Long story short, I've decided I want one. I don't read nearly as much as I used to and I'm hoping this will give me a boost back into literature, but which one to buy? I'll mostly be using it to read indoors, I can't see many situations where I'll be away from my house and desperately find myself in need of a new book, so the main appeal of 3G would be the Wikipedia access and whatever the Webkit browser can manage. Wikipedia would be particularly useful to me when I'm out buying movies/games and want to read up on what I'm looking at. Webkit I'm not too sure about. Free internet access sounds great but I'm not too informed on the limitations of the browser, obviously there's no Flash (gasp!) and misc other plugins, but what about email access? Instant messaging services? IRC? Amazon specifically mentions the browser is experimental so it's a bit of a gamble. Depending on what's possible, the 3G Kindle will either be fantastic value for money or questionable value for money. So... has anyone got any info on what it's capable of? Had hands on experience with the new Kindle browser? Google didn't particularly help so I'm looking to you guys for input. Thanks
Have you gone through the pages & pages of Kindle info the Amazon site itself? Ironically, my wife has been researching the Kindle for the last week (i'm getting a $250 Amazon GC for being a Script Editor for the new Hybrid 2, so she's officially claimed it to get a Kindle ). Anyway, I don't know much about it myself, but we checked other forums (for general info, beyond what Amazon explained) and couldn't seem to find anyone else who could help either. One guy, however, did mention that the Sony E-Books are apparently better, unfortunately he didn't say why! Regardless, we're ordering the 3G 6" Kindle tomorrow or the next day, so if it arrives before you make your decision, I'll give you my feedback on it
I'm gonna get the Wifi model. I use my phone when I'm out and about for data and I can always share my phone's 3G signal with it if I need to. Is there even a 3G UK model I thought it was just Sprint in the US using CDMA bands.
Wi-Fi only. Almost all your book purchases are going to be made either at home or in a place that has a free Wi-Fi connection, and that's the only time you need to connect. The only reason I can see to own a 3G model is if you live in a place where you can't get decent internet access (my dad is buying a #G iPad because he's in the sticks and can't get high-speed internet). BTW, we own both a Kindle and an iPad, and they get used at different times for different things by different people. If you live alone, an iPad is all you need, but if not, you;d be amazed how often they're both in use. Either way,m the Kindle is a bargain.
The iPad is the polar opposite of what I want. The screen is unusable in sunlight, it more expensive than it's worth, it'd distract me from my task of reading more books with it's ability to play games and the battery lasts 10 hours as opposed to the Kindle's one month. Yeah I've gone through pretty much everything. They seem to be avoiding giving any notes on the browser since it's in an experimental stage, the browser option is actually in a menu marked "experimental" on the device so I can see why they don't want to make any promises. Yeah there is. Well, it's available to buy on Amazon.co.uk and advertised on the front page so I'm assuming that's proof. I don't have a data plan with my phone. I could get one, but that would cost money... and the Kindle's 3G is free so obviously it'd be a better choice depending on what it can do. I've heard that even for regular website use the browser is slow and clunky so at this point maybe it's just not worth bothering with for any regular use. From the limited info I've gathered right now, there's practically no way it's reliable enough for the likes of IM/IRC or social networking, which leaves email, and I don't really need access to my email when I'm outside so I'm probably better off with the Wi-Fi model. I do like the idea of Wikipedia access on the move because I'm a nerd like that, but probably not for an additional £40.
I went with the 3G. $40 for free 3g coverage seems like a good deal. I can buy books when away from my house, look up something on wikipedia, and have it update my reading progress to sync later with my ipod. Oh and good news, Amazon started shipping Kindles today. Anyone that preordered on the first day got something to look forward to in the next couple days.
I'm somewhat interested in this kindle thing too.. What do they mean when they say "Free 3G"? - http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-3G-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002FQJT3Q
The iPad is a good multi-device, but I couldn't read for long periods of time on it. Sunlight and any kind of glare really hinder it as an e-reader at least for me. I have the 3G Kindle and I have not been disappointed. The downloads are smooth and quick, and I haven't had any hiccups with it in the months I've had it. Admittedly, the included browser should only be used for the most basic surfing, but it works fine otherwise for stripped down usage. Having said that, we recently tested the wifi only version, and I have to say that it's pretty slick. Much smaller and sleeker both in form factor and in weight. This feels like a paperback you're holding. The wifi works pretty well, and downloads were quick. I'm tempted to pick this up as well. If you're considering the wifi only version, you'll want to make sure you have a strong enough wifi signal. Otherwise, it won't be much use to you and you should go with the 3G Kindle in that case. In either case, the screens on both do make a difference in the reading experience. Note that I read about 2-4 books a month.
