Paperwhite: Independent control of 3G and Wi-Fi?

[Spankypoo]

Does anyone know if we'll finally be able to control the two independently? (Leaving only Wi-Fi on at home, and only 3G whilst traveling.)

I called Amazon and all I got was, "you'll never be able to turn 3G off. Just Wi-Fi." He insisted that under no circumstances would there ever be a way to turn the 3G radio off, so he was clearly out of his depth.

Anyone have any better information?

[Synamon]

Kindle with 3G + wifi already does exactly what you want automatically. When the Kindle connects to a wifi network the 3G turns off, ie. when you connect to your home wifi.

Originally Posted by Amazon

For Kindle Touch models that include Free 3G, wireless connectivity is automatic (with no monthly fees or annual contracts) so if you see one of the 3G network indicators (3G, EDGE, or GPRS) in the upper right corner of your Kindle Touch screen, your Kindle Touch is already connected wirelessly using 3G. Your Kindle Touch automatically turns 3G coverage off when you connect using Wi-Fi. If you disconnect from a Wi-Fi network or if you move out of Wi-Fi range, Kindle Touch automatically switches back to 3G coverage. If you want to turn off 3G coverage, you can turn wireless off. Keep in mind that turning wireless off also disables Wi-Fi connections.

[AZImmortal]

This is lesser known because it probably doesn't come up often, but the Kindle will also switch from wifi to 3G if the wifi network doesn't have internet connectivity.

[HarryT]

All 3G Kindles work this way, so there's no reason to think that the PW will behave differently.

[Spankypoo]

Thanks for the responses, all.

Originally Posted by Synamon

Kindle with 3G + wifi already does exactly what you want automatically. When the Kindle connects to a wifi network the 3G turns off, ie. when you connect to your home wifi.

Any idea then why the standby battery life on my K3 Wi-Fi been far better than that of my K3 3G?

[route66]

Originally Posted by Spankypoo

Thanks for the responses, all.



Any idea then why the standby battery life on my K3 Wi-Fi been far better than that of my K3 3G?

Probably because when wireless/3G is connected more power gets used. When there is no wireless Internet available the 3G will kick in automatically and continue to use power. With the wifi kindle if there is no wireless to connect to it doesn't connect to anything so saves power.

Keeping wireless on uses quite a bit of power that's why it's recommended to switch it off when u aren't using it.

I've currently got a 3G kindle but am considering upgrading to the paperwhite (wifi). The 3G is a cool feature but I'm not sure it's worth the extra 50/60 bucks.

[Casey57]

I prefer the 3G version, but I never leave it on. It is only on while shopping or while my blog/newspaper subscriptions download. Then I switch it off. I enjoy the extra convenience, especially while traveling.

[tomsem]

I leave wireless on all the time with my KT 3G+wifi. The battery drains faster, but I don't mind plugging it in every few days when I'm not reading. I've never had to stop or forgo reading to charge it up. The idea of using a Kindle without wireless on is baffling to me. Who can do without wikipedia lookup? What if you can't Report Content Error, or translate a German phrase right there and then? And when it is asleep wireless is not on continuously. So I just don't see the down side, unless you have wifi only and you are not in wifi coverage, then it makes total sense to turn it off.

At least from initial reports KPW has better power management (or more battery capacity or something). So if anything you should be able to afford to leave it on more.

Apparently they have buried the wireless switch in the Settings (as with K4). It's not on every menu as it used to be. So some people may find that inconvenient.