Which Kindle ?

23n1th

So how do you control your books, especially when amazon can seemingly delete them at will can you back them up on your computer out-with amazons software and control?

23n1th

My thoughts on the ipda are expensive netbook with no keyboard.

totalsolutions

It does have a very nice touch screen keyboard and a reasonably priced wireless keyboard accessory too.

JS477

Am I right in thinking that you can transfer MP3 audiobooks to the Kindle 3 and play them like you would on an iPod, is this correct?

morganlefay

Thank you everyone for good thoughts. I decided I didn't want a v expensive ipad because I just want to read books (not even newspapers) on my e reader. The 3g and wifi connections are apparently going to be free on the new Kindles, and I like the sound of them (currently we drive to France a lot with the floor at back of car completely full of books = heavy car = more petrol= more cost =grumpy OH.) Some of my books are academic ones and if it really would get gutenberg that would be brilliant (thanks nitr02007). I suppose my question boiled down to what 3g actually is and does since our broadband connection not always briliant out here in the sticks. And then also I had never thought about what happens if as 23n1th says Amazon could delete them ? I don't think they plan to do that. But what if ? So I suppose my new and more specific question is: please could someone explain exactly what 3G does that's different from wifi, and how it does it (ie in practical terms - would I have to go and sit in my local library or train station to download - or whatever) ?? I am most grateful for all help :beer:

23n1th

3G:

International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT--2000), better known as 3G or 3rd Generation, is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunications services fulfilling specifications by the International Telecommunication Union,[1]. Application services include wide-area wireless voice telephone, mobile Internet access, video calls and mobile TV, all in a mobile environment. Compared to the older 2G and 2.5G standards, a 3G system must allow simultaneous use of speech and data services, and provide peak data rates of at least 200 kbit/s according to the IMT-2000 specification. Recent 3G releases, often denoted 3.5G and 3.75G, also provide mobile broadband access of several Mbit/s to laptop computers and smartphones.

WIFI:

A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a personal computer, video game console, mobile phone, MP3 player or personal digital assistant can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more (interconnected) access points — called hotspots — can comprise an area as small as a few rooms or as large as many square miles. Coverage in the larger area may depend on a group of access points with overlapping coverage. Wi-Fi technology has been used in wireless mesh networks, for example, in London, UK.[9]

Lifted from Wikipedia. Basically 3G means you'll be able to connect from pretty much anywhere over a mobile network provided sufficient coverage whereas you'll need to be near a wifi hotspot to connect to amazon. I know it says 3G will be free but I'm wondering if roaming charges apply if you're in france.

EDIT: I am wondering however about the copies you download. Are they laced with DRM? Are they limited to only certain devices? Can you back them up outwith amazons control so as to keep them safe if amazon decides you shouldn't have the book they dont want you to?