Thanks Albie! But what's all this talk about Free 3G? How does that work? I'm a bit confused with that.
Here, allow me to explain to you what this means in more detail. It means: "FREE 3G." Basically Kindle is in cahoots with many Wireless providers and your Kindle will run off their tower. For instance, in Canada here, when I get a Kindle 3G it will have free internet access using 3G off of our Telus and Rogers towers. You should also check the coverage Map in the Amazon description area on the Kindle to make sure 3G coverage is supported in your area.
The 3G Kindle uses AT&T for its wireless service, and you get that access for free when you buy this version. This comes in handy when you don't have access to wifi, and the best part is that it doesn't cost you anything. To further clarify, the iPad 3G requires you to pay a monthly charge for AT&T service. The 3G Kindle provides AT&T service free of charge for downloading documents, ebooks and Internet access.
Free 3G is pretty much the only thing that makes the Kindle cool now days. You're pretty much wasting $140 by not dropping the extra $50 for 3G access. With 3G the content delivery is so stupidly seamless that it really makes me wish Apple products could do the same thing. You should really consider saving your money for the iPad though, I own both and the iPad has pretty much rendered my Kindle useless. Multitaskers are always better than unitaskers, and if you really think that not having access to the software on the App Store on the Kindle is going to make you any more productive you're fooling yourself because you're just going to find other distractions with the Kindle if you really don't want to focus. I don't think the e-ink screen makes that big of a difference, people who argue that it causes less eye strain disregard the fact that most people spend most of their day staring at a computer screen and never find themselves shaking their fist at the heavens damning their eyes for being strained by their screen.
I've had a Kindle since before the iPad days and I have to say that I do enjoy it. I am able to travel lighter now with several choices of reading materials etc. If I finish reading something while away from home the 3G comes in handy to find something else. Also to reiterate - free 3G IS indeed free 3G - and worldwide. Not a bad feature. Now there is a choice to include it or not, but I never had a choice so I would kind of not know what to do WITHOUT it I have gotten so used to having it! I also have the Kindle app for my iPod Touch and they synch beautifully and I can use the small screen if I ever want to read when I didn't bring the Kindle, etc. I am sure you can do that with the iPad too. You like what you are used to though so I am sure that I like it cuz I have it and don't really think about comparing it to an iPad. Would an iPad render this obsolete? Maybe. The thing I like about it though is that I feel more comfortable toting this around than I feel I would an iPad. Maybe that is just my own problem in my own head but I feel like I can just toss this in a backpack and be on my way since I even treat my iPod Touch with more care! The expense? Maybe, because I don't feel as if one is more durable or anything. The e-ink screen? Eh, the only time I found a difference was in the sunlight I couldn't see my iPod Touch but COULD read the Kindle. The browser? It is in beta or testing or whatever they call it but it is basic. I mean I wouldn't go surfing the web on it for any period of time. But it gets the minor jobs done. The one drawback I find (and apparently will be fixed with the newest gen Kindle to be released this month) is the memory. Though it is huge - you can't - at least on my gen - delete books you have read already. They can be archived so they don't appear on your main list anymore but they are always there. I think the new gen you can delete from your device and they are stored in your Amazon account but I can't be sure about that.
Yeah, the latest Kindle lets you delete and re-download books at will. The memory has been doubled as well for a total of around 3500 books. I'm not sure if the old one had this feature, but the new Kindle also supports MP3 playback for those who like to listen to music while they read. I can see why people would suggest getting an iPad, but it really is a lot more money. I already own a Macbook and an iPod Touch so the only addition I want to make is the ability to read books at as low a price as possible. I've tried reading on my Macbook but as I said, I get distracted by IMs, the internet, games etc so I really just want to limit myself to holding a book and nothing more. Oh, and in case we're forgetting, the Kindle has had a price drop. The Wi-Fi version is now £109 in the UK, compared to the iPad at £429... that's quite a significant difference.
Get the 3G. INS only £50 more and you get free use of 3G. So even if you never use it, at least you've got it. Not like you're paying monthly for it. If you don't get it, there may be a time when you need it and then you'll regret it!
You may want to check out the NY Times review... http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/technology/personaltech/26pogue.html?src=busln
Sold. Ordered myself the Wi-Fi only model. I've decided even if I did use the 3G it'd only be on very rare occasions, I'd rather use the money saved to buy books. I did at the way the article described the iPad as a full-blown computer though. What do you guys think about the covers? I've never held a Kindle before so I'm not sure how tough the screen is. I'd really only be using it for extra protection in my bag when I travel. Oh also, which colour?
