Kindle Scribe: My Honest Verdict!

[@BenjiMartin]

Whoop! I'm glad that you decided to keep the Scribe, and that you are loving it as much as I am. I am serving on an award committee this year, so I'm having to take pretty intensive notes on everything I'm reading, and the Scribe has been perfect for that. I've used the send to email feature for the annotations several more times since we last talked, and it's still working great. I hope you continue to love the Scribe, and hopefully we'll see some awesome updates soon!

[@M-J]

Thanks! Plus, a software update was just released with new features!

[@michaelk.vaughan8617]

Must…not…buy…another…Kindle! I have six Kindles already…why are you making me buy another one!?

[@M-J]

This is payback for your June on the Range influence. 😂 Honestly, buy it and try it, you have 30 days to play with it - hassle free! If it doesn't work for you, you can return it. 😊

[@HannahKerr-gb8cz]

I just bought it it's going to be my 5th lol

[@M-J]

@@HannahKerr-gb8cz 👏🏻👏🏻

[@gutenbird]

Did you buy it?

[@M-J]

@@gutenbird I’m not sure if MVK did. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Acroanidd]

Glad that you like yours. I got mine a few weeks ago at this point and I love mine too. I have 3 other prior Kindles but now they are the kids Kindles. The size makes reading that much more enjoyable, less flipping between pages, faster flipping etc, it shaved a lot of time off of my time to finish reading a book. The note taking is great for work as well. Cheers.

[@M-J]

It’s just so stinking good for reading at home. 👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks so much for sharing!

[@wowsean]

My wife does not want our son to read from a small screen, so I held off buying cheaper kindles. But today, we ordered the base Scribe model, since it is an OK screen size. Hopefully we will like it. Screen size, 17% off and $25 book credits made me do it!

[@M-J]

That’s fantastic. I switch off from the Scribe to my Paperwhite for ease of use without issue and the devices remember where I left off in the book. Enjoy the Scribe! 😊

[@scottbecker3485]

As a fresh-baked Scribe owner, I can only express my wholehearted agreement with you on its virtues! While not the lightest device for reading, the lighter ones are all appreciably smaller, and size definitely matters for me, too (aka „aging eyes“). The Scribe lets me bump up the font size and still not feel like I‘m playing Pac-man to change pages on my Kindle Voyage (otherwise a brilliant reader, and certainly also my go-to for being on the go). I‘ve become a huge fanboy of the Scribe after setting myself up to dislike due to its obvious shortcomings at product launch. Well, most of those have meanwhile been addressed, and I‘m confident further improvements are on the way. For simple daily listmaking and notetaking, it does the job very well. I‘m comparing it to my iPad Pro, which of course does the writing job with infinitely more features, but also with a screen that causes eye strain, and which is not fun to write on. I also don‘t like having any of my smarter devices next to my bed when inspiration (or the desire to read) strikes. The Scribe, in flight mode, emits nothing, and my Apple devices surely do. I‘m also comparing the Scribe to my recently purchased (and regretted) Boox Ultra Air 2 plus, which I had hoped would satisfy me be giving me a bit more screen real estate than my Kindle Voyage, while at the same time offering infinite notetaking (and other) options. Well, it kinda works for me, but the Scribe‘s screen size, lighting, clarity and ease of use (as you pointed out) are simply excellent. No distractions - yeah! (And I‘m a guy who can easily get distracted by stupidly racing to „keep up“ with notifications and more.) I love the simplicity and form factor of the Scribe much more than I thought I would. Indeed, less is more!

[@M-J]

I am so happy that you have had a great experience with the Scribe. It definitely is a game changer for my reading. Less is more! Happy reading and thanks for the update! - MJ

[@amandawillems6921]

I just got my scribe yesterday and so far i really like it hopefully it continues to get better and better makes me so happy that you like it

[@M-J]

I LOVE IT! 👏🏻👏🏻 Congrats and welcome to the Scribe Tribe! Happy Reading and note taking. - MJ

[@davemeadows6688]

I have the scribe. Trying to decide between the fabric case or the premium leather? Anyone tried the leather cover?

[@M-J]

I don't know anyone that has tried the Amazon leather case. Olly just got a posh case from a company that looks really really nice - with a post pricetag too - but they also had vegan options. I do enjoy the fabric case because it's just so dang slim and the pen loop as well.

