Replacement K2i has much darker screen + much poorer contrast? Possible?

[AlexJouJou]

So the replacement K2i I received today has a screen that is much different than the one I had. I called under warranty as my right next page button has no click and you barely touch it and it goes to the next page..and it hangs up sometimes so I felt I should get a replacement as my K2i isn't even 6 mos. old.

The one I had is:
noticably lighter
has marked better contrast
even the fonts look different (though they are the same and same size)

The new one is:
MUCH darker (you can completely notice it!)
The font looks a bit fuzzy and the contrast is definitely not equal to what I had before

The new K2i almost seems darker bluish tint and my one that I'm replacing seems more yellowish.


I know the pic isn't the best but can you tell the difference? The right on the first pic and hte left on the second pic (I took it upside down) is my current k2i . I'm not happy - has anyone called with an issue like this? Both have the 2.5 update.sorry for the big photos!

[nogdog~6op6ou]

Yes, there was a surprisingly large range of screen qualities in the K2, including background/print contrast as well as the dreaded sun-fade issue.

Any possibility of upgrading to the K3? I've not got mine yet, but all reports are that the screen is quite noticeably better. (I believe Amazon claims a 50% improvement in contrast.)

[AlexJouJou]

Yes possibly I might have to if they won't exchange this.

I'm actually quite happy with the contrast on my current K2i..no issues for me at all. I couldn't believe what a noticable difference these two are .. I had no idea there is such a possibility. In person it is even more marked. When you look from 3 feet away the one they sent to replace looks like the text is faded out quite a bit while my original is still looking great and distinct.

[cc1013]

I would suggest that you call Kindle CS and explain that the contrast on the replacement unit is poor.  I did this recently and they shipped out another replacement overnight.  Amazon CS is fantastic in situations like yours.

[Linjeakel]

I would imagine that since the K2 is no longer produced all the replacements are refurbished ones - in other words they've been returned by someone else as being defective and supposedly repaired. As a result there's inevitably going to be a huge variation on quality. It may be just a hit and miss thing to get one that is completely OK.

If you can manage it, an upgrade to a K3 would be your best bet. Although it means spending money IMO it's worth it - the K3s are a definite improvement, particularly the screen/contrast/fonts etc. If they'll send you another replacement all well and good, but if you're not happy with that one, I'd definitely upgrade.

[DD]

Your original K2i doesn't happen to have a font hack installed, does it?

[AlexJouJou]

Your original K2i doesn't happen to have a font hack installed, does it?

Nope. No hacks at all. And both have the 2.5 upgrade and, since you can't change the font, they have to be the same Before I put in the 2.5 update the one they sent me *looked* very blurry...I would call it barely readable.

I know it's a refurb - so likely that's the reason--it looked like a refurb as well (little dirt on a couple buttons and such).

I will probably get a K3 but since this K2i was bought in April at $259 I definitely think they need to fix it! I so WISH they would just fix mine....it's only a button...I'd be very happy with that. I was surprised that they always replace! I get why they do it but if they offered me the option I'd just fix the one I have...it has beautiful contrast and is very crisp and clear!

[AlexJouJou]

Called and they are sending out another K2i for me! It sure be here Monday.

I did try last night to read on it but had eye strain within about 30 minutes..something wrong with it for sure..still looks fuzzy. The background being darker I don't think will matter in the end if the contrast is acceptable----it's the contrast that is bad.

Actually this CS rep was fantastic. The one I talked to the other day kept grilling me about what I might have done to my K2i - dropped it? No. Got it wet? No. and so on...I was getting a little insulted...my Kindle is better protected than most other things in my house