Kindle - TOUCH or Keyboard?

[bigmama67]

Just trying to decide now that I have the funds together. I am leaning towards the Touch - can anyone give a good reason why I should get the keyboard instead? What would the keyboard actually be used for? Can I use the keyboard as a touch system also, or not? (One of the things I like about the touch is that it has a pop-up keyboard on the screen if the user wishes to employ it).

Thanks for any information/feedback.

 

[siestakey]

I have the keyboard and love it! I work in a library, and have many patrons coming in with the new touch screen. If you don't touch the screen just right, you skip ahead with the pages. They are very frustrated with it constantly reverting to the home page. What I like about the keyboard is the manuel page turner, and I can't accidentely touch the screen and move my page forward. I have also found it is more convenient to browse for books on my computer and download them instead of navigating thru the itty bitty screen. But, the itty bitty screen is awesome for reading so don't get deterred from that aspect. I am actually thinking of ordering another keyboard Kindle for a spare because no one at my library likes the touch screen! Not to mention I hate the fingerprints on the screen!

 

[bigmama67]

Thanks, this is very informative! I can definitely see what you mean about the fingerprints on the screen issue - that had not occurred to me. LOL. Also, the Keyboard comes with an adapter while the Touch does not (this makes no sense to me!) which means I am actually spending $30 more, not $40 more.

Anyone else care to weigh in? ;o)

I won't be buying till next week to sleep on it, allow the funds from my Paypal sales to hit my account, and see if on some off chance there are any post-Christmas deals to be had.

 

[aubriee]

I've not really messed with the touch screen Kindles, but love my keyboard one. It seems like the reviews for the keyboard one are higher too.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I think the touch screen depends on finger size and how adept you are at using the little keys on the screen. I have no problem but I use my finger nails but still get frustrated when typing in something to search or a website. My husband has a big problem and has to use a stylus when he uses my nook. I bought him his own but now thinking I should have bought one with the keyboard instead.

I will admit I HATE finger prints all over my screen and constantly cleaning it.

 

[My5Mouseketeers]

I have the touch and I love it. I really just use it to read books. I haven't tagged many items or written many notes. For the few things I do need to type the touch seems fine.

 

[descovy]

If you are considering 3G, go with the keyboard.

On the touch, you can only access Amazon & Wikipedia with the 3G touch when out of wifi range.

On the keyboard 3G, you are still allowed to access the whole internet in 3G mode.

Yes, the browser is not the best, but it does work! And bookmarking you favorite sites makes it work a lot easier!

I got the Kindle Keyboard 3G for my dd(age 11) Practically all her homework/study guides are given to her online through teacher web/edmodo. Even her math textbook is online! While this is handy when we are at home, it causes issues when trying to do homework on the fly... shuttling her and 3 sisters to dance, church, scouts, etc... where wifi isn't readily available. She can access her homework on the internet throgh the kindle.

 

[ttfn3]

I'd go with the Kindle with the keyboard. I like the controls to change the page, and to navigate the page if you wish to look up a definition of a word.

Geez - the touch doesn't come with an adapter? Definitely go with the keyboard Kindle.

 

[Disney845]

I have not personally used the Touch (other than looking at it on display at Target), but I have the Keyboard version so I can tell you a bit about that.

Main things I use the keyboard for are typing in the password to unlock my Kindle (you don't have to use the lock feature, but I do), typing in a web address when using the browser, typing in a search term when shopping in the Kindle store.

I actually thought about getting a Touch too when they came out. I liked the idea of just tapping the screen to turn the page, vs hitting one of the side buttons. The side buttons on my Keyboard are my least fav feature. I don't think they are in the right position to really benefit single hand use of the Kindle (I think they should be higher up the body of the Kindle). I also find that very occasionally, when trying to use the Kindle Keyboard with one hand, I accidentally slide the on/off. Of course these issues could just be my own poor coordination!

The above complaints are just minor things though, and I really do LOVE my Kindle!

 

[RitaE]

I tried the Touch for a week or two and returned it and bought another Kindle Keyboard. I didn't like the lack of a physical page turn button. That's pretty much a matter of personal preference though.

 

[mom2rose&john]

I have not personally used the Touch (other than looking at it on display at Target), but I have the Keyboard version so I can tell you a bit about that.

Main things I use the keyboard for are typing in the password to unlock my Kindle (you don't have to use the lock feature, but I do), typing in a web address when using the browser, typing in a search term when shopping in the Kindle store.

I actually thought about getting a Touch too when they came out. I liked the idea of just tapping the screen to turn the page, vs hitting one of the side buttons. The side buttons on my Keyboard are my least fav feature. I don't think they are in the right position to really benefit single hand use of the Kindle (I think they should be higher up the body of the Kindle). I also find that very occasionally, when trying to use the Kindle Keyboard with one hand, I accidentally slide the on/off. Of course these issues could just be my own poor coordination! The above complaints are just minor things though, and I really do LOVE my Kindle!

The outline in bold is also my least favorite about the KK. When I hold the KK with one hand I sometimes accidently turn the page. I played with both at Target and choose the special offers KK with only wifi. The finger prints on the touch weren't bad but I am OCD when it comes to fingerprints and I know it would be constantly bug me. BTW, can you use a damp cloth to wipe the screen?

 

[bigmama67]

It looks like they may be cutting out the Keyboard soon - you can now only get the 3G Keyboard, not the Wifi (though they are the same price). We do have Wifi at home but it's no big deal to me if I have 3G!

I will definitely get it with Special Offers - apart from the potential savings, it doesn't bother me to have coupons around as long as they don't interrupt my reading.

 

[sp0ngem0nkey]

get keyboard

 

[pam95]

I don't have it yet but I am getting the Touch. I've had an iPhone for a little over a year now and have become accustomed to a touch screen and touch keyboard. I went to Target and played around with all the Kindle versions (something I highly recommend). With the Kindle keyboard, I kept wanting to touch the screen. That was what convinced me to go with the Touch.

 

[DVCLiz]

I have both and like them both. It really is a matter of personal preference, I think. If you like a touchscreen, the Touch is a nice product. If you prefer a physical page turn button, get the Keyboard.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I prefer actual keyboards over touch screens (when I can find them) but in this case I would probably go with the Touch since Amazon is not likely to do anymore updates for the Kindle Keyboard...they seem to be phasing them out.

 

[GeorgeAndDiana]

Just an addition for the Kindle Keyboard - we have two in our household and preferred it to the touch - You kind of end up getting some fingerprints, anyway. Why? Because everyone you show it to thinks the screen should be a touchscreen and tries it at least once. Oh well!

 

[ksloane]

If you are considering 3G, go with the keyboard.

On the touch, you can only access Amazon & Wikipedia with the 3G touch when out of wifi range.

On the keyboard 3G, you are still allowed to access the whole internet in 3G mode.

Yes, the browser is not the best, but it does work! And bookmarking you favorite sites makes it work a lot easier!

This is why when I needed a new one last month, I replaced mine with another Keyboard 3G. I rarely ever use the browser as it is very basic, but when vacationing in Panama this past summer, it was a great and free way to stay in contact with family back home.