[@andreeainbookland1497]

I bought one a few weeks ago…and I love it! It made the reading experience a 10000 times better 😍 I’m definitely keeping the sucker 😃

[@M-J]

Yes! 👏🏻👏🏻 It’s a game changer, right?!?! Happy Reading!

[@hudsonbond9797]

Thankyou - this helps - I’m on the edge of purchasing!

[@M-J]

That’s great! I have a nez video going up soon with more Scribe talk. ☺️

[@ceciland7773]

Thanks to your video and a free forums, I’ve ordered my scribe and it’s in the way. I’m curious about the workaround for your annotations vanishing. I read a lot of non-fiction, so I’m prone to jot down notes as I read. I have seen a suggestion in a forum to use Microsoft lens (an app for your phone) to snap a “picture” that you can either OCR or add keywords to the image and send it to one note. That’s easily doable for occasional notes, but a book full of annotations, not so much.

[@M-J]

Oh my gosh! 👏🏻👏🏻 I do hope you enjoy it! ☺️I’m going to film an update video this weekend and will attempt to illustrate the work around. Happy Reading!

[@dcmsr5141]

Been on the fence since it's inception, updates have given me reason to purchase, and ordered the Scribe during Prime Day.....and so it begins

[@M-J]

Congrats to you! Welcome to the Scribe Tribe. Please be sure to keep me updated as to how you are enjoying it

[@foxa777]

Thank you for your honest opinions and sharing your experience. 🙏

[@M-J]

Thank you!

[@kimmysander2447]

I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed with the fabric case. It seems to start fraying on the sides as I am holding it. Other than that the device is amazing, I really love using it.

[@M-J]

I agree with you on the fabric case! I switched mine out a few months ago. I’m so glad to hear you are enjoying the Scribe! Welcome to the Scribe Tribe! 😊 - MJ

[@hotichor]

If and only if it has side by side reading and writing feature…that would disrupt the market at this price range because scribe has one of the best reading and writing experience…

[@M-J]

I agrée. Do you ever think it will happen? It’s like the best wish waiting to be true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. - MJ

[@hotichor]

@@M-J depends upon their hardware compatibility but since its not an android device so maybe their hardware can support it along with a software update which i am sure company this big can do it if they want it…hope amazon make note of it on their scribe🤞😉

[@M-J]

@@hotichor i do honestly believe they “listen” to all of our suggestions and wishes. Fingers crossed.

[@hotichor]

@@M-J i hope they also take note of adding folder option in books library too because adding multiple PDFs of same topic and then finding them is some task

[@M-J]

@@hotichor I can agree with that !

[@electrology]

I also own a Kobo Sage and a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition like you. As we discussed yesterday, I recently purchased the Scribe 📝 and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Scribe has a significantly better battery life than my Kobo Sage 🔋.

[@M-J]

Yes, the batter life is quite good. Happy Reading.

[@electrology]

@@M-J thank you. I recently discovered "Readwise". It's awesome. I started using "Obsidian" (similar to Notion) where we can automatically sync the bookmarks into Obsidian notebooks for easy reference. It's awesome

[@Genjonez-o763]

There is something weird about transitioning from one page to another or one document to another that I’m struggling with. I just went to Amazon to send it back. But maybe I’m expecting too much. I really wanted to use it for a digital planner and maybe it’s just not built for that. I’m going to give it another try and focus more on using it to read. (Which out of habit I tend to do on my phone). I’m going to give it another week before I decide.

[@M-J]

You have 30 days! There is a setting...let me see...go under "book and notebook options" there is an option to refresh the display with every page turn, maybe that can help with the transition. I will say his regarding digital planning. I have created my own writable planner inserts and it is kinda dreamy to be able to digitally write in them. Don't give up yet!

[@ankitaggarwal028]

Loved the video. ❤

[@M-J]

Thank you - MJ

[@christopherstaal6849]

Nicely done. I’ve been curious about the Scribe. I’m a Kindle fan but have a ReMarkable 2 which doesn’t support Kindle books. Your review, especially showing how the paper template looks is helpful. The backlight is a big plus over the RM2.

