### Kindle Scribe (2024) Review: Is It Worth the Cost?
I recognize you, committed annotators—the ones who use color-coded highlights and sticky tabs in every book. Transitioning to an [e-reader](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-e-readers) may not appear to be your preference, yet with recent innovations, digital reading is advancing. I’ve experimented with everything from the simplest [Kindle](https://mashable.com/review/amazon-kindle-2024) to a [color e-reader](https://mashable.com/review/kobo-libra-colour), and most recently, the Kindle Scribe.
Amazon rolled out the new Kindle Scribe in late 2024, representing the largest model in its collection and the sole Kindle equipped with a stylus for writing. Having tried the previous iteration, I was keen to discover the enhancements. Regrettably, the improvements were few.
Here’s my perspective on the Kindle Scribe and if it’s worth the expenditure.
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## Kindle Scribe (2024): Pricing and Specifications
The 2024 Kindle Scribe retains the same dimensions as its earlier version but boasts a redesigned display with consistent borders.
### Key Specifications:
– **Display:** 10.2-inch screen, 94 nits brightness, 300 ppi resolution
– **Battery Life:** Up to 12 weeks, USB-C charging
– **Storage Capacities:** 16GB (base), 32GB, and 64GB
– **Stylus:** Premium pen included
– **Color Options:** Tungsten (dark gray) and metallic jade
– **Water Resistance:** Not waterproof
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## A Kindle with Note-Taking Features
[Kindles](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-kindles) are well-regarded as outstanding e-readers, and the Scribe brings the same advantages. You can access books through the Kindle Store or borrow from your library via Libby, with flawless integration.
What distinguishes the Scribe is its annotation feature. The provided “premium pen” enables users to jot down notes in a digital notebook and, for the first time, to write directly in the margins of e-books. I found this beneficial for marking up PDFs, taking notes, and editing documents. Upon completion, I could easily email my annotated files for sharing.
When not in use, the stylus conveniently attaches magnetically to the device.
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## The Slowest Kindle in the Family
Even with its reading and writing functionalities, the Kindle Scribe is noticeably slower compared to other Kindle models. When Amazon presented its 2024 series, the [Kindle](https://mashable.com/review/amazon-kindle-2024), [Paperwhite](https://mashable.com/review/kindle-paperwhite-2024), and [Paperwhite Signature Edition](https://mashable.com/review/kindle-paperwhite-signature-edition-2024) were all lauded for their speed. Unfortunately, the Scribe did not benefit from the same enhancements.
Its processor hasn’t changed, leading to regular lags when waking, switching between books and journals, and even when turning pages—experiences I don’t encounter with other Kindles. Considering its price (more than double that of the Paperwhite), this sluggishness is disappointing.
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## Writing is Enjoyable, but Ghosting Issues Remain
Writing on the Kindle Scribe is a gratifying experience. The anti-glare screen and premium pen offer a tactile sensation akin to writing on paper, which is preferable to the slick surface of an [iPad](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-ipads) paired with an Apple Pencil.
However, the display struggles with an annoying ghosting issue. The eraser function of the stylus leaves behind faint remnants of erased text, which persist even when switching to a different book or document. This significantly detracts from the reading and writing experience.
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## Higher Priced Than an iPad
Although it’s an e-reader with writing features, the Kindle Scribe is priced similarly to a tablet. The base 16GB model retails for **$399.99**, while the 64GB variant reaches **$449.99**. In contrast, the **11th-generation iPad** (128GB) starts at **$349.99**—rendering the Scribe a poor deal.
An iPad provides vastly superior functionality, including web browsing, social networking, video streaming, gaming, and access to various reading applications like Kindle, Apple Books, and Libby. The Scribe, on the other hand, is confined to reading and writing. If you are searching for a distraction-free device, it may be appealing, but for the majority, the cost is challenging to rationalize.
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## Should You Invest in the Kindle Scribe?
The Kindle Scribe is only worth pondering if you’re a passionate annotator seeking a distraction-free e-reader. It permits margin notes in e-books and PDF annotations, which can be exported