Amazon Announces 4 New Kindle devices...

[jpcapili]

Originally Posted by jpcapili

thant's not what I read...hmmmm

"Battery Life - A single charge lasts up to two months with wireless off based upon a half-hour of daily reading time. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to 3 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, downloading content, and web browsing (browsing available only in Wi-Fi mode)."

but... I found this also... so this answered my question:
Search Wikipedia and the Web
Kindle Touch 3G makes it easy to find what you're looking for. Just enter a word or phrase and Kindle will search every instance across your Kindle library, in the Kindle Store, on Wikipedia, or the Web using Google search.

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by jpcapili

I'm also wondering if I could use 3G to look up words on the web/wikepedia. This would be the only reason I'd probably get Touch 3G.

Please advise.

There is some question about this right now, and there aren't yet any definitive answers. On Kindle Touch 3G's product page it states under Experimental Features: "Experimental web browsing is available via Wi-Fi" [note no mention of 3G there]. And in the Technical Details (Battery Life) section it states: "....Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, downloading content, and web browsing (browsing available only in Wi-Fi mode)."

Some are reporting that Amazon CS agents have told them that Kindle Touch 3G access is the same as the K3 Keyboard 3G models. In the U.S., we've had unlimited, free 3G with the K3. We could surf the internet freely using 3G.

We are discussing this in another thread, where one person just reported this reply from Amazon's CS [my bold]:

"In Kindle Touch 3G you'll only be able to browse Amazon.com and Wikipedia, *If you are not on WiFi you will only be able to browse Amazon.com and Wikipedia. You'll will have un-restricted access on a WiFi connection."

I'm inclined to believe the written product page information rather than Amazon's customer service at this point. Their product page makes it clear that we'll be able to use 3G on Amazon's website to download books. According to that CS agent's response, Wikipedia is accessible via 3G, but he may be misinformed too. (I'd like to see that clarified on Amazon's web page myself!) But it's not looking like we'll be able to access other websites through the new Kindle Touch 3G's web browser using 3G—only using wifi. I hope that the matter is clarified by Amazon soon because it's causing much confusion!

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by jpcapili

but... I found this also... so this answered my question:
Search Wikipedia and the Web
Kindle Touch 3G makes it easy to find what you're looking for. Just enter a word or phrase and Kindle will search every instance across your Kindle library, in the Kindle Store, on Wikipedia, or the Web using Google search.

The part I highlighted from your post is stated using exactly the same words on the product page for the wifi-only version of the Kindle Touch.

I'm not sure that statement necessarily means that Wikipedia is accessible via 3G on the Touch 3G model—only that it can be accessed by the device.

On the product page for the Kindle Touch 3G, it states:

Free 3G Wireless
Our most convenient Kindle - no wireless set up, no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. Download books anywhere with no plans, contracts, or monthly fees. 3G works globally.

No mention of Wikipedia there.

[pilotbob]

If there is no browsing with 3G that would certainly be a change in policy, since my Kindle Classic and my Wife's Kindle 3 both browse the web on a 3G connection. (Actually, the Kindle classic may be EDGE not 3G, but still.)

BOb

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

If there is no browsing with 3G that would certainly be a change in policy, since my Kindle Classic and my Wife's Kindle 3 both browse the web on a 3G connection. (Actually, the Kindle classic may be EDGE not 3G, but still.)

Yes, it would definitely be a change from the previous 3G versions.

For many, this doesn't matter since they use wi-fi for most things anyway, but for others it matters very much whether we'll be able to use Kindle Touch's 3G to navigate the internet. I don't have a smartphone or wi-fi at my house, so I probably use Kindle's 3G more than most people. The browser is awkward to use, but it's come in handy. And others appreciate it when they're traveling.

[HarryT]

We'll find out in a few weeks. Until then, it's all just speculation. I'd be a little surprised if 3G web browsing were to be withdrawn, but then again, I've been surprised before by Amazon.

[blue_skies]

Originally Posted by speedlever

I used to think that I would not want a Kindle with the advertising.

But I would now welcome saving the money and in addition, would love to get a break from the same old dead author screen savers. Especially as unobtrusive as the ads appear to be.

I really hate advertising - I've been skipping all commercials for as long as I can remember and I even tear out all the adds from magazines before I'll read them. I always thought I would buy the non-ad supported Kindle, but when Best Buy had the gift card sale that made the 3G Kindle 3 with special offers $109, I couldn't pass it up.

As it turns out, I really love it. The ads really are unobtrusive (I rarely even notice them,) and I saved over $200 just on the 50% off back to school groceries offer.

Originally Posted by emellaich

I probably shouldn't admit it, but for me the ads are more pleasant than the grim-faced pictures of the dead authors.

I think so too. I actually enjoy seeing what new pictures display. I find the photos very appealing.

