Kindle Keyboard "Special Offers"

[gorman]

A long time ago I bought a keyboard 3g, because well, free unlimited 3g world wide is awesome. Unfortunately, this one has some problems, so I was looking at picking up another one (or two, since they are so useful).

I've noticed there are now these "special offers" and the opposite editions. The description says "Experimental web browsing is free.", "Unlike cell phones, with Kindle Keyboard 3G there are no monthly fees or annual contracts— Amazon pays for Kindle’s 3G wireless connectivity", and it also says of course that there is free 3g, world wide (where coverage permits).

The ToS says "Amazon provides wireless connectivity free of charge to you for certain content
shopping and downloading services on your Device. You may be charged a fee for wireless
connectivity for your use of other wireless services on your Device, such as Web browsing and
downloading of personal files, should you elect to use those services. We will maintain a list of
current fees for such services in the Kindle Store. Amazon reserves the right to discontinue
wireless connectivity at any time or to otherwise change the terms for wireless connectivity at
any time, including, but not limited to (a) limiting the number and size of data files that may be
transferred using wireless connectivity and (b) changing the amount and terms applicable for
wireless connectivity charges. "

I'm not at all familiar with these restrictions. Is this merely a scare tactic, or do then in practice charge you for "free" services, without warning, limit your connectivity, again, without warning, and just in general screw with people's connections?

Are these new keyboard models subject to additional restrictions, and the store page has just not been updated? I'm sure if I used the 3g for browsing, tethering, file transfer, etc as anyone would use the original keyboard 3g for, I could point out the store page if questioned (as well as the overarching restrictions in the ToS). But in practice what is the situation?

Do the newer keyboard 3gs have different model numbers that I can watch out for?

[ixtab]

According to this thread, these exact terms of service have been there from the beginning. In other words: nothing's changed.

[gorman]

Originally Posted by ixtab

According to this thread, these exact terms of service have been there from the beginning. In other words: nothing's changed.

Yup, but the ToS say basically "we can change things and not tell you, and all charges/restrictions will be listed outside on of this document", like I said - on the store page it still says it is free and unrestricted, but maybe it was never updated.

So even the newest models have free unrestricted (in any way) 3g?

[ixtab]

Kindle 3 (Keyboard), yes. But it is restricted to what it is originally intended for - namely usage from the device. "You agree you will use the wireless connectivity provided by Amazon only in connection with Services Amazon provides for the Device. You may not use the wireless connectivity for any other purpose."*

Kindle Touch and Paperwhite: no. You can browse Wikipedia only, and shop in the Amazon store.

(*) See also: this.

PS: There have also been reports that the data download limit is/may be capped to 50 MB when roaming. Search this forum for more info.

[gorman]

Originally Posted by ixtab

Kindle 3 (Keyboard), yes. But it is restricted to what it is originally intended for - namely usage from the device. "You agree you will use the wireless connectivity provided by Amazon only in connection with Services Amazon provides for the Device. You may not use the wireless connectivity for any other purpose."*

Kindle Touch and Paperwhite: no. You can browse Wikipedia only, and shop in the Amazon store.

That's quite a bothersome restriction then, when they sold it (and even now) they still advertise the entire browser as unrestricted and free. Are they actually acting on this, or is it a failsafe "I warned you" clause?

Where are you actually quoting that from? It's not from the kindle keyboard ToS, nor from the Wireless Connectivity section of the Kindle ToU, nor from the store page; "Your Kindle Keyboard 3G may use wireless connectivity to make other services available", "Your Kindle uses wireless connectivity to allow you to shop for and download Digital Content." (where Digital Content is previously defined to include RSS, blogs, etc). The wording is a bit strange, because in all three of these other sources Amazon explicitly says that there are non-Amazon services that can be accessed using the Kindle. But perhaps it's just clumsy wording (or the aforementioned un-enforced "I warned you" clause).




And yes I have read the stickies.

Originally Posted by ixtab

PS: There have also been reports that the data download limit is/may be capped to 50 MB when roaming. Search this forum for more info.

That's disturbing, I bought my kindle internationally, and have used it in many countries without any kind of email or notification being sent to me. It also contradicts their advertising...

[ixtab]

Originally Posted by gorman

That's quite a bothersome restriction then, when they sold it (and even now) they still advertise the entire browser as unrestricted and free. Are they actually acting on this, or is it a failsafe "I warned you" clause?

It does not affect the browser, because that is covered by "Services Amazon provides for the Device". Tethering is an entirely different story, and that is covered by that clause. I don't know if they're acting on this. If you want to find out, go ahead, but be aware that it's against the ToU.

Where are you actually quoting that from? It's not from the kindle keyboard ToS, nor from the Wireless Connectivity section of the Kindle ToU

Yes it is. It's in the Wireless Connectivity/Your Conduct section of the Terms of Use, right below what you quoted. You can find it pretty much everywhere by searching for the sentence, but here's an example: Kindle Keyboard Quick Start Guide.

[gorman]

Originally Posted by ixtab

It does not affect the browser, because that is covered by "Services Amazon provides for the Device". Tethering is an entirely different story, and that is covered by that clause. I don't know if they're acting on this. If you want to find out, go ahead, but be aware that it's against the ToU.

Tethering is against the ToS? Could you please quote the source on that?
In the link below it is completely allowed, as the service is the connectivity itself (among other things)

Originally Posted by ixtab

Yes it is. It's in the Wireless Connectivity/Your Conduct section of the Terms of Use, right below what you quoted. You can find it pretty much everywhere by searching for the sentence, but here's an example: Kindle Keyboard Quick Start Guide.

Ah, well in that context it completely makes sense, "The “Service” means the wireless connectivity, ..."
I could not find it in the other sources, though I just copy pasted your quote.

[ixtab]

Think of it: this is sold as an ebook reader with a complimentary wireless web browser, not as a "free 3G" modem.

EOD for me.

PS: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200506200 . It's right there.

[Josieb1]

The 50MB limit is enforced btw as its happened to me when I used mine in an emergency.

[gorman]

Originally Posted by ixtab

Think of it: this is sold as an ebook reader with a complimentary wireless web browser, not as a "free 3G" modem.

At the time "free 3g" was their biggest selling point. I doubt anyone can truly say "I bought the 3g model and oh look it has complimentary 3g", people litterally payed more for 3g :P It's not an added bonus, it's what I payed for.

Originally Posted by ixtab

PS: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200506200 . It's right there.

I don't see where it says that, can you quote where it says..?

Originally Posted by Josieb1

The 50MB limit is enforced btw as its happened to me when I used mine in an emergency.

I see, thanks for the info.

[susan_cassidy]

The whole point is moot, since you can't buy a Kindle Keyboard from Amazon any more. You'd have to buy a used one from somewhere.

[gorman]

It does make a difference for two reasons, 1 because they the ToS is purposefully very open ended, so it's nice to know things such as Josieb1 said, and 2 because I'm not familiar with these "special offers" models of kindles.

Though I'm not sure what point exactly you are referring to, since a lot of points have been made O_o