Amazon's most expensive e-reader Kindle goes on sale in the U.S. on Wednesday, featuring color writing and AI capabilities, priced at $630

Amazon (AMZN.US) launched its new e-reader Kindle Scribe Colorsoft in the United States on Wednesday, making it the company's most expensive e-reader to date, priced at up to $630 (approximately HKD 4,910). A basic 11-inch iPad with Apple Pencil costs less than $430, significantly lower than the new Kindle's pricing.

The new Kindle model focuses on color display and writing features, positioning itself more as a productivity tool. This new version is an extension of the Kindle Scribe series, which was launched three years ago and is the first in the series to feature a color screen and the largest Kindle ever at 11 inches. The new device comes with an upgraded stylus, easier connectivity to certain cloud services, and AI features for note organization and summarization, targeting students and creative professionals.

However, traditional electronic tablets are more distracting than e-readers, and their battery life is shorter, while e-ink screens are better suited for long reading sessions. Amazon indicated that the Kindle category has seen double-digit growth since its update last year, with 60% of sales coming from new customers, partly benefiting from young users sharing their experiences on TikTok. The company expects the color model to drive upgrades and is exploring thinner, lighter, and even foldable designs