Kindles are e-readers developed and marketed by Amazon. These small handheld devices quickly replace traditional paperbacks by providing access to millions of e-books. Its simplicity and convenience have made it a go-to device for book lovers. But being an electronic device, is a Kindle safe to use outside? If yes, what is the safe temperature range?
According to Amazon, the recommended operating temperature range for a Kindle is 32 °F to 95 °F (0 °C to 35 °C). Using it below this range can cause the oil inside the E-Ink display to freeze. And using it while frozen can cause the Kindle to burst or fail altogether.
Amazon does not recommend operating your Kindle at freezing temperatures. But what does operating mean? Reading, of course.
But when your Kindle is on standby, does it also count as “operating”? Or is it considered idle? Also, can you safely use Kindles outside? I will explain all these questions below.
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Can You Use Kindles Outside?
Yes, you can use Kindles outside. But be sure that the outdoor temperatures are within their safe operating range, i.e., 32 °F to 95 °F(0°C-350°C.) Your Kindle will slow down and eventually turn blank when the environmental temperature is too low. Use it above temperatures 95 °F(350°C and it may overheat and melt.
Amazon suggests two temperature ranges for their Kindles; the operating temperature and the storing temperature. The operating temperature, of course, is the range at which you can safely use your Kindle for reading.
The storage temperature range typically applies to sellers who stock them for sale, but I think that putting your Kindle to sleep with the wireless turned off also counts as storing. Sleeping with the wireless switched on, on the other hand, may count as operating because, even then, it may be doing things like indexing.
The recommended storage temperatures for Kindle devices range from 14°F to 113°F (-10°C to 45°C).
So, if you plan on taking your Kindle outside, be sure to stick within its recommended temperature range.
Did you know there are several easy ways to cold-proof your Kindle for safe outside operation? We have listed them below:
- Please keep it in a special insulated case.
- Keep it wrapped inside a bubble wrap envelope for an additional insulation layer.
- Do not expose it to direct cold. Keep it inside your pocket so it can benefit from your body heat.
- Please keep it in the warmest part of your backpack. Preferably wrapped inside a sweater.
- If your Kindle has become chilly because of cold exposure, let it warm up before starting to read.
- Never leave your Kindle in the car during very cold temperatures.
Your Kindle is not designed to withstand extreme head except, of course, extreme reading.
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