Please help me with choosing Kindle 3 ?

tkkidd · 04-13-2011, 12:12 PM

I owned Sony and jetbook before, and would like to own Kindle 3.

I really like the weight, and better contrast, I heard menu transition is pretty fast too.

I'm torn between

3g / wifi / ad supported version.

Would you share with me the benefit of getting 3G Model?

When do you really use that function?

metoo999 · 04-13-2011, 01:03 PM

The 3G model is good if you are away from Wifi hotspots often. I bought the Wifi-only model because I am rarely away from Wifi. And when I am, I have plenty to read anyway. The ad-supported version doesn't seem worth it. I would rather pay the extra $25 to avoid ads.

HarryT · 04-13-2011, 01:04 PM

Personally I find the 3G to be extremely useful. When you want a book, it's very convenient to be able to get it instantly over 3G. Also, the web browser, although rather primitive, is certainly usable, and I'm always looking up information on sites like Wikipedia.

For me personally, 3G is well worth the extra cost.

Zarich · 04-13-2011, 01:10 PM

I have a wifi router at home, wifi at work and usually when I stay in a hotel they have free wifi. So I saw no point in 3g. I currently have loaded 25 books that I have yet to read so 3g is not important.
I would say no to ad support, but that is because I find those annoying.

philandjan · 04-13-2011, 01:11 PM

I download most of my books at home using home wifi network and don't really need 3G access. If it's web browsing that you are after there are better dedicated devices than a Kindle.

A number of bookstores have wifi, which means that if I see a book I like I can normally order and download it immediately.

PG4003 · 04-13-2011, 06:23 PM

I have Wi-Fi only on my K3, I previously had a K2 that had the 3G, and I've never missed having it on my K3. I even like the Wi-Fi better, it's a lot faster. IMO, the only reason you need 3G is if you are away from home a lot and want to download books at that time.

Solicitous · 04-13-2011, 06:33 PM

I have a wifi K3. Part of the reasoning is I don't live in the major capital cities in Australia, and given the K3 uses Vodafone, which has poor reception in regional areas (note regional not remote) it was kind of hard to justify. My brother-in-law bought the 3G and he has a little trouble with reception (I think Amazon need to update their coverage maps). Plus if I really need to connect the Kindle while away I can access a free wifi hotspot or use my phone as a hotspot.

That said, I don't know where you live, but right now if I had good reception coverage and was buying again, I would shell out the extra for the 3G.

Zatakawa · 04-13-2011, 07:35 PM

It depends on how you will/want to use this device and if 3G is worth $50 extra to you. Of course you could ask yourself what the benefits of 3G will bring to you but instead you could also ask: "Would i miss 3G if i choose WiFi-only?"

And if you already own a smartphone with a web browser, there is not much need to choose a Kindle 3G IMHO.

wyndslash · 04-13-2011, 08:19 PM

i use a kindle wifi simply because i have wifi at home, at school and at work. i don't whip out my devices while i'm on the street unless i want to get robbed (considering where i live). so no, i have no need for 3G, and i can use the extra $50 for books or a cover for my kindle

TLActor · 04-13-2011, 09:15 PM

I would agree with what's being said here. If you have regular access to wifi (ie. home, work - wherever you find important), I'd stick with that model. I'd only spend the extra on 3G if you travel a lot and would, therefore, gain something by the added convenience of the 3G. I would ask yourself, 'how often am I going to need that book right now?'.

As for the ad support, I don't, personally, feel that it's discounted enough to be worth it. So, unless that $25 is going to make or break you getting a Kindle, I'd stick with the ad-free versions.

Blossom · 04-13-2011, 10:05 PM

The 3G can come in handle during a power outage if you suddenly need to check something on the net or want a book to occupy your time.

If you leave the Wifi on with the 3G model your battery drain will be significantly more then just the WiFi model. So if you want longer battery life keep WiFi off unless you are using it. If you plan to keep WiFi on all the time you probably want to go with a WiFi only.

The 3G model is a little more heavier then the WiFi version.

My main complaint is you can't turn 3G off even if you are using WiFi it stays on in the background so the battery drains fairly quickly. So keeping WiFi off it last about 3 weeks with normal use before it needs a charge. If you leave WiFi on you might get a week's worth of battery before it needs charging.

alansplace · 04-14-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkkidd

I owned Sony and jetbook before, and would like to own Kindle 3.

I really like the weight, and better contrast, I heard menu transition is pretty fast too.

I'm torn between

3g / wifi / ad supported version.

Would you share with me the benefit of getting 3G Model?

