8 More Reasons Every Prepper Should Have an eReader

A few months ago we had an article on how eReaders will save the Internet in a grid down situation.  I didn’t write the article, Mr. O did.  He opened my eyes to the utility of an eReader, specifically an Kindle, for SHTF information storage.  Since I already had a Goal Zero Switch 8, it prompted me to pick up a Kindle Paperwhite.  I did so at the end of February with the express purpose of ONLY charging it via the Goal Zero, as if S had HTF.  Since the article was written it has been shared across the internet many times.  For the most part, each time it has been shared it has been received well.  Each time the comments associated with it are made by people that didn’t read the article.  I’d suggest anyone who hasn’t read the article to please do so, it sets the case for why preppers should have one, not a phone or tablet, but an eReader.  To straighten out some of the misconceptions raised by the comments, I will restate the basic facts about this combination:

1.) Devices like the Kindle Paperwhite use a technology called E-ink.  This is the key to their efficiency.  The E-Ink doesn’t need power to display an image like an LCD or LED screen, only to change the image (such as “turning” a page).  This is what allows the device to run for weeks without a charge.

2.) The battery itself is comparable to a cell phone battery in capacity.  Seeing that you only need charge it once every few weeks it won’t set you back very far on your solar budget.

3.) Information can be stored ON the device.  People have a misconception that books and other information must be stored on the cloud.  This is not true.  The Paperwhite comes with 2GB of onboard storage.  This is plenty of storage for information in kindle format.

4.) Yes, in certain circumstances Amazon can delete a book from your library.  It has only happened once before, but as a prepper you must assume that it can happen again.  There is one simple solution, when not in use turn off your WiFi and/or cellular connection.  These likely won’t be available should you actually need the material in the Kindle.  Check out this article for more information on how to safeguard your Kindle from Amazon and the NSA.

5.) Yes, an EMP theoretically can wipe out your Kindle.  You can keep your Kindle in a Faraday Cage (learn to build one here) to safeguard it.  As an excuse to not using a Kindle to store lots of very portable information, this is a poor excuse.  It is akin to staying in the house because you might be hit by a bus if you leave.

6.) The Kindle is not a substitute for paper books.  It is a way to carry hundreds or even thousands of books in a quickly accessible package that weighs a few ounces.  In an absolute emergency, where your paper books are destroyed or you find yourself on the run, you will be thankful if you have one.

7.)I guess the NSA could track you if you were using your Kindle.   It think it is highly unlikely if the WiFi and Cellular are turned off, even less likely if the cell towers themselves are down.  It is impossible for me to carry all of my books with me, but it is possible to carry my kindle.  I will take my chances.  You can always consider the Block-It Pocket as well, it attenuates ALL incoming and outgoing radiation.  No radiation means no NSA.

8.)I’ve experience weeks of use on a charge while using both the WiFi to download books and the backlight.  The backlight does a very good job at making the text legible, even in zero light.  In fact, in very low or no lighting the Paperwhite can be used as a flashlight of sorts.  Even having the back light on by default (you can turn it off if you wish) it appears to draw very little energy.  Charging from the Switch 8 is similar to charging a cell phone.  You will need one complete day to charge the switch 8, then have the switch 8 charge the Paperwhite.  You can hook them up in series as well, but you have to leave the Paperwhite outside.

I don’t see anything wrong with this combination.  The benefits far exceed the slight risks.  The combo works.  One more of my favorite comments, someone said that this was a ploy to sell Kindle Paperwhites and Goal Zero chargers.  No, not really, but since you’ve mentioned it, you can get both of them here on Amazon:

Kindle Paperwhite- I suggest this version for a couple of reasons, the back light and touchscreen.  Get the version “with special offers” to save yourself $20.  They only display when not in use.

 Kindle- Nothing wrong with this one either, no back light or touchscreen, but almost half the price of the Paperwhite.  Again, get the version “with special offers”

Goal Zero Switch 8-  This is the one that I use, any of the Goal Zero Chargers will work.