There’s no denying that [the newest Kindle Paperwhite](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AWH595M/ref=nosim&tag=shabla-20) is the best e-reader out there. Compared to last year’s model, it’s a very nice improvement (better illumination, higher contrast, slightly lighter hardware, new software features), but it’s not an epic upgrade.
Even though my biggest quibble has been resolved — [the “illumination spotlights”](http://shawnblanc.net/2012/11/kindle-paperwhite-review/) — I don’t think I’ll be upgrading my Paperwhite this year. If I didn’t yet own a Kindle, or if I still had [my Kindle Touch](http://shawnblanc.net/2011/11/kindle-touch-review/), this new Paperwhite would be a no-brainer.