold over 10k+ units during the past month.
That’s the same number that Amazon lists for the basic Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite, and the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, so the Colorsoft appears to be selling just as well as other Kindles.
What’s even more surprising about that is the fact that the Colorsoft hasn’t been in stock for most of the past month, and it’s been full price ever since it was released, while the other Kindles were on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
It even appears to be more popular than the Kindle Scribe. Right now the Kindle Colorsoft ranks #6 on Amazon’s best selling Kindles list, and the Kindle Scribe doesn’t show up until #14.
However, there is one thing to consider. There’s only one version of the Kindle Colorsoft, whereas Amazon sells two versions of the basic Kindle and three versions of each Paperwhite model with the different colors, and each of those have 10k+ units sold.
Still, it’s kind of surprising that many people are buying the Kindle Colorsoft despite all the negative reviews, despite the high price, despite the fact it hasn’t been in stock, and despite all the complaints about the frontlight and the screen being darker than regular Kindles.
If Amazon ever gets the problems sorted out the Kindle Colorsoft might actually end up being one of their more popular models.
Never underestimate pent-up demand. I’ve been an avid Kindle user since 2009, and have wished that the Kindle 2’s low-res B&W display could display color. Now, 15 years later, the Colorsoft is better than that device in every way, plus it can display pretty decent color. It took three tries to get me a good one, even after they started releasing fixed devices, shipped with a little sticker and an apology note (seriously), but it’s a great device.
I imagine they’ll come out with a follow-up device sooner than later, mostly because of the bad reviews for the minor yellow discoloration issue, and will probably give it a different name just to distance future devices from the stink of the bad press.
I barely use my 2021 Paperwhite now. I vastly prefer my Colorsoft, even for books with no images. I’m satisfied with my launch unit and have no desire to trade it in, until a Gen 2 device comes out with improvements, as I’m sure it will eventually.
Some folks have clearly wanted a color e-ink reader BADLY. I’m not surprised at all.
I mean, look what a hit the Kobo Libra Colour was and still is! Aside from folks wanting color e-ink, Kobo picked up a LOT of first time e-reader users, who, not being used to BW e-ink, found no drawbacks to the color tech whatsoever.
Lots of folks don’t bother about checking reviews or doing any social media research, especially this time of year. Plus, people always figure if they don’t like something from Amazon, returns are easy. And some, as always, have money burning a hole in their pocket.
Personally, I don’t think my eyes would take well to color e-ink. I’ll probably try color e-ink eventually, but I see no need to adopt the tech now. Looking at muted color covers isn’t my thing and 95% of what I read doesn’t use or need color beyond the cover. I’d rather see covers in full color on my computer or iPad.
If anything appeals to me, it’s that jade green Kindle Scribe. But I’m not sure I really *need* such a device, and certainly not at the current price. Perhaps if it goes on a good sale at a future date.
I really like mine! I bought it within minutes of discovering it was available because I’ve been dying to have a color Kindle. I had it for weeks before I heard about the furor over the yellow line on the screen. I guess I do have one but I never noticed it and it doesn’t much bother me. Seems like at least a slight upgrade from my Paperwhite Signature. It’s a little faster and cleaner, with a little pop of color. I would say don’t do it only for the color, because it is muted and may not live up to your expectations. But if you’re looking to improve upon an older model and the color is one factor, it’s a good buy.
I got my Kindle Colorsoft at launch and the discoloration was barely noticeable. A hard reset seemed to sort most of it. I like it. The screen is good and as I read lots of non-fiction – being able to highlight in colour is great. I also have a Scribe mk1 and a 2022 Signature. Love them all but I keep picking up my Colorsoft!
Reviews are hard to judge – when a fault occurs, you’ll get the vocal minority venting their frustration. Some Colorsoft barely had a problem. It is frustrating, but the colour screen has a lot going for it.
I would recommend if colour is a dealbreaker. It is a good device and has much going for it, despite the issues.