Kindle Colorsoft drops to $170 for Black Friday — record low

Amazon’s new Colorsoft Kindle — the company’s first color e-reader — is on sale for $170 as part of Black Friday promotions, down from its usual $250. That makes this the lowest price we’ve seen so far. Amazon’s classic Kindle is also at a record low ($80) and the Paperwhite has dropped to $125.

The Colorsoft is positioned as a higher-end Kindle for readers who want color content: it handles comics and graphic novels especially well thanks to its color display and pinch-to-zoom support that brings panels into focus. We found the device fast to load and responsive when turning pages, and it includes an auto-adjusting front light and long battery life — about eight weeks under regular use.

Key features

• Color display: First Kindle with color, ideal for comics, magazines and illustrated books.
• Pinch-to-zoom: Zoom into panels and details for a better reading experience.
• Performance: Fast load times and quick page turns compared with many high-end e-readers.
• Battery: Up to ~8 weeks of regular use on a single charge.
• No default lock-screen ads: A cleaner experience out of the box.

Is the Colorsoft worth it at $170?

The Colorsoft launched at a higher price that made it a tougher recommendation for most readers. At $170, however, it becomes a much easier buy — especially if you read comics, graphic novels or illustrated cookbooks. If you mostly read text-heavy novels, the standard Kindle or Paperwhite (also discounted) may be better value.

Quick buying tips

• Confirm the exact model (storage options and any bundle offers) before checkout.
• If you primarily read comics/graphic novels, the Colorsoft’s color panel and zoom features add real value.
• Check if the retailer includes warranty coverage or return options — Black Friday stock can be limited.
• Compare the Colorsoft to the discounted Paperwhite ($125) if you prioritize battery life and contrast for long text reading.

Shop the deals (affiliate): Kindle Colorsoft on Amazon. See the standard Kindle and Paperwhite offers here: Kindle deals on Amazon.

Discussion: Would you pick a color Kindle for comics and magazines, or stick with a cheaper monochrome model for novels? What would you read first on a Colorsoft?