When do you really use that function?

just my opinions:

i've had a kindle 2 for over 2 years (has 3g only)
i've had a kindle 3 for two weeks (wifi)
i can do anything through a web connected computer and a usb cable with either of them that can be done through 3g or wifi.
the advantages to the 3g and wifi are that you can browse, buy and recieve books on the kindle without a computer and do it on-the-road or in the case of wifi in most hotspots.

i never even tun on the 3g and/or the wifi.

concerning the ad supported version, $25 seems like kinda' a drop in the bucket to make one have to put up with ads you don't want (though i'm sure the hackers will soon circumvent the ads).
--
Alan

tubemonkey · 04-14-2011, 02:41 PM

I have the WiFi only and rarely use that feature. I plan on giving it away next month so I can get the new KSO. At $114 minus the deals I'm definitely going to take advantage of, it'll end up being free with an extra $26 in my pocket.

I'll take a free ad-supported Kindle any day. Besides, these ads will only appear as screensavers (I rarely pay attention to them anyway) and on the bottom of the home page (I spend very little time there also). So, they won't be a distraction. Of course, I'll seek them out to see what additional deals I can get.

I plan on getting 2 or 3 of them.

ApK · 04-14-2011, 05:04 PM

I love the 3G. I do not have a smart phone, and do not want to pay the monthly cost of a cellular data plan, so the Kindle is how I check my email and look stuff up when I'm out. Well worth the one time $50 to save the $15-$30 per month that a data plan would cost me for the basic functionality I want. I feel like I've already made my $50 back for the connectivity it's given me over the past couple months in places that have not had wifi.

If you decide you don't want 3G, then you just have to decide if the Special Offers and ads are a plus or minus for you. If you like the idea, then saving $25 is a no-brainer. If you don't like the idea, you just need to decide if $25 is enough of a bribe to change your mind.

At home, and where wifi is available, I use wifi all the time, and have never needed to send books over a USB cable. I've sent everything either to the free email address, or downloaded the books directly to the Kindle from a server. Having to carry my Sony reader all the way over to my computer and plug in a cable to put books on it seems like an old-fashioned inconvenience by comparison.

Let us know what you decide!

ApK

tubemonkey · 04-14-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApK

If you decide you don't want 3G, then you just have to decide if the Special Offers and ads are a plus or minus for you. If you like the idea, then saving $25 is a no-brainer. If you don't like the idea, you just need to decide if $25 is enough of a bride to change your mind.

Except it's more than $25 (depending on the offers). For me, it's $140 (based on initial offers). I had to decide - do I want a Kindle w/ ads for free or a Kindle wo/ ads for $139? Free Kindle wins.

04-13-2011, 12:12 PM	#1
tkkidd Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Aluratek Libre	Please help me with choosing Kindle 3 ? I owned Sony and jetbook before, and would like to own Kindle 3. I really like the weight, and better contrast, I heard menu transition is pretty fast too. I'm torn between 3g / wifi / ad supported version. Would you share with me the benefit of getting 3G Model? When do you really use that function?

04-13-2011, 07:35 PM	#8
Zatakawa Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 500222 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	It depends on how you will/want to use this device and if 3G is worth $50 extra to you. Of course you could ask yourself what the benefits of 3G will bring to you but instead you could also ask: "Would i miss 3G if i choose WiFi-only?" And if you already own a smartphone with a web browser, there is not much need to choose a Kindle 3G IMHO. Last edited by Zatakawa; 04-13-2011 at 07:40 PM.

04-14-2011, 05:04 PM	#14
ApK Award-Winning Participant Posts: 7,384 Karma: 68329346 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NJ, USA Device: Kindle	I love the 3G. I do not have a smart phone, and do not want to pay the monthly cost of a cellular data plan, so the Kindle is how I check my email and look stuff up when I'm out. Well worth the one time $50 to save the $15-$30 per month that a data plan would cost me for the basic functionality I want. I feel like I've already made my $50 back for the connectivity it's given me over the past couple months in places that have not had wifi. If you decide you don't want 3G, then you just have to decide if the Special Offers and ads are a plus or minus for you. If you like the idea, then saving $25 is a no-brainer. If you don't like the idea, you just need to decide if $25 is enough of a bribe to change your mind. At home, and where wifi is available, I use wifi all the time, and have never needed to send books over a USB cable. I've sent everything either to the free email address, or downloaded the books directly to the Kindle from a server. Having to carry my Sony reader all the way over to my computer and plug in a cable to put books on it seems like an old-fashioned inconvenience by comparison. Let us know what you decide! ApK Last edited by ApK; 04-15-2011 at 09:35 AM. Reason: "bribe" not "bride"...you don't need to marry it!

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04-13-2011, 01:03 PM	#2
metoo999 Enthusiast Posts: 31 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: Kindle 3 Wifi	The 3G model is good if you are away from Wifi hotspots often. I bought the Wifi-only model because I am rarely away from Wifi. And when I am, I have plenty to read anyway. The ad-supported version doesn't seem worth it. I would rather pay the extra $25 to avoid ads.

