Why I'm choosing the Kindle with Special Offers

So I get to save $20 in exchange for teeny little ads like the one at the bottom of the screen? OK, deal!

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

There was quite the hullabaloo last week regarding Amazon's new Kindles.

Turns out that the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Fire HD tablets were all "Special Offers" models, meaning they'd display ads on their lock screens and main home screens.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos neglected to mention this when announcing the prices for all these Kindles, causing a minor uproar in the hours that followed -- especially when Amazon reps said there would be no way to opt out. Then, barely a day later, Bezos and Co. reversed course and gave Kindle Fire customers the option of paying $15 to opt out of Special Offers.

If you buy a Kindle, Kindle... [Read more]