Broken Kindle - confusion regarding replacement

[beautifulstars]

So, while I was living temporarily in the UK, I bought a Kindle 3, the cheaper option (wi-fi) which was advertised as working internationally, and connected to the internet, but unlike the 3G did not come with free internet service.

I have recently returned to Canada. I am devastated because I broke my Kindle. Yes, I know

So, I need to buy another one. Like, MUST. I am dying here and it's only been a couple of hours. However, it's a bit unclear to me which version on the US site is the one I need since I've heard terms like 'Wi-fi' versus 'International' bandied about.

My understanding is that if I buy the Kindle Wi-fi, I can use it anywhere in the world as long as I have a wireless network to use, correct? So that's on special offer for $114.

And the Kindle 3G + wireless, which advertises being able to be used in 100 + countries, can be used anywhere but has free wireless, is that correct?

I just want to make sure if I buy the Kindle wi-fi a) It has wireless that can be used with a network to log into and b) it works internationally.

Thanks folks!

[TimW]

I think you have everything fairly well correct except the $114 part. The ad-supported Kindle Wi-Fi is not being sold outside the US.

[TimW]

Did you contact customer service about the broken K3? They may replace it.

[pidgeon92]

I agree. Call Kindle CS, they tend to be very lenient with their replacement policy.

[TimW]

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

I agree. Call Kindle CS, they tend to be very lenient with their replacement policy.

Exactly...I've seen a number of posts where owners dropped, drowned, smashed, car-killed Kindles and they were replaced under the regular warranty. No guarantee but I'm hopeful they would.

[ucfgrad93]

Originally Posted by TimW

Exactly...I've seen a number of posts where owners dropped, drowned, smashed, car-killed Kindles and they were replaced under the regular warranty. No guarantee but I'm hopeful they would.

They replaced mine when I dropped it from around 3 feet onto a hard wood floor and the case split. Amazon customer service is excellent.

[chamekke]

I think, strictly speaking, you want to call Kindle Customer Service, rather than Amazon. (Some people have mentioned that Kindle CS is stellar while Amazon is less so...)

Here's the link:
Kindle Customer Service homepage

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by beautifulstars

I just want to make sure if I buy the Kindle wi-fi a) It has wireless that can be used with a network to log into and b) it works internationally.

The Kindle 3G /also/ has wifi connectivity. The access to the mobile phone network almost anywhere in the world there's a GSM phone service is in addition to the ability to connect to wifi networks, not instead of it.

If you want to make sure you can buy books almost anywhere, even when you can't log in to a wifi network, the Kindle 3G is the one you want.

But do see if Kindle CS can help you first. If nothing else, they might have a good offer for you on a replacement kindle.

[RainingLemur]

Originally Posted by chamekke

I think, strictly speaking, you want to call Kindle Customer Service, rather than Amazon. (Some people have mentioned that Kindle CS is stellar while Amazon is less so...)

Here's the link:
Kindle Customer Service homepage

Both have been quite nice to me in the times I've had to call ranting and raving.

[chamekke]

Originally Posted by RainingLemur

Both have been quite nice to me in the times I've had to call ranting and raving.

That's good to hear!

[chamekke]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

The Kindle 3G /also/ has wifi connectivity. The access to the mobile phone network almost anywhere in the world there's a GSM phone service is in addition to the ability to connect to wifi networks, not instead of it.

If you want to make sure you can buy books almost anywhere, even when you can't log in to a wifi network, the Kindle 3G is the one you want.

Just wanted to chime in on the extra benefits of getting 3G. I ended up buying a second Kindle with 3G and it's been soooo much more flexible all round. Came in very handy during a recent visit to the UK when, more often than not, I was unable to get access to wifi. And no roaming charges!

Although, of course, if you can get your existing unit fixed free of charge, that's an even better outcome

[maianhvk]

Originally Posted by TimW

Exactly...I've seen a number of posts where owners dropped, drowned, smashed, car-killed Kindles and they were replaced under the regular warranty. No guarantee but I'm hopeful they would.

I banged it on my head, broke the screen and they replaced it, no charge. Didn't even have to send the broken one back to Amazon.

Well, not exactly "no charge", I paid $25 for "special goods import tax" and I think that was acceptable.