If you’re thinking about buying one of the earlier Kindle Scribe models (which are easily distinguishable by their larger “handle” side), you should know that the first two versions don’t have access to all the same features as newer Kindle Scribes released in 2025 and 2026.
Amazon currently has the previous gen Kindle Scribe on sale in like-new condition starting at $287.99, and they’re likely to have new ones on clearance throughout the end of the year with three newer Kindle Scribes now available, and the first gen Kindle Scribe still turns up on Woot sometimes for around $200.
Those are some good prices for 10″ eNotes and you’re unlikely to find something similar in that same price range, but it’s important to note that older Kindle Scribes aren’t getting some of the new features you might’ve heard about on the more recent models.
Amazon is still updating the software on the first two generations of Kindle Scribes so they’re still getting some new features, but a few of the new features are exclusive to the 2025 and 2026 models, and some things are only available on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, like multi-colored highlights and different pen colors.
Exclusive Features for 2025/2026 Kindle Scribes
- Support for Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and OneNote.
- Send handwritten notes, notebooks, and documents to Alexa.
- Ask Notebooks: AI-powered notebook search and AI insights.
- Handwritten notes search.
- New homescreen layout with Quick notes section and Workspace tab to group ebooks, documents and notebooks into one folder.
- Write, highlight, and add bookmarks using multiple colors (Colorsoft model only).
Is this decision based on hardware specification of older models that i snot sufficient for missing features or just “incentive” to purchase new model?
For example, I am sure that Google Drive etc would work even on Scribe 1st generation. For the rest .. same conclusion.
Btw, I am still waiting for integrated notes for books. You know, . if I doodle something I want it there not somewhere where Amazon find it appropriate.
I don’t know what their excuse is but the last 5.19.5 update made my first gen Scribe more sluggish.
I fully believe it’s a push to get you to fork over more money on a more expensive device. Like a Kindle basic can have a warm light. If it did it would surely cut into the more expensive Paperwhite sales.
Thank you for the concise list of exclusive features. I would enjoy the Drive functionality and especially the promised 40% faster speed. My Scribe 2024 is so slow to scroll outside of a book and takes a long time to sync compared to my 2024 Colorsoft and Paperwhite.
But even with a trade in and a good sale price, I’m hesitant to upgrade. That’s still $200+ out of pocket.