Kindle 3G vs. WiFi?

[wlake]

Hello! I think I'm going to splurge on a Kindle, and now I'm wondering if I should get the $190 one with 3G access or save $50 and get the less expensive one with just WiFi. I have a wireless network in the house and just can't imagine wanting to download books while I'm not home, but am I being shortsighted? Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[Kycha]

I have the Nook. And I chose the wifi version over the 3g. I have over 200 books downloaded to my Nook. So, I can't imagine being out and about somewhere without an available book to read. The only thing I could see needing the 3g version for is if you want to do web browsing while you are away from home.

 

[gnome1b]

I have the 3G version and I almost never use it while I'm away.
I wouldn't waste your money.
I thought I would be able to use it to look at my email or surf the web but the web browser isn't very good. Its slow and hard to navigate.
I usually buy books before I go on vacation so I'm not usually looking to buy any books while I'm away.

Hello! I think I'm going to splurge on a Kindle, and now I'm wondering if I should get the $190 one with 3G access or save $50 and get the less expensive one with just WiFi. I have a wireless network in the house and just can't imagine wanting to download books while I'm not home, but am I being shortsighted? Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[beccasmom]

My 3G Kindle was a gift. I love it. But the WIFI version would be more than fine. If you don't think you'll be buying books on-the-go, you'll be fine with WIFI. The web browser is very basic and kind of tedious to use IMHO.

I have the WIFI iPad and it is exceptionally easy to use. I take my portable Verizon hotspot for on-the-go use and that works quite well too.

Also, if 3G service is not great in your area, the 3G Kindle would be kind of a waste anyway.

 

[Them!]

My daughter gave me a WiFi Kindle. I love it and honestly wouldn't have used the 3g anywhere yet. I downloaded a bunch of books and went a 7 day cruise. I got delayed at the airport and used the airport's network to buy a book. My book club meets in a Boarder's store and I have used their network to research books. It will change your life...really!!!
You can't go wrong with the 3g but if you want to save the money go with the WiFi one.

 

[magchavez]

I have the wi-fi one and love it. I have wifi in the house and it works just fine! I would save the $50 and spend it on books!

 

[laurafergie]

I have the 3G Kindle. It was a gift and it's great, but frankly, I have only used the 3G once and that was when we were in Disney at Christmas. I have WIFI at the house and have loaded it up with books, so I am good to go.

Unless you are going to be traveling a lot, I would just get the WIFI. $50 bucks savings means more books for you!

 

[njcarita]

i use the 3g all the time to check my emails.... facebook....yahoo maps etc.... kindle is always in my pocketbook.... easier than lugging my laptop around...

 

[MrsToad]

I have the Kindle 3G version and it has been useful at least two times when I've been away and new books I'd been waiting for in two series I'd been reading came out. DH also finished his paperback book on vacation once and ordered a book on my Kindle since he wouldn't have enjoyed any of the books I had already downloaded. A girl at work has the 3G and orders books on her lunch break since she doesn't have Wi-Fi at home. Not everyone will need the 3G, but it can be convenient, especially if you travel a lot and read various book series and want the new books RIGHT NOW .

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have a Kindle with both 3G and wi-fi, and quite frankly if I were buying a new one, I would save the money and just buy one with wi-fi. Since the Kindle holds so many books, even if you travel a lot, you can easily stock up when you have wi-fi available. These days, it's pretty easy to find a free wi-fi connection anywhere you might travel.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I have the Kindle with 3G. Wouldn't buy another without the option. I travel a lot and several times in foreign countries my Kindle 3G is the most reliable internet connection I have. And it's FREE. It is by no means a full-featured web browser. However, there have been times it was my only link to friends and family (And book downloads)!

 

[Fyrefly]

I find the web browser useful. For a Nook, Wifi vs 3G is a non-issue since you can't surf the web on 3G with Nook anyway, so it would be exclusively for books.

But free, slightly clunky internet for the life of the device? Sign me up. The only downside I've found so far is I can't get my university's webmail to work with it, but my gmail and other email account work fine. And google maps is very responsive with it.

If you don't already have a mobile internet device I'd say its worth it. I don't plan on buying a smartphone in the future and now it is nice on occasion to be able to look up something if I needed it. If you already have something you carry around for those stupid moments when internet would be nice, I wouldn't bother.

My silly Kindle story: I misread a classroom number (was CERTAIN it was 308) and was on the third floor of a building with no computer and no idea what room I was supposed to go to. I pulled the Kindle out of my bookbag, googled the class, and found the prof's website and the room number: 303. I would have been 15 or 20 minutes late if I had run off to find a public computer terminal.

 

[lucky1]

I like having the option of 3G... It is a 1 time fee to get this option and you don't have to pay a monthly fee, like you do on iPad or other mobile devices. On our cruise, I was able to download a book at an international port without having to find wireless and pay any additional fees. For me the extra one time cost of $50 is worth it.

 

[wlake]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts! I think I'm going to go with just the WiFi. We don't travel much, and cell service in general in my area is just terrible unless you're right under a tower.

I'm going shopping for it tomorrow!

Thanks again! It's so nice to know that strangers are kind enough to help out!