Need Kindle help please

[PSULion]

I did read some of the other kindle threads, but couldn't find this info, so I'm hoping someone can help.

We are looking to buy my mom a kindle for Mother's Day, but I can't decide if we should pay extra for the 3G version. If we do get the 3G, can she really check her e-mail and browse the web for free anywhere with 3G coverage?

Also, does anyone have experience with using the 3G in Europe? I've read several reviews that said only a very limited number of websites are actually available using overseas 3G.

She has wireless in her house, and I'm sure before vacation she would just stock up on books, so I don't think she'll need the 3G for buying books. But if it would allow her to check her email on the road without finding wifi, it might be worth the extra 50 bucks.

 

[scanmom]

you can browse the web and check email with the 3G version of Kindle. I have one and I love it.
However, the web browsing and email are pretty slow, not due to the system speed so much, but due to the fact that the Kindle isn't really meant for that, and it's not really easy to navigate. I get frustrated with web browsing on the Kindle if I try to do it for any length of time. If she wants to use it for quick look-ups on the internet, its ok, but not for just browsing around the internet. there are other devices that will do that much faster and easier, and can have the Kindle app added to them (ie: Ipad). But, for getting books downloaded, and reading in bright light, he Kindle can't be beat!

 

[Charitycase20]

No experience in Europe but I have the 3G version. Honestly, I don't use it much, mostly my WiFi connection here at home.
You can check email, there is a browser...its akward but it can be done. For me, mine was a gift but it was worth the extra $50 for the 3G just in case.

 

[*Flower*]

I can tell you that I've had mine since June 2009, and I've never checked email or done any web browsing on it.
I'm sure that it can probably be done- but I use mine for reading. I do have the previous version, but I just never had the desire to try to jump on the web with it. I already have a laptop and a netbook, so if I really wanted to surf or check email- I'd use one of those.

As a thought- there is all sorts of Kindle apps out there, for Ipads, Ipods, laptops, cell phones etc. I just love the 'book' feel of the Kindle. And my DH enjoyed mine so much I ended up getting him one too!

Good luck with your decision- and I hope everyone answers up to help. If you want even more help- go over to www.kindleboards.com and post this in the EVERYTHING KINDLE section of the forum. You'll get LOTS of help over there....

 

[PSULion]

Thanks for the help so far, I knew this was a good place to ask.

I don't think she'd use it much for web browsing really, I think it would be more e-mail when she travels. For example, she often visits a friend at the shore who has no wireless. It drives her nuts not to check her email the entire visit. I wondered if the kindle might help with that. She also has a iPod touch, but it's only wifi, and she has no smartphone.

 

[ksloane]

I have the Kindle with 3G and have used it for checking email on the go when there wasn't another option, but I'd never use it for that regularly. It's doable, but not ideal.

However, I'd still buy the 3G though if I had it to do over again. Yes, I download most of my books through my home wifi, but there are some times when I'm out and about and want a specific book that I don't have or just want a different genre book than I have available.....and it's so nice to be able to add a book in a flash from most anywhere...

 

[princessnoelly]

I have the Kindle with 3G and have used it for checking email on the go when there wasn't another option, but I'd never use it for that regularly. It's doable, but not ideal.

However, I'd still buy the 3G though if I had it to do over again. Yes, I download most of my books through my home wifi, but there are some times when I'm out and about and want a specific book that I don't have or just want a different genre book than I have available.....and it's so nice to be able to add a book in a flash from most anywhere...

...This!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The Kindle web browser