Inspired by the Books vs. Kindle Thread - Technical Questions

[TIAMOMMA]

Hi,

When I opened the thread yesterday for the books vs. kindle post I was of the same mind of the OP - books only for me. Well, after reading through the thread I thought maybe there is some merit in having a Kindle. However, I'm intimidated in regards to the technological aspects so I was wondering if anyone could advise on the following:

1. I know there is the wi-fi model ($139) and the 3g/4g model at $189.00. I have High Speed internet with Comcast but I have no laptops/Itouch's/netbook readers in our house. So what I am wondering is this: How do I determine whether I actually have Wi-Fi? Do I need to call Comcast or is there a way to determine this on my own? I'm thinking that we don't because we have a Wii and that can't connect to the internet (unless I am supposed to connect it somehow to the computer)

2. Am I correct in assuming that 3G/4G is similar in the sense that a cell phone can be used anywhere and doesn't not need to be connected in anyway to a computer?

3. Am I better off with the 3g model anyway?

Any clarification would be appreciated. I have no problem with hooking up tv's/dvd players/ipods/mp3's or computers but I become intimidated by wireless and am not clear on what I need to have certain devices. I would love to get a laptop someday too, but I've been putting it off because of my confusion on this matter.

Thank you!

 

[RitaE]

My guess is that if you don't have a laptop what you have is a computer direct wired to the Comcast modem - correct?

If so you would have to install a router and establish a home network to utilize the WiFi. It is actually very simple to do - most commercial brands now are simply plug the wires in and then insert a CD into your computer and it walks you through the set-up. Remember that most communities also have numerous free WiFi spots now at libraries, McDonalds, coffee shops etc.

Now .. if you didn't choose to set-up a home network what you could do is buy the books from your computer and then do what is called side-loading. That's simply connecting your device (Kindle,nook, sony etc) to the computer with a cable and copying the books from your computer to your eReader. Not very hard. If you own an MP3 player you probably load music to it that way.

As for whether or not you need 3G. It is entirely up to you. It is nice, but not necessary and different people will make different choices. Personally I like having it. I like having the option to just click around and buy a book whenever or wherever I am without even having to get up out of my chair. It's fun. If I was going to buy another Kindle, I'd buy one with 3G.

But as I said ... if you choose only WiFi then you will likely find that you are able to use the functionality of the device just fine without it.

 

[cc1013]

Hello!

My mother was of the same 'books only' mentality for a long time. When she saw how much more I was reading with my Kindle, she was intrigued. I convinced her to borrow my husband's Kindle for a few days and she became hooked. She called me and asked me to order one for her right away.

Similar to you, my mom is intimidated by technology. She has a desktop computer and tends to only use it for web browsing and a bit of e-mail. Since she doesn't have wireless at her house or work, I decided to order her the wi-fi plus 3G version. Now, wherever she is, she can download books as long as there is a cell phone signal. I was concerned that she would have problems selecting networks and wanted to make it as easy as possible for her.

The best part is that I was able to add her to my Kindle account and she was able to download the 180+ books already on my account for no additional charge. Now she shares the account with my husband and I, which has worked out very well thus far.

My responses to your questions are:

1. To have wi-fi in your house, you would need a wireless router. Since you don't have anything using wi-fi at the moment, I would guess that it is not set up. You could purchase a router ($30+?) and set that up on your own since you already have a high-speed connection through Comcast. I assume that Comcast could also do this for you at a fee.

2. Your assumption is correct. The new 3G Kindles operate off of the AT&T network, so an AT&T signal would be needed.

3. Based on your information, I would recommend the wi-fi plus 3g model @ $189.