Before posing my question, let me note that I will be using my Kindle primarily as an e-reader... not for apps or surfing the web.
OK... I've pretty much decided on a Keyboard vs. a Touch (I don't like the KT's lag in turing a page, nor it's occasional ignoring a tap or interpreting one tap as multiple taps.). Now it's down to 3G vs. WiFi.
I like the thought of being able to download books anywhere, anytime - thus the appeal of 3G. But, how well does it really work? I see it's run through Sprint. I don't know much about their nation-wide coverage, but I do know that a friend's Sprint cell phone gets no signal whatsoever in my house. OK, I can always download via my computer when at home - but what about when traveling (which is why I'm getting a Kindle in the fist place)? Can anyone comment as to 3G download performance around the country / while on a road trip?
As for WiFi, there are two questions. First, how well does it work, and second, how much data does downloading a book take? When using a personal hotpsot or MiFi, chewing up your monthly data plan's GB's for downloading books could become expensive if it causes you to go over your data plan's limits.
Any / all advice or suggestions will be appreciated - thanks!
Discussion about
Kindle: 3G or WiFi?
My wife owns the 3G and loves it. We haven't experimented downloading outside of our region - the San Francisco Bay area, but we've never had issues there(including on car rides). She uses it exclusively for downloading books the speed is decent. Though I believe that when you borrow a book from the library you have to download it over wifi - just a side note.
I'd recommend going with the 3G the cost over the life span of the reader is nominal. And that's all it really comes down to. You could live with out, but it's a nice to have and is relatively cheap.
I'd recommend going with the 3G the cost over the life span of the reader is nominal. And that's all it really comes down to. You could live with out, but it's a nice to have and is relatively cheap.
I would say that if you can afford the 3G model then go for that one. From my expierence the downloading has been good although it is limited and not from any long distance travel. But the 3G model gives you that ability to download away from a hotspot which though are growing are still sometimes few and far between. Personally I think its a no brainer if you can afford the 3G model go for it you get that bonus plus it has WiFi as well so if the coverage isnt there maybe there is a hotspot or your MiFi for a quick download. Also you can always just make sure you are loaded up with books before a long journey so that you wouldnt even need to worry about coverage or a hotspot.
I've gone for the WiFi only. Lets be honest, how ofter are you going to decide that 'I must purchase this book immediately'? There are benefits of the 3g (especially if you want internet access anywhere, a friend of mine took her's abroad and enjoyed checking emails, etc), however if your primary use for the device is as an eReader in your house / work / train then the WiFi version will do you well and save you some money.
You may have already made your decision and made your purchase, but perhaps my reply can help others. I sell Kindles at my job, so here's what I ask/tell people who ask this same question:
If you don't have a Wi-Fi connection at home: 3G
If you don't travel and have Wi-Fi, I would say a Wi-Fi Kindle will be fine for you. Because you have to remember that you don't need to be connected to Wi-Fi to read, you just need it to download or go on the web. Even if you do go on a trip, you can always download a few books before you leave, and have them ready for you on your trip. People who don't have the forethought for this sort of thing, should probably get 3G!
It's also important to remember that books are a fairly small file size, so it doesn't take long to download. They are only a couple MB each. If you have a slow wireless connection, it still won't take that long to download.
In my opinion, if you don't travel and you have Wi-Fi, going with the 3G option would be a waste of money. I find my Wi-Fi Kindle to be sufficient for my use. I also do most of my reading at home, if you read a lot out of the house then maybe 3G would be best.
- Do you travel a lot?
- Do you have a Wi-Fi connection at home?
If you don't have a Wi-Fi connection at home: 3G
If you don't travel and have Wi-Fi, I would say a Wi-Fi Kindle will be fine for you. Because you have to remember that you don't need to be connected to Wi-Fi to read, you just need it to download or go on the web. Even if you do go on a trip, you can always download a few books before you leave, and have them ready for you on your trip. People who don't have the forethought for this sort of thing, should probably get 3G!
It's also important to remember that books are a fairly small file size, so it doesn't take long to download. They are only a couple MB each. If you have a slow wireless connection, it still won't take that long to download.
In my opinion, if you don't travel and you have Wi-Fi, going with the 3G option would be a waste of money. I find my Wi-Fi Kindle to be sufficient for my use. I also do most of my reading at home, if you read a lot out of the house then maybe 3G would be best.
