Kindle - do I need 3g

MissOptimistic

I am sorry if this is an obvious question for some but as you will guess, I am not very good with technical terminology!
I would like to buy a kindle mainly to read books when I am out and about (for example on the beach in Spain) - Do I need the Kindle with 3G or can I go for the cheaper (£111) version?
What is the difference?
Many Thanks

Spank

3G uses mobile phone signals so you can down load books from almost anywhere, with WIFI you have to be close to a signal I.E house or hotel, WIFI is usually free (especially if you use your own)

[Deleted User]

3G will let you buy books when you are anywhere in the world, without a PC. If you pre-load it with books before you go, you won't need it

It also lets it access a rather primitive internet browser, for free, where-ever you are.

scheming_gypsy

do you want to connect to the internet wherever you are using mobile internet?
if the answer is yes, then you need 3G, if the answer is anything other than yes, then you don't really need it.

zzzLazyDaisy

I suggest you save your money and get the cheaper wifi only version.

The 3G version allows you to access the internet via an internal sim card, to download books. The wifi only version relies on access to a wireless network.

But you don't need internet access to actually read the books, because you have previously downloaded the books onto the device, so you can read your kindle on a beach in Spain whichever version you have, with the internet switched off.

I have the cheaper wifi only version. I recently went to Turkey with it, and downloaded all the books I needed before I left home. But actually I found that most cafe's had free wifi access, and your hotel may also offer this service, so you wouldn't have a problem if you decided that you wanted to buy another book while you were out there.

Also, there is no guaranteeing that there will be adequate 3G coverage when you are abroad, but maybe someone with the 3G version can comment on that.

hth

Daisy

richard734

I have the 3g version, and hardly ever use the 3g functionality. It was handy when in France recently as I was able to check email, but its very basic. If I was buying again, I would go with teh wifi only version and be sure to load up on books before I went away.

zzzLazyDaisy

Just a comment on e-mail and internet browsing - this is also available over wifi, and it isn;t difficult to find free wifi abroad. But as others have said, the facility is basic and shouldn't be a deciding factor.

Gothicfairy

I have the 3G and use it all the time but then I move more then most so don't have broadband or anything like that. I do have a dongle but find that it can struggle to connect sometimes whereas the 3G kindle will normally always connect and I can get books where ever and when ever.

I only go for free or really cheap books so that was how I could justify the difference and with the almost constant moving the other one just wouldn't have worked.

If you only want if for holidays though I wouldn't bother, I would just get the books downloaded before you go.

penrhyn

I've a 3G Kindle.
I have found it useful being able to use the internet whilst out and about on holiday.
Its also usable for picking up webmail.
Whether thats worth the extra money is a personal decision.

starlight_xx

I got the wifi only Kindle and have never once thought I wish Id got the 3g. If Im going to browse the internet 'on the go' Ill use my phone. I have about 200 books on my Kindle just now so never need to download one when Im out I just use wifi when Im home or at a wifi spot.

AirCooledHeaven

penrhyn wrote: »

I've a 3G Kindle.
I have found it useful being able to use the internet whilst out and about on holiday.
Its also usable for picking up webmail.
Whether thats worth the extra money is a personal decision.

Notwithstanding the additional cost of the 3G kindle, how much does it cost to use the 3G service? I assume you have to pay for accessing the internet and downloads over a mobile network, particularly when roaming??