Amazon's expensive new Kindle accessories are almost completely worthless

Amazon recently revamped its Kindle lineup, announcing a trio of new and updated e-readers alongside a few accessories. The Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Paperwhite have been reconfigured, while the original Kindle has been overhauled for something new. The basic model comes with an aluminum backing and each version comes in a model designed for kids. Also, the Colorsoft and the Paperwhite come in a Signature Edition. It's a lot to keep track of.

Then there are the extras and add-ons you can acquire, marking the first time Amazon has made a product to work in tandem with your Kindle. And if you want the accessories, you'll need to invest in those Signature Editions. All of these new products conveniently come ahead of the holiday shopping season. It's worth taking a look at some of these features based on their description to see what's really going on and consider if they are actually worth it.

Some new Kindles feature an aluminum backing

Sturdier design and better texture costs extra

Each of the three new Kindle versions is available with an aluminum backing that gives the device a sturdier build and heftier feel. The appeal is that the light e-reader actually feels more secure in your hand, and many users prefer the feel of the aluminum over the basic plastic. Whether it's actually better for the environment is another matter.

Upgrading to the aluminum backing will cost you between $20 and $30. It feels in part like an essential upgrade, which means it's also annoying to pay that extra money for it. It's vital that the Kindle feels good in your hand because it'll be in your hand most of the time when you're using it (unless you're investing in other accessories). I'd recommend going to a store somewhere and trying out the physical models if you can see how they feel.

Of course, the aluminum backing may be completely unnecessary if you're investing in a cover that will change both the feel of the Kindle and the weight of it. I want the weight and texture that comes with aluminum, but I'm also going to put a cover on my Kindle anyway. So I don't know what to do here.

Enjoy physical buttons with a new cover

Popular old feature returns with a high price tag

For users craving physical buttons on the front of the Kindle, specifically physical buttons that turn the page, a new accessory can help. Instead of a new Kindle designed with those features, users can opt for the Page Turn Cover, which is basically a cover for your Kindle that includes a pair of physical side buttons to turn the pages. It only works with the Singature Edition of the new Paperwhite or the new Colorsoft.

I think this might be quite popular, but it's also going to test consumers. That's mainly because if you want those buttons, which for some people are highly coveted, then you're going to need to pay $80 on top of the premium you'll pay for the Signature Edition Colorsoft or Paperwhite. You can't use this on your old devices.

Basically, if you want physical buttons on your Kindle, then you'll have to buy a whole new one that's mightily expensive, and then spend more money on a specific cover that has the buttons. And you don't really get a lot of options when it comes to the cover. No fun designs or different materials. The cover is nice, admittedly: it's waterproof and durable and attractive, but only comes in three colors. There are a lot of requirements in order to unlock this simple feature.

It's also worth noting that that cover waterproofing isn't really a big deal: your Kindle itself has some waterproofing features and most covers are going to offer some protection regardless.

Amazon announced revamped Kindle covers

Cheaper, more creative options are available on Amazon

Part of the accessories announcements was a note on new covers being available. Covers, alas, aren't really new accessories, but it's a clever way to pad the lineup. A trio of new covers are available in Seaglass Green, Alpine Sky, and Graphite. They are made of plant-based leather, and generally designed to be light and tactile. They are also rather pricey, starting at $40. If you want a cover for the Signature Edition, you're going to have to spend more. Keep in mind these covers are different than the ones that come with physical buttons.

It makes sense Amazon would add some new covers to the announcement, as it's yet another item to add to your cart when shopping this holiday season. That there are so many other covers available out there, especially much cheaper ones, may be a problem. That Amazon is a marketplace for such covers is rather funny.

The covers are attractive and simple, but definitely limiting. Notably, they come with subtle branding, with the word Kindle etched along the bottom. That certainly takes away from the look.

The more fun covers, in my opinion, are available in the Kids version of the tablets. While the adult ones are plain and refined, Kids get more options in terms of graphics and colors.

Charging dock offers storage and juice

New models probably don't need frequent charging

This accessory is perhaps the most confounding. It's certainly a clever addition to the Kindle lineup, but I can't tell yet if it makes sense. A charging dock is basically a device holder that quickly charges said device. It's meant to be both powerful and aesthetically pleasant.

A charging dock is popular for gamers, granting players a spot to store and charge their controllers, often showing off both the design of the controller and the dock itself. For gamers, it makes sense. You want a full charge for lengthy gaming sessions and don't want to be interrupted while playing. Instead of charging while you play or leaving your console in sleep mode, you can use the dock instead.

I don't know that it makes as much sense for a Kindle, a device that doesn't typically drain its battery too quickly and is easy to store. It's especially curious because the new Kindle announcement touts, among other things, a powerful battery. The Colorsoft attests up to eight weeks of life on a single charge, while the Paperwhite claims its battery can last for up to 12 weeks.

So then, who exactly needs the charging dock? How often are you using your new Kindle (the dock is only compatible with the Signature Edition) that you need to charge it while you're using it? Are you reading so much continuously that you need a dock for charging instead of just a single USB cable? The dock also keeps the Kindle upright, which seems like a pretty easy thing you can set up yourself at home. It seems like the charging dock, like most of these extras, makes for a questionable purchase you will get yourself and great gifts you would get for something else.

The new lineup is designed to get you excited again about a product that has worked well for so long, likely too well. And because the Kindle is such a simple device, Amazon has stretched thin to figure out some kind of useful accessory to go with. Ultimately, there is nothing an e-reader needs, so all these additions are completely unnecessary. Nice, sure, but unnecessary.