Is The Kindle Scribe Waterproof? Better Or Worse?
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The Amazon Kindle Scribe is the latest Kindle e-reader family. Does it come with the same or upgraded features, such as an improved IPX rating for being waterproof?
The Kindle Scribe is not waterproof; it does not even have an IPX rating. The Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, and the Kindle Oasis are all IPX8 waterproof.
Even though it’s not waterproof or water-resistant, there are some things you can do to try to save your Kindle Scribe if it’s dropped in water.
What Does it Mean to be Waterproof?
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is the latest entry into the Kindle e-reader product line that comes with a whopping 300 ppi 10.2-inch screen, up to 64 GB of storage, and a 35 LED front light.
With all these bells and whistles for an e-reader, users are probably surprised that it’s not waterproof. However, is the Kindle Scribe water-resistant?
The Kindle Scribe is not water-resistant. It does not have an IPX rating. E-ink surfaces do not come with water resistance because the water droplets can affect the screen.
The Kindle Scribe offers a premium pen with a dedicated eraser, which has been shown to affect its water resistance.
Though the terms might seem the same, there is a stark difference between a waterproof product and a water-resistant product.
IPX Rating System of Water Resistance
The IP rating system is tested and given by the International Electrotechnical Commission based on a rating scale titled IEC Standard 60529. It measures water resistance.
The IPX scale ranges from 0-9, with 9 being the highest water resistance protection.
| IP Rating: | Water Resistance Level |
| IPX0 | No water resistance protection |
| IPX1 | Protected from condensation and vertically dripping water |
| IPX2 | Protected from water sprays at 15 degrees |
| IPX3 | Protected from water sprays at 60 degrees |
| IPX4 | Protected from splashing at any angle |
| IPX5 | Protected from low-pressure streams of water from any angle |
| IPX6 | Protected from high-pressure streams of water from any angle |
| IPX7 | Protected from submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes max |
| IPX8 | Protected from submersion in water deeper than 1 meter for 30 minutes max |
| IPX9 | Protected from high-pressure, high-temperature water sprays at close range |
IPX9 is a special use case for extreme conditions and is rarely ever used. IPX8 is the most common top-end IP rating used for consumer products.
Water Resistant
Water resistance is different than waterproof. A product that is water resistant cannot be submerged in water. If you submerge a water-resistant product, it will be damaged.
Water-resistant means that the product can resist water entry to a certain degree and will not get damaged. Too much water will damage the product. Water-resistant products range from IPX2 to IPX6.
Some examples of water-resistant products are later versions of AirPods and VTech Watches.
Waterproof
Waterproof is a term used to describe a product capable of being submerged in water up to a certain depth without getting damaged.
These products usually have their internal components completely sealed.
A waterproof item can be submerged in water without damage, so it can easily survive pools and the beach. Waterproof products range from IPX7 to IPX9
Some examples of waterproof products are some iPhones and the SmartBulb360.
What Things can you do Around Water with the Kindle Scribe?
Since the Kindle Scribe isn’t waterproof or water-resistant, taking it to the beach or pool is not recommended.
You should save any water-related activities for your Kindle Oasis or Paperwhite.
What to do if you get the Kindle Scribe Wet
If the worst happens and you get your Kindle wet, you aren’t out of luck yet! Here is how to save your digital sticky notes from water damage:
- Wipe the Kindle dry with a clean cloth
- If the Kindle is wet with dirty or salt water, use a moist cloth to clean it of any salt, dirt, or debris
- Place your Kindle upright (with the USB charging port facing down) for an extended time to help the water drain out.
- Place your device in a container covered with rice or silica gel packs to help wick out the errant moisture.
At this point, you can try and see if the Kindle will take a charge or turn on.
If your Kindle doesn’t turn on, you should contact Amazon support to see if there are other options and if you can use your warranty.
Are There Waterproof Covers for the Kindle Scribe?
Since the Kindle Scribe isn’t waterproof or even water-resistant, are there covers for it?
At this time, there are no covers to make a Kindle Scribe waterproof or water-resistant.
WALNEW makes waterproof cases for all the other Kindle models. So, it is likely that WALNEW will eventually make a waterproof model for the Scribe since it already makes Scribe cases.
Are There Any Kindles That are Waterproof?
Three models of Kindles are rated IPX8 waterproof. This means that the three models of Kindle can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter and not get damaged.
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
- Kindle Oasis
The main difference between these models and the Kindle Scribe is the screen size. If you want a waterproof Kindle, you must settle for a 7-inch screen instead of a 10.2-inch screen.
If you are unsure whether your later model Paperwhite or Oasis of Kindle is waterproof, this article has a great breakdown on how to find out your model number.
Conclusion
The Kindle Scribe isn’t an entry-level kindle, nor is it waterproof like the IPX8-certified Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis.
The Kindle Scribe offers weeks of battery life, and the ability to get ebooks through the Kindle app can make a Kindle Scribe a great choice for anyone, just not people who like to read poolside.