[@M-J]

Thank you! Please be sure to check out the Kindle shorts and the unboxing video. Lots of great information. I'd recommend anyone to try it and use it to the max of the 30 day return policy. - MJ

[@christopherstaal6849]

@@M-J I’ll definitely checkout your other Scribe reviews and observations!

[@michaelmaccalla6701]

I am thinking of one of these. Just not sure if it will work for my misc notes in the Bible. I know I can make notebooks in it, just wonder if the sticky notes can link to the notebook.

[@M-J]

I highly recommend using the 30 day return policy, if possible. That way you can take it for a test drive. The sticky notes do populate with highlights if you have the book on the device. Good luck!

[@TangibleReads]

scribe seems cool. May have to look at it after my Kindle Fire takes a dive.

[@M-J]

I am enjoying it for sure!

[@BOH1995]

I’ve had two paperwhites & an oasis & love kindle. Debating on the scribe. Can you use the pen to highlight?

[@M-J]

Hi Bradley, YES! 👏🏻😂The premium pen (probably the standard pen as well) has a button that is programmable! I believe there are two or three options, one is for post it notes, the other is highlight, and I can’t recall what the other option is at the moment. - 📚MJ

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yay! #TeamScribe!

[@M-J]

Kindle Kool-Aid Kids sound more fun. 😂

[@CriminOllyBlog]

@@M-J not sure I’m sold on those initials…

[@M-J]

Omg 😱

[@M-J]

Sounds better than squash kids 😂

[@gemz9306]

I will say it depends what you use it for whether you’ll love it I don’t mind not writing directly on the book or having apps to share notes I just want my notes on my scribe as I’m working there can be improvements for the price but I love mine

[@M-J]

I completely agree with you - well, except the writing in books. I just can’t do it. 😂

[@royreadsanything]

Interesting, I didn't know about the papers, that looks awesome

[@M-J]

The different paper styles is definitely one feature that I love.

[@HannahKerr-gb8cz]

I only got the scribe for the reading I loved reading on my sister's ipad because it was so big then I really got into kindles and started buy everyone single one of them lol.

[@M-J]

It’s fantastic! I Hope you continue to enjoy it. I really do enjoy it for note taking in books and videos. Happy Reading! 📚MJ

[@ashleycraig9836]

Do you remember the name of the book at the 5 minute mark? It looks very interesting.

[@M-J]

H Ashley! That is "The Shards" by Bret Easton Ellis. I have a full video review (non-spoilers) if you'd like to check it out. Happy reading! - MJ

[@ashleycraig9836]

@@M-J thank you so much!

[@M-J]

@@ashleycraig9836 Most welcome! 😊

[@alynam82]

I had a feeling you leaning towards a keeper, but I'm glad you are. I don't see myself getting one, as cool as it seems, mainly because I've never been a note taker, and don't see myself taking advantage of all the features the device offers. I had a plain-Jane paperwhite for a few years, after having used my cellphone 📱 for some time (and having to charge it 3x a day). Now I have a more recent paperwhite with a backlight, and suits me well. I read at night on the porch (in warmer weather), I take it in the pool with me, etc... Anyways, I'm done blabbing... I think you done yourself a service with the Scribe, and I hope it continues to satisfy

[@M-J]

If it wasn’t free, I would not have gotten it. 😁

[@swankscares]

I love Kindle. I watch it on my phone. This year I started Kindle Unlimited. Love it so far.

[@M-J]

I’m glad you enjoy it! My bestie read on her phone. I gifted her a Kindle as a Christmas & Birthday present. Total game changer for her. 😊

[@chrisconnors7418]

I’ll wait for a few years to see what else they add or what other devices are brought out. No rush for me. My kobo is good, and I have an old kindle with the keyboard, plus I’ll probably get a seldom-used paperwhite when my dear old mom heads off to the big ol’ library in the sky (hopefully not for a few more years though). If my eyes start failing I would get the scribe sooner but so far so good; keeping fingers crossed they’ll stay reading sharp for another decade or two till I won’t need them anymore. :)

[@M-J]

I respect that. I really want an e-reader that will make me my favorite cuppa tea, bring it to wherever I am, fold laundry, and tell me nice things on the daily, and discuss the current book I’m reading with me. 😃

[@chrisconnors7418]

What? You haven’t trained Watson to do that yet? :)

[@mcorrlo08]

I bought it. I hate it. Nobody is mentioning an important thing: everytime I turn the page, the screen takes a long time (thinking maybe?) then it flashes and goes completely black, and only then does it show the next page. Not good for your eyes or your pacience.You can't search inside the book or flip through it. Have no control. It's a near complete disaster.

