The bezels on the new Kindles

I was just examining some photos of the new Kindles on the Amazon website. Although i don't care for the silver bezels, I did notice what is perhaps a significant improvement. The K3 bezel has more or less squared corners around the screen. The new Kindle bezels (Touch and Non-touch) have what appear to be more rounded corners. This might be significant from an engineering perspective. The K3 sometimes developed hairline cracks in their bezel near the corners. The more squared a corner the more likely it can crack when stressed. The new more rounded corners should help to prevent these stress cracks from occurring on the new models.

[Harry_Y]

I have to agree I also am not a fan of silver.

[fr0stbit3]

Nice observation!

[Skydog]

I noticed this too for the same reason. Also, I believe the hairline cracks (from which I suffer) were limited to the graphite units. A change in color/composite may aid in this as well.

After viewing the video, I think the "silver" bezel is a nice compromise between the graphite and the stark white of the original models.

[tomsem]

I think it is just shiny gray plastic, not silver. A distinction without a difference, perhaps..

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by Harry_Y

I have to agree I also am not a fan of silver.

The light color of the original Kindles makes their screens appear a little dark. The (dark) graphite color makes text look lighter. I think it also causes wider margins to be needed. I am hoping the light gray color of the new Kindles make the screen and text look just right.

I am also glad that now there are choices between keyboard or not, touchscreen or not, and some color choices. I hope they all sell well enough that none are canceled.

[benjamintm]

Originally Posted by Harry_Y

I have to agree I also am not a fan of silver.

Nothing a can of matte black spray paint can't fix :-).

Ben

[peartree]

I didn't realize hairline cracks in the corners were a common issue. I've noticed this recently on my K3. Is it something I should actually be worried about, or is it just a cosmetic thing?

[Alisa]

I have one little hairline crack and it hasn't made a difference. It happened when DH accidentally tossed his bag on top of my Kindle. It was in the case, fortunately. I didn't realize it was such a common thing.

[Skydog]

Originally Posted by peartree

I didn't realize hairline cracks in the corners were a common issue. I've noticed this recently on my K3. Is it something I should actually be worried about, or is it just a cosmetic thing?

This issue has been discussed for some time and appears to be limited to the graphite for some unknown reason (but this may have changed). I did not even notice until I started reading about the problem and, even then, I had to look while in the sunlight, or direct natural light, before I noticed the small, 1/8" faint, hairline cracks. Months later, the cracks spread further out to about a half-inch. This has had no effect whatsoever on the integrity of the bezel/case or any of the functions. Best guess for the cause is a combination of the design and the composite of the graphite casing.

I am a fanatic when it comes to taking care of my electronics. My K3, now the "Kindle Keyboard 3G," has always been in the Amazon lighted case and, when traveling, I add another thick neoprene case to the mix. It's never been dropped or abused.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by tomsem

I think it is just shiny gray plastic, not silver. A distinction without a difference, perhaps..

I hope it's not too "shiny", because I hate glare. If so, then I'll have to pass on getting one.

[Skydog]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I hope it's not too "shiny", because I hate glare. If so, then I'll have to pass on getting one.

I seriously doubt it will be shiny -- none of the Kindles have been to date and I don't think Amazon would make that mistake now.

The video on the order page gives a pretty good view of the bezel.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by peartree

I didn't realize hairline cracks in the corners were a common issue.

I didn't either until someone brought it up earlier today. My KSO is fine.

[OtterBooks]

I hear that they are darker gray than they appear in photos.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by OtterBooks

I hear that they are darker gray than they appear in photos.

I hope so. Will have to wait until I can actually see one in a store.