Amazon Kindle

RaiderHammer

Thinking of getting an Amazon Kindle for the odd book and internet surfing at home. Are they any good for this?

Also what is the difference from the standard version and the 3G version?

Do you need a contract with the 3G version for internet access outside a wifi zone?

Is the 3G version worth the extra cost.

Any help much appreciated.

Thank you.

dogmaryxx

Kindle (Wi-Fi) is a great choice if you already have a high-speed internet connection and wireless router setup at home, and do not want the added convenience of a 3G connection which enables you to download books anytime, anywhere on the go. If you do not have Wi-Fi setup in your home, Kindle 3G would be a better option.

Kindle 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) is the easiest option because there is no wireless setup—you are ready to shop, purchase, and read right out of the box. Built-in Free 3G connectivity uses the same wireless signals that cell phones use, but there are no monthly fees or commitments—Amazon pays for Kindle’s 3G wireless connectivity. The added convenience of 3G enables you to download books anytime, anywhere on the go—without having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot connection. With wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories, Kindle 3G is a great option for travelers

Fifer

RaiderHammer wrote: »

Thinking of getting an Amazon Kindle for the odd book and internet surfing at home. Are they any good for this?

As a reader for ebooks, the Kindle is excellent, but if you are primarily buying it for internet surfing at home, I'd look elsewhere. The internet browser is an experimental feature which means Amazon my decide not to support it in the future. Also, the web interface is monochrome, has no mouse and doesn't support video. For occasional use and for free (but limited) 3G internet service abroad, it's brilliant. As a home surfing device however, it's far from ideal.

RaiderHammer

So with the 3G version does that give out internet access free of charge outside the home with no contract? Surely not.

Or is the 3G aspect just for downloading ebooks?

At home we have good speed on internet connection. Just thinking it would be a good adittion for books and also a quick internet browse while watching tv in the evening.

Is the connection as good as say a Ipod touch?

Thanks.

mttylad

Consider just how often you will be outside of a WIFI area and need to be able to download a book to it.

Then consider if it is worth the extra.

I would suggest that it is treated with love & care and that you buy a protective case for it.

RaiderHammer

mttylad wrote: »

Consider just how often you will be outside of a WIFI area and need to be able to download a book to it.

Then consider if it is worth the extra.

I would suggest that it is treated with love & care and that you buy a protective case for it.

So the 3G part is only for downloading books and not general internet surfing?

penrhyn

3g and wifi on the kindle both give internet access without contract, but see the caveats by previous posters.

thetope

you can surf the internet for free on 3g in a number of international countries (but not absolutely everywhere). it's adequate for keeping up to date with news at home, checking the odd email on webmail etc but you really do have to be patient and it is not what you'd call a web browsing device. i find it a very useful function but it by no means could be described as a device suited to surfing. i love the kindle for the book-reading side of it, though, it's just brilliant

RaiderHammer

thetope wrote: »

you can surf the internet for free on 3g in a number of international countries (but not absolutely everywhere). it's adequate for keeping up to date with news at home, checking the odd email on webmail etc but you really do have to be patient and it is not what you'd call a web browsing device. i find it a very useful function but it by no means could be described as a device suited to surfing. i love the kindle for the book-reading side of it, though, it's just brilliant

I assume the connection is usually slow re this?

MrsAtobe

OP, I have the wifi Kindle, it is brilliant for books, but I am replying to you on a tablet ( not an ipad, I hasten to add ;-) ).

The Kindle does not display in colour, and whilst the browser works, it really isn't brilliant. It's fine for a quick browse, but not for long periods of time imho. Also, with wifi on constantly, the battery life is dramatically reduced. The browser is also considered 'experimental' by Amazon.

I ended up getting very frustrated by the limitations of the Kindle's browser, and knowing that I was going to be laid up at home after a foot operation, I opted to buy a reasonably priced tablet. My Kindle is now purely for books.

HTH

RaiderHammer

MrsAtobe wrote: »

OP, I have the wifi Kindle, it is brilliant for books, but I am replying to you on a tablet ( not an ipad, I hasten to add ;-) ).

The Kindle does not display in colour, and whilst the browser works, it really isn't brilliant. It's fine for a quick browse, but not for long periods of time imho. Also, with wifi on constantly, the battery life is dramatically reduced. The browser is also considered 'experimental' by Amazon.

I ended up getting very frustrated by the limitations of the Kindle's browser, and knowing that I was going to be laid up at home after a foot operation, I opted to buy a reasonably priced tablet. My Kindle is now purely for books.

HTH

Any other views on tablets please? Or is ipad the considered best or is it over priced?