Conversely, I don't like the dead author photos at all, and the screensavers for the new line of non-SO Kindles look just as bad to me.

I wouldn't hesitate to get the SO versions in the future.

[Andrew H.]

I would be a little surprised if browsing were changed for 3G, but it's possible.

Alternatively, because 3G browsing is permitted in some locations but in in others, Amazon may think that it's better to state that it is generally not allowed, but then permit it in certain locations, rather than stating that it is allowed and having to explain that, well, in certain locations it isn't allowed.

Certainly people are generally happier when they find out that they are getting something extra than they are when they find out that they are not getting something they thought they were.

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by HarryT

We'll find out in a few weeks. Until then, it's all just speculation. I'd be a little surprised if 3G web browsing were to be withdrawn, but then again, I've been surprised before by Amazon.

I think what's bothering me is that the product page for the Kindle Touch 3G clearly states (in two places) that web browsing is available via wi-fi (with no mention of 3G), and in one of those sentences they state [emphasis mine]: "browsing available only in Wi-Fi mode." Yet, many CS agents are telling people that nothing has changed from the earlier 3G models as far as web browsing is concerned. The information is conflicting.

Personally, since Amazon apparently doesn't charge accounts until an item is actually shipped and their cancellation/return policy is generous, I see no harm in going ahead and pre-ordering a Kindle Touch 3G. There's plenty of time to change your mind since actual availability isn't until November 21. I think everything will be sorted out well before then.

Amazon is being contacted by a lot of people regarding this, so I think it's being looked into more carefully now. Some CS agents haven't even tried a Kindle Touch 3G themselves yet, so they will need a little time to become familiar with the device's features. I'm watching to see if there are any changes made to the product page too.

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

Alternatively, because 3G browsing is permitted in some locations but in in others, Amazon may think that it's better to state that it is generally not allowed, but then permit it in certain locations, rather than stating that it is allowed and having to explain that, well, in certain locations it isn't allowed.

I've thought about that possibility too. But then, why didn't they keep the wording on these two product pages the same? The difference in wording seems so intentional.

[emphasis below is mine]

Kindle Keyboard 3G (which I presume is the same as the previous K3 model with 3G):

WebKit-Based Browser
KindleKeyboard features an experimental web browser based on WebKit to provide a better web browsing experience. Now it's easier than ever to find the information you're looking for right from your Kindle. Experimental web browsing is free.

Kindle Touch 3G:

WebKit-Based Browser
Kindle Touch 3G's experimental web browser is based on WebKit. It's easy to find the information you're looking for right from your Kindle Touch 3G. Experimental web browsing is available via Wi-Fi.

[cHex]

Originally Posted by jpcapili

When looking up words on wikipedia, do kindle/Touch/Touch 3G require to have internet access?

Check out this video.

Apparently, when downloading a book, to speed up lookups you also download a side file with brief articles on key words or phrases--not mere dictionary definitions, but actual wikipedia articles on certain terms and items such as historical places or events, and little blurbs on the book's characters.

Of course, "certain" or "seclected" words are not "all" words--so you'll still need to have net access to look up many words on wikipedia.

[Giggleton]

Although the idea of personalized wikipedia downloads for each book is interesting, a modified wikipedia interface accessible via 3G or wifi is better. The Kindle 3 already has this but access speed has been the issue for me in the past. Also, I don't use Amazon for most of my books so this isn't going to help me that much. I read a lot of technical PDF's and would use wiki for referencing and such.

I suppose we can't have everything all at once, but the tech does improve.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by cHex

Check out this video.

Apparently, when downloading a book, to speed up lookups you also download a side file with brief articles on key words or phrases--not mere dictionary definitions, but actual wikipedia articles on certain terms and items such as historical places or events, and little blurbs on the book's characters.

Yes, I believe that is the metadata that is displayed/used when you use the X-Ray function. They have stated that you don't have to be online to use X-Ray.

BOb

[Laura81]

Originally Posted by HarryT

This is following on, though, from the existing, highly-successful "Kindle with Special Offers" models. It has been proven that many people are very happy to get $30 or so off the price of a product in exchange for accepting advertising.

I guess it's not such a bad deal - originally I thought the ads were there at the bottom of the screen even when you were reading a book - so knowing now that I was incorrect and the ads are only there when you are browsing your library or when the device is turned off, it's not so bad.

Unfortunately even if I wanted one the SO offers are not available to me in Australia - I think they should be, after all, I am an American, I'm just living in Australia

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by HarryT

This is following on, though, from the existing, highly-successful "Kindle with Special Offers" models. It has been proven that many people are very happy to get $30 or so off the price of a product in exchange for accepting advertising.

It's the offers I wanted and I would've paid full price to get them. The discount is a nice bonus.