New Kindle firmware available

[SensualPoet]

Originally Posted by andrys

Since you have the 3G one, it's a bit strange.
When there's no WiFi available, the 3G/WiFi Kindle will use the 3G .

I'm not sure if this has been explicitly stated in the forum, but my understanding is:

If you have the wifi + 3G:
The Kindle 3 will default FIRST to the wifi even if 3G is available. It is cheaper (for Amazon) and considerably faster. Your wifi to the router ought to be up to 50 mbps; and your pipe out to the rest of world over DSL or cable perhaps 3 to 15 mbps for most users with relatively low latency. If wifi is NOT available, only then will the Kindle 3 attempt to use 3G -- typically much slower (1 to 3 mbps; up to 7 in the lab) than wifi and plagued with latency issues.

If you have the wifi only:
The Kindle 3 obviously only operates on wifi. Congratulations! All you have lost is 3G as a backup connection. If you typically use the Kindle 3 where wifi is available -- your home, practically any hotel on vacation or business -- you are just as connected, around the world, as you might be with 3G ... only faster and more reliable. And, you saved fifty bucks.

[Tiersten]

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

I'm not sure if this has been explicitly stated in the forum, but my understanding is

Yup. Exactly. I'd expect and want the Kindle 3G+WiFi to go use WiFi if I've set it to.

[Tech]

I got my Kindle 3 yesterday. Thanks for notifying me of the update.

I bought the "International" version, as I live in Europe. But my device serial starts with B006 which the download page says is for US/Canada. Trying the US/Canada update now. EDIT: Works great!

[Madmanden]

I'd go for serial.

[Tech]

Originally Posted by Madmanden

I'd go for serial.

I did, and it worked. Seems to be a bit faster for heavy tasks (large graphical PDFs). Never had hang issues during the 24 hours I've had it, but glad to be running the latest version. Seems like a solid product with good support from Amazom.

[bluemoonjules]

Originally Posted by andrys

Also, you didn't say whether you were outside the U.S. when this happened, and that message would occur even then only when there was no AT&T-involved 3G available for your Kindle browser in that area.

Just to clarify - AT&T is not the only carrier used for the Kindle - in the UK it is Vodafone 3G

Also 'Sensualpoet'

Originally Posted by sensualpoet

If you have the wifi only:
The Kindle 3 obviously only operates on wifi. Congratulations! All you have lost is 3G as a backup connection. If you typically use the Kindle 3 where wifi is available -- your home, practically any hotel on vacation or business -- you are just as connected, around the world, as you might be with 3G ... only faster and more reliable. And, you saved fifty bucks.

Unfortunately Free WiFi hotspots are not as common in the UK or many other countries