Kindle Oasis aimed at avid readers

Amazon’s Kindle Oasis (right), the company’s sleekest, lightest e-reader, which sells for $290, is shown in comparison with two earlier Kindle models — the Voyage (left), and the Paperwhite (centre). (Photo: AP)

The Kindle Oasis is Amazon’s sleekest, lightest e-book reader yet, at $290, unnecessary unless you’re a die-hard reader.

The Oasis, which started shipping this week, is meant to be a luxury e-book reader, a solid, top-of-the line device, when money is no object. It’s designed strictly for reading, without Facebook, streaming video and other distractions common on full-functioning tablets.

Though the Oasis has a lot going for it, I didn’t find any feature that sucked me in or won me over after a few days toting around three Kindles in New York. Amazon would have had a stronger case if its cheaper readers weren’t already good.

Here’s how the Oasis compares with the $100 Paperwhite and the $200 Voyage:

Unlike previous Kindles, the Oasis is designed for one-handed reading. One side is thicker, for a better grip, and the text flips so you can use either hand. At just 4.6 ounces (131 grams), the Oasis feels as light as a paperback.

Amazon executives say their goal is to make the device disappear so you can focus on the pages you’re reading. I found it a breeze to hold and flip the pages with one touch, either by touching the screen or using the page-turn buttons on the side.

But I also enjoyed reading with the Voyage and Paperwhite. I get lost when reading novels, whether it’s one-handed or two.

Text looks crisp and bright on the Oasis, with a screen resolution of 300 pixels per inch. But the Voyage and the latest Paperwhite have that, too (The original Paperwhite was duller.)

All three also have built-in lights, but the Oasis is packed with more LEDs for a display that’s brighter and more evenly lit. The display adjusts automatically to ambient lighting. Reading in bright sunlight, I didn’t find the screen any brighter than the Voyage, but in a dim coffee shop, it did stand out.

The Oasis also offers more fonts to choose from.