What's with my Kindle screen?

April 14, 2025 1:23 PM

Back in 2014, IIRC, I bought a basic Kindle. The screen is now showing wear where my finger has repeatedly touched it for some operation. I will now demonstrate my basic lack of understanding about touch screens and ask, is this going to affect my ability to use my Kindle at some near point? Do I need to get it refurbished or think toward a new one?
posted by bryon to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)

Anecdotally no, not so far on my paperwhite that has seen daily use since 2012. (I have also dropped it a whole bunch onto concrete and sundry.) She looks like hell but keeps on going.

The screen is lightly "dulled" in my heavy use spots, which I suppose may, eventually, visually affect my ability to read text in that spot with perfect clarity, but the e-ink functionality has yet to be affected. One thing I have noticed is that there's a .5"x1" portion of the screen (a high use spot but oddly not one that's got any visible wear from use) that has slightly reduced reaction to touch, but only when my kindle is in a Ziploc bag for my showers. Which may not be a universal requirement for folks YMMV
posted by phunniemee at 1:45 PM on April 14 [1 favorite]

It's probably fine - no reason to borrow trouble (or give Amazon more money...)

If you want you could switch the orientation to be upside down or landscape such that your finger hits a different spot for said operation. Or you could install a screen protector.
posted by trig at 1:56 PM on April 14 [1 favorite]

I don't think you'll have problems. And if it does die ten year old working Kindle Paperwhites are about $10-15 at yard sales and thrift stores in my area.
posted by zippy at 5:05 PM on April 14 [1 favorite]

The only way I managed to kill a Kindle was by dropping a 1st gen Paperwhite in the bath. Local repair shop reanimated it within a week. I swear the only reason anyone ever buys another is new features.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:02 PM on April 14 [2 favorites]