04-13-2011, 01:04 PM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Personally I find the 3G to be extremely useful. When you want a book, it's very convenient to be able to get it instantly over 3G. Also, the web browser, although rather primitive, is certainly usable, and I'm always looking up information on sites like Wikipedia. For me personally, 3G is well worth the extra cost.

04-13-2011, 01:10 PM	#4
Zarich Zealot Posts: 129 Karma: 1202 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: Kindle 3 Wi-Fi	I have a wifi router at home, wifi at work and usually when I stay in a hotel they have free wifi. So I saw no point in 3g. I currently have loaded 25 books that I have yet to read so 3g is not important. I would say no to ad support, but that is because I find those annoying.

04-13-2011, 01:11 PM	#5
philandjan Trainee Old Git Posts: 78 Karma: 162 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dégagnac, France Device: Kindle	I download most of my books at home using home wifi network and don't really need 3G access. If it's web browsing that you are after there are better dedicated devices than a Kindle. A number of bookstores have wifi, which means that if I see a book I like I can normally order and download it immediately.

04-13-2011, 06:23 PM	#6
PG4003 Addict Posts: 381 Karma: 987250 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kentucky Device: Kindle PW I & II, Kindle Voyage, Fire HD 7", Fire HD 8.9"	I have Wi-Fi only on my K3, I previously had a K2 that had the 3G, and I've never missed having it on my K3. I even like the Wi-Fi better, it's a lot faster. IMO, the only reason you need 3G is if you are away from home a lot and want to download books at that time.

04-13-2011, 06:33 PM	#7
Solicitous Wizard Posts: 1,434 Karma: 1525776 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: TAS, Australia Device: Astak Pocket Pro (Black), 2 x Kindle WiFi (Graphite), iPod Touch 4G	I have a wifi K3. Part of the reasoning is I don't live in the major capital cities in Australia, and given the K3 uses Vodafone, which has poor reception in regional areas (note regional not remote) it was kind of hard to justify. My brother-in-law bought the 3G and he has a little trouble with reception (I think Amazon need to update their coverage maps). Plus if I really need to connect the Kindle while away I can access a free wifi hotspot or use my phone as a hotspot. That said, I don't know where you live, but right now if I had good reception coverage and was buying again, I would shell out the extra for the 3G.

04-13-2011, 08:19 PM	#9
wyndslash Wizard Posts: 2,951 Karma: 3000001 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: Kindle 3 wifi, Kindle Fire	i use a kindle wifi simply because i have wifi at home, at school and at work. i don't whip out my devices while i'm on the street unless i want to get robbed (considering where i live). so no, i have no need for 3G, and i can use the extra $50 for books or a cover for my kindle

04-13-2011, 09:15 PM	#10
TLActor Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: HTC Evo, K3	I would agree with what's being said here. If you have regular access to wifi (ie. home, work - wherever you find important), I'd stick with that model. I'd only spend the extra on 3G if you travel a lot and would, therefore, gain something by the added convenience of the 3G. I would ask yourself, 'how often am I going to need that book right now?'. As for the ad support, I don't, personally, feel that it's discounted enough to be worth it. So, unless that $25 is going to make or break you getting a Kindle, I'd stick with the ad-free versions.

04-13-2011, 10:05 PM	#11
Blossom Treasure Seeker Posts: 18,708 Karma: 26026435 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Kobo HD Glo, Kindles, Kindle Fires, Andriod Devices	The 3G can come in handle during a power outage if you suddenly need to check something on the net or want a book to occupy your time. If you leave the Wifi on with the 3G model your battery drain will be significantly more then just the WiFi model. So if you want longer battery life keep WiFi off unless you are using it. If you plan to keep WiFi on all the time you probably want to go with a WiFi only. The 3G model is a little more heavier then the WiFi version. My main complaint is you can't turn 3G off even if you are using WiFi it stays on in the background so the battery drains fairly quickly. So keeping WiFi off it last about 3 weeks with normal use before it needs a charge. If you leave WiFi on you might get a week's worth of battery before it needs charging.

04-14-2011, 02:41 PM	#13
tubemonkey monkey on the fringe Posts: 45,746 Karma: 158575914 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle Metro Device: Moto E6, Echo Show	I have the WiFi only and rarely use that feature. I plan on giving it away next month so I can get the new KSO. At $114 minus the deals I'm definitely going to take advantage of, it'll end up being free with an extra $26 in my pocket. I'll take a free ad-supported Kindle any day. Besides, these ads will only appear as screensavers (I rarely pay attention to them anyway) and on the bottom of the home page (I spend very little time there also). So, they won't be a distraction. Of course, I'll seek them out to see what additional deals I can get. I plan on getting 2 or 3 of them.

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