Kindle - is it worth the extra for 3G

Boomdocker

Hi,

For all you kindle owners - is it worth the extra £40 for 3G?

As I understand it, without 3G I would have to use a USB cable to download books from my PC is that right? Doesnt seem like too big a deal. I see that 3G would be easier but do I really need it?

Thanks

S0litaire

The 3G is free,
But if you have a smartphone, you should be able to use your smartphone as a WiFi access point for your Kindle to update when you're out and about.

i just have a Wi-Fi version and it does me fine..

Fifer

Boomdocker wrote: »

Hi,

For all you kindle owners - is it worth the extra £40 for 3G?

If you want (slow but usable) internet access away from home (including abroad) or want to download books when away from an accessible wifi network, yes, If not, no.

Boomdocker wrote: »

As I understand it, without 3G I would have to use a USB cable to download books from my PC is that right? Doesnt seem like too big a deal. I see that 3G would be easier but do I really need it?

No, you can download books wirelessly over wifi.

payless

We purchased the 3g version, but to be honest the chances of wanting a book when have not got wifi acces is unlikely, the 3g browsing is interesting proposition , but not that great- maybe if there was a better browser or tethering option?

Moonflowers

I bought the 3G version but to be honest it's not really that useful to me.

I have tried to use the experimental web access but it's not the easiest thing to use & hangs / doesnt work.

The only advantage to getting the 3G is if you subscribe to a newspaper or something like that, which you want to receive away from home. Alternatively you might want to buy a book directly from your kindle when you're not home.

You can connect to do all of these things anyway via wireless - that's how I download all my books at the moment.

I wouldnt really advise anyone to go for the 3G - save your extra money & spend it on a good case or more books. Oh and dont forget to register on the site to get emails when new free books are added to Amazon.

Hth

Amanita_2

I like having the 3G. I do travel quite a bit and it is useful having the free internet access - even if it is a PITA at times it is definitely better than nothing. I've also used it a lot to download books recommended to me whilst on holiday. Much nicer to read that history of where -ever you are whilst actually there rather than having to wait til you get home.

Fifer

The experimental browser takes a little getting used to but with practice, it becomes quite usable and useful. I find it very useful abroad when out of range of free wifi.

poppy10_2

I have the 3G version and have only actually used the 3G once in the last 4 months. Not really worth £40 extra IMHO

mudgekin

On the amazon site it says that if you don't have wifi set up then 3G is the better option. Surely though you can download books from the amazon site to your PC then transfer to your kindle via the usb. I don't have a wifi connection set up and connect via a wired connection to my router

poppy10_2

mudgekin wrote: »

Surely though you can download books from the amazon site to your PC then transfer to your kindle via the usb.

Yes, you can do that.

Oblivion

For those concerned at the extra cost of the 3G model, Amazon Warehouse are currently offering refurbished Kindle 3Gs for £115.99 and free postage. I have just bought one as a backup spare and it is immaculate and works perfectly.