The aluminum Kindle is dumb and expensive, but I still want one

Amazon unveiled a new lineup of Kindles, sparking conversation over the aluminum option. This is the first time a Kindle has been offered in a material beyond plastic. It adds a touch of luxury and exudes sophistication, signaling that the Kindle has matured. This isn't the case, however. Altering a device's construction isn't unheard of.

Smartphones and tablets have made similar transitions, though the latter went largely unnoticed. So, is this simply a natural progression for the device? Only for certain types of products. The top-tier devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S Ultra, Google Pixel Pro, and iPhone Pro Max, are expected to evolve and innovate. They embody a company's design prowess and set trends.

However, the Kindle doesn't belong to this category. It's an affordable device that performs its function well. It's an e-reader, and that's all it's meant to be. Amazon isn't pushing for a new Kindle with groundbreaking features because it doesn't have anything else to offer. A fresh Kindle would struggle to justify a price hike.

Instead, they opted for a simple aluminum shell. The Kindle Aluminum isn't the only one sporting aluminum, as the Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis have also adopted this material. While the adjustable front lights on Signature Kindles are a nice feature, they aren't enough to justify the premium. A larger storage capacity is appreciated, but it won't appeal to everyone.

Kindles are often criticized for not being ideal for audiobooks, but if it suits you, the extra storage is a boon. The thought of leaving your Kindle on a wireless stand for easy access is appealing, yet it's not a necessity. The sleek design is nice to have, but it's not worth the extra cost. While an aluminum Kindle isn't entirely without merit, it's a needless upgrade and a clear marketing strategy to justify a new line of Kindles.

I'm uncertain if the prestige of aluminum is enough to make it worthwhile. Plastic, although durable, can be slippery, and my Kindle is prone to slipping. The new aluminum version, however, features a subtle rubber edge around the display, making it easier to hold. Ultimately, I may want it because the marketing is effective. But is that the real takeaway here?

Despite knowing that the Kindle Aluminum is a poor upgrade from the standard 16GB model, I still want one. If you're considering a Kindle, don't choose the aluminum version. But if you're keen on one, I won't fault you.