[@M-J]

I’m sorry your experience isn’t a good one. I hope you were able to send it back for a refund.

[@alohm]

Oh my gosh :) The price is unreal? I got a chromebook for a fraction of that, I wonder if there is more functionality. I do wish for a Scrib device - since the app on my android phone is awful. I was looking at these digital paper devices, but since the cost is as much as a tablet - not sure of the use case.. I have limited experience on these devices... I am old as heck so not much on the tech, that is me. Thank you for sharing.

[@M-J]

If I didn't have the rewards cash, I wouldn't have dropped the coin on it. Trust me! It is extremely user friendly though, I will say that - and readingi on it is pretty much perfect for me.

[@gemz9306]

I love mine I love the big screen I read on my sofa I prop it up on a cushion I find it much easier reading on a bigger screen and I can write notes when working, I still have my Paperwhite for vacations as carrying the scribe would be a bit heavy

[@M-J]

The screen size is a massive pro! I love m’y PaperWhite for “on the go” and bedtime reading. Thanks for sharing! 📚MJ

[@Bruceneuman]

I have had several Kindles including the Scribe. Great device. Software improving.

[@M-J]

It truly is. I was thrilled with the recent e-mail re: software updates. 😊 Thanks for sharing! - 📚MJ

[@Joe-ol5bq]

*DRUM ROLL*

[@M-J]

🥁

[@tomasgiordano5235]

Does it need some type of screen protector?

[@M-J]

Hello! No, I find that it doesn't, but I have seen them sold for the Scribe.

[@danielmarlett1421]

Just curious what are you annotating? Like, it's such a foreign concept to me for anything other than nonfiction. The only temptation this device holds for me is the size. And honestly I think I'd pick up the basic kindle first.

[@M-J]

It really depends on the book, but make handwritten notes regarding characters, plot pints, set pieces, insights, thoughts, sentences that make an impact. It's how I journey through a book, if that makes sense.

[@TheGrapeJellyLibrary]

I was hoping you would keep it. 😊

[@M-J]

It’s an absolute dream. I hope you are enjoying yours!

[@TheGrapeJellyLibrary]

@@M-J Yes, I love it! Someone gifted me money for one in November. I sat on it, unsure, until your video compilation - convincing! 🤗

[@t0dd000]

I have a Kobo and kinda love it and how seamless the library experience is. It's a Forma so the form factor is big enough for my also-old eyes. I'm probably going to avoid the scribe-like tablets until they can reliably transcribe my writing into digital text. That's a'ways off. Five years maybe? And sorry, but I'm a fan of the Oxford comma. :) Fiction, Friends, & Fun

[@M-J]

I have a special place in my heart for Kobo! BUT, the Kindle Kool-Aid is real and pretty tasty. I can't wait until some device will make, bring, and serve me a cuppa tea to my liking. I know. I know. It was a style decision, not a punctuation placement decision. 🤗

[@HeathersHeroesAndHeroines]

I didn't even know about the scribe.

[@M-J]

LOL

[@AndreShouldBeWriting]

Great video :D Have you considered a Kobo Elipsa?

[@M-J]

Thanks! No, I still love my Kobo Libra H20. Andre, I really don't need another e-reader just yet. 😂 - MJ

[@AndreShouldBeWriting]

@@M-J oh no, I was not trying to convince you to buy a new one. I just wondered that since you had a Kobo, that the Elipsa would have seem more interesting than the Kindle Scribe since it is a similar sized Kobo but with pen input and annotation as well. I might grab one in the future and make a video, we can compare notes then :D

[@M-J]

@@AndreShouldBeWriting Tech videos always get wonderful views. I’d be interested in watching that!

[@jakegreen326]

Don't know about the Scribe, but the lady is cute 😍

[@M-J]

The Scribe is cute too! Thanks for making me smile, Jake.

[@NenadSapungin]

Thanks for sharing this! New sub👍🏼out here supporting smaller channels like mine!

[@M-J]

Hello! Cool channel!