Kindle 2, can't get coverage in Canada

[Hookflash]

I just purchased a Kindle 2 and, so far, I've been unable to connect to Whispernet at all. The signal strength has been at zero, and changing location (i.e., going outside) doesn't seem to help. According to Amazon's coverage map, I should be able to connect (I live in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island). I'm thinking either my Kindle is defective, or coverage is temporarily down in my area, or Amazon's coverage map is wrong. Any ideas?

P.S. Also, my Kindle arrived unregistered, despite the fact that it was not ordered as a gift. Is that normal?

[Barcey]

They have a coverage map. I assume you bought the International edition and not the Whispernet version.

If you go to www.amazon.ca --> "Learn more at Kindle.com"
Click on the link below "Live Outside the USA"
Select Canada
Select "See Coverage Map"

btw Your Cowichan sweater have been getting at some press with the Olymipics.

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by Hookflash

I just purchased a Kindle 2 and, so far, I've been unable to connect to Whispernet at all. The signal strength has been at zero, and changing location (i.e., going outside) doesn't seem to help. According to Amazon's coverage map, I should be able to connect (I live in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island). I'm thinking either my Kindle is defective, or coverage is temporarily down in my area, or Amazon's coverage map is wrong. Any ideas?

P.S. Also, my Kindle arrived unregistered, despite the fact that it was not ordered as a gift. Is that normal?

Here is your Canadian kindle support page. Cick on "contact us" at the right.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200127470

They can either troubleshoot the problem, or walk you thru it, or replace the kindle.

Let us know how you fare.

[Hookflash]

Thanks guys. I'll try emailing customer service.

[Hookflash]

Ok, after several unanswered emails, numerous attempts to register (via my computer and via my Kindle), and one failed attempt at communication over the phone with customer service (good ol' language barrier), I was about ready to give up. I hadn't been able to get any signal at all since receiving my Kindle, and no-one at Amazon seemed to know why. But then... When I got home from work today, I decided to give it one more try. Only, this time, I'd attempt to shop at the Amazon store via my Kindle (at opposed to trying to register it), ignoring the "not registered" message and the zero signal strength; and, lo and behold, it worked! Suddenly I'm registered and my first purchased digital book has just finished downloading! And my signal strength is maxed out to boot.

I thought I should share, in case any of my fellow Canucks run into similar issues. The lesson: When all else fails, just try to connect to the Amazon store. Worked for me.

Oh, and Barcey, I can assure you I'll be wearing a <i>real</i> Cowichan sweater in 2010.

[bbesse]

Hello Hookflash
I was happy to read this tread, because I am in Victoria. I am thinking about the Kindle now but I am going to wait untill the new year to see how things settle down for the Kindle here in Canada.

Thanks for sharing,
...Brent...

[arekieh]

congrats on fixing it. do u think you could tell me how it is working for you in canada? what limitations are there?

[Hookflash]

Originally Posted by arekieh

congrats on fixing it. do u think you could tell me how it is working for you in canada? what limitations are there?

The only two limitations I've encountered so far:

1) Aside from Wikipedia, the web browsing feature is not available in Canada.

2) As you probably already know, many books aren't available on Kindle Global (although, I have to say, the selection is more extensive than I had anticipated).

Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase (as long as the wireless continues to work, that is).

[arekieh]

so does the kindle email address work? And what is whispernet?

[pilotbob]

Are you sure your wireless was on? Perhaps going to the Kindle store turns it on.

BOb

[Hookflash]

Originally Posted by arekieh

so does the kindle email address work?

You mean the "personal document service"? The free version (files < 5mb, transferred via USB) seems to work, but not the wireless version (although they're planning on bringing it to Canada eventually). At least, that's the message I got when I tried it just now.

And what is whispernet?

My understanding is that it's Amazon's wireless network (via various telecom partners, depending on the country).

[Hookflash]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Are you sure your wireless was on? Perhaps going to the Kindle store turns it on.

BOb

Yep, that was the first thing I checked. I tried resetting my Kindle, resetting the wireless, doing the Sacred Kindle Dance, praying to the God of Kindles, etc. Basically, I tried everything short of actually trying to access the Amazon store. Doh!

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Hookflash

Yep, that was the first thing I checked. I tried resetting my Kindle, resetting the wireless, doing the Sacred Kindle Dance, praying to the God of Kindles, etc. Basically, I tried everything short of actually trying to access the Amazon store. Doh!

Well, glad you got it working! Enjoy the shiny while it lasts.

BOb

[arekieh]

Originally Posted by Hookflash

You mean the "personal document service"? The free version (files < 5mb, transferred via USB) seems to work, but not the wireless version (although they're planning on bringing it to Canada eventually). At least, that's the message I got when I tried it just now.


My understanding is that it's Amazon's wireless network (via various telecom partners, depending on the country).

so u can put personal documents (pdfs?) on it through usb?
r u able to add other formats of ebooks on it via usb like txt's and stuff? or no?

and what does wispernet do?

[Hookflash]

Originally Posted by arekieh

so u can put personal documents (pdfs?) on it through usb?
r u able to add other formats of ebooks on it via usb like txt's and stuff? or no?

Yes, I can confirm that I was able to send a PDF document as an attachment to my @free.kindle.com address, and I received a reply with an AZW attachment.

and what does wispernet do?

It lets you browse and purchase books with your Kindle, wirelessly. In my opinion, it's the main selling point of the Kindle (vs. alternatives like the Sony Reader).