WiFi vs. 3G for Kindle E-Reader(vanity)

Self | 11/11/2011 | Self

[absalom01]

I popped for the 3G version on the Kindle, figuring it would be handy. As it turns out, I rarely need to use it, as wifi connections are very easy to find, at least in a major city.

[Signalman]

Thanks very much.

[ArmstedFragg]

Well, it gets a bit complicated, as you can see. If you have the FIOS router that has built-in WiFi, it could be happily broadcasting right now. To secure it, and put your own password in, you’ll need to dig up the directions. The last one I did was short on information, but it’s available online at: http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB410237&cv=812#fbid=sH1Lg479Q1P

Amazon offers a free reader program for both Mac and IBM computers. Any books you buy using it are also available on your Kindle if it’s registered to the same account. I am not, however, aware of a way to directly connect the Kindle to your computer. Amazon is concerned about the possibility that one person will buy a title, then make copies for most of the western hemisphere, so they’ve structured the system so that each reader has to connect with the Amazon server in order to download a book.

So, you’ll need an Amazon account, and either the WiFi or the 3G version of the device. I load the books I want to read onto the Kindle and don’t have any need to pick up one from the middle of nowhere, so the WiFi’s been perfectly adequate for me.

One thing you might consider prior to buying is to get that free download of the Kindle reader for your home computer, then download one of their free books and play with it. You’ll get a good introduction to the Kindle experience at no cost. On the left side of the Amazon home page, click the Kindle link, then the eighth link down takes you to the free reading aps.

[Signalman]

Thanks again to all. I went ahead and purchased the Kindle Reader with Wi-Fi and 3G and with the keyboard, instead of the touch screen. And here’s the good part. I had 12,413 reward points accumulated which equates to $124.13. This was was applied to my purchase. So I ended up paying only about $12.00 for the reader.

[6SJ7]

My advice: Spend even an extra $50 ($199 total) and get the Kindle Fire. It will do so much more, even play movies that Apple’s IPAD won’t play. And it’s a color touch screen.

The Fire is a nice looking machine, and the screen is color, but battery life on the basic Kindle is hard to beat. I have the basic $79 ad-based model and with the e-ink display, I only charge it about once a month. I use it every day commuting... on the subway!!!... don't want you to to think I'm driving while reading!  ;-)

[Mister Da]

The only thing I would add to the good info you received here is that WiFi is very short range - 100-200 ft. - depending on what obstacles (walls, buildings, etc.) are between you & the wireless router.

As distance increases between the Kindle & wifi router, speed decreases.

So, though you might be able to connect to your neighbor's wifi, the signal strength may be so bad that downloads take forever.

[Abby4116]

Good luck with your Kindle. I’ve had my 3G Kindle for almost 3 years and I love it. I have used it to read FreeRepublic while not near a WiFi connection - using the 3G. I only turn the 3G on when I know I have books to download except to use as a browser when necessary.

[wyowolf]

I have a Kindle and I travel alot. I got the wifi. Most hotels you stay at now are wifi, and you can store tons of books on it before you even leave. I rarely have to even use the wifi on the go.

A free program called Calibre will let you load tons more content on it...

Love mine... read it every night!

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Everyone in the fam has one of these but me.

But I’d say even if you are traveling as long as you stay at motels that have WiFi you still don’t need 3G.

UNLESS you want to download stuff as you drive.

[Kitten1]

Congratulations on your purchase.

My 2 cents: if you have an Android cellphone, many are Kindle ready. My phone is. I was researching to purchase a Nook and found out that I could get a tablet (Samsung Galaxy) that has Kindle pre-installed at a lower cost. Bought a certified pre-owned tablet for $70 (sale before release of 4G Galaxy Tablet) that stills looks new-not a scratch on it. I pay $30 month for 2G of data and use wifi when I can to conserve data usage. I can now read books, surf the web, use email, I even have $5 text message package. My service is with Verizon. I rarely use my home computer or laptop for leisure anymore since I can sit outside or anywhere and use my tablet.

If you decide to add another tablet for your family, this is an option worth looking at.

Have a good night.

[e_castillo]

WiFi access is limited but 3G is not(more or less). 3G is the way to go. Also beware of the initial discounts that some of the devices give you in exchange for popup ads on the Kindle.

[ransomnote]

I have the Kindle Keyboard and when I bought it, it included a USB cable (along with a wall adapter, and auto adapter) so you can download directly from a computer if you need to. That USB cable also plugged into an adapter that plugged into a regular wall socket for charging. I noticed that the types of charging cables offered are said to be different so you just want to make sure you check to see you are getting the cables you need. I use WiFi most of the time but had to use the USB when my Kindle software wouldn’t update automatically.

[Kitten1]

More good about the tablet. I have Netflix, NFL Mobile, music, camera, and games. Lots more to maximize your investment in the device.

[Cyber Liberty]

Tip: If you get the 3G, be sure to turn off the Whispernet (3G) when you are not actually downloading data. It wastes batteries, and you can go a week or two on a single charge this way. I turn it on every morning to fetch my newspaper, then turn it off after a couple of minutes.

I don’t know if there is a similar feature for the WiFi versions.

[TomB]

Don't forget you can use your Kindle to browse the Net. If you click on "Menu", then go to "Experimental", you can choose "Web Browser". You can then enter a URL and go to any website you like. However, it really only works on text-based sites like blogs and twitter. But you get Web access absolutely free. You can't beat that.

I was stuck at a Continuing Education course on Thursday and was following the Penn State mess on my Twitter feed.

Now I just have to wait until Wednesday for my Kindle Fire. ;-)

[Kitten1]

Good point which is another reason I ended up going with the tablet. No popups.

[Cyber Liberty]

You can’t connect directly via a wire to to the computer.

Not true for this DX I have here. The charging cable is a USB cable, and the Kindle becomes just another mass storage device (acts like a thumb-drive) when I plug it in. My model does not have WiFi, and sometimes I've stayed at hotels in areas without 3G. I downloaded files from the Amazon website directly into the Kindle via USB cable.

[Cyber Liberty]

Book files are keyed to the serial number of your Kindle. You can give someone a file of a book, but it won’t open for them. I’m sure there’s a similar arrangement for the Mac and Windows versions. There are also Droid and I imagine iPhone versions as well.

I found this out when I had to get a replacement Kindle, and I just copied the book files. They no workee.

[listenhillary]

You can loan books to other kindle owners which is cool. I haven’t tried the library service where you can check out ebooks for free from your local library.

[Signalman]

If you get the 3G, be sure to turn off the Whispernet (3G) when you are not actually downloading data. It wastes batteries, and you can go a week or two on a single charge this way.

Thanks for the tip.