Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Take Your Library Anywhere With Amazon’s Waterproof Kindle Oasis

The Amazon Kindle has long been the benchmark for e-readers. It seems that every year, the company finds new, incremental ways to make its already great digital book technology even better. With the launch of the new, new Kindle Oasis (to differentiate from 2016’s “new Kindle Oasis”), the company is changing the game yet again.

Just in time for the Kindle’s tenth anniversary, Amazon has introduced its best-ever Kindle. The aptly named new Amazon Kindle Oasis  boasts the clearest, highest-resolution Paperwhite display yet. The 7-inch screen (up from six inches) provides 300 PPI (pixels per inch) — enough real estate for 30 percent more words on every page. With a couple of additional LED lights, the ultra-crisp screen guarantees uniform lighting across the display and no glare, even in the brightest sunlight. Built-in sensors also detect ambient lighting and automatically adjust the screen’s brightness accordingly.

All New Kindle Oasis
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Perhaps the most exciting new feature for the Kindle Oasis, however, is its legit IPX8 waterproof rating (somehow the folks at Amazon never thought the original Oasis should be waterproof). For anyone who’s hard on electronics — travelers, in particular — this means the Kindle is could be a go-anywhere device. Tests have confirmed the new Kindle can survive being submerged for up to an hour in six feet of water. Amazon has not confirmed exactly how it achieved this feat, though it has been tested in hot tubs and pools.

Straight out of the box, the device just feels better to the touch. This is largely due to the all-aluminum back, which is a distinct upgrade from the previous soft plastic construction. The shape of the case is similar to earlier Kindles with one thicker side and one tapered side — the ideal form factor for one-handed reading. With an extended battery life, the device provides weeks of reading time.

The new Kindle will feature a built-in app for seamless integration with Audible’s massive audiobook library. Sadly, like its predecessors, the Kindle Oasis still doesn’t offer integrated speakers. However, Bluetooth allows for streaming directly from the device to wireless speakers or headphones.

The new Amazon Kindle Oasis  will begin shipping at the end of October 2017; the 8 GB model available for $250 and the 32GB will retail for $299. Or brother site, Digital Trends, did an in-depth review of the Kindle Oasis, which is definitely worth a read before you drop the big bucks on a new device.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The best bars in New York City: Our top picks
Here's where to belly up to the bar in NYC
The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Read more
Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?
A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park

Read more
8 helpful tips for taking a red-eye flight
Say goodbye to jet lag
Night Flight

Red-eye flights, named for their tendency to depart late at night and arrive early in the morning, offer a wide range of benefits for travelers looking to save money and optimize their time. From the luxury of saving daylight hours to the chance for lower rates, red-eyes are an appealing option for many. These flights often feature less congestion at airports and shorter security lines, leading to a more relaxed overall travel experience.

Despite their advantages, red-eye flights can also cause issues such as disrupted sleep patterns, cramped quarters, and fatigue upon arrival. However, with the right strategies and a little bit of preparation, you can turn your red-eye experience into a smooth and stress-free adventure. These are just a few red-eye flight tips to consider.
1. Match your flight to your sleep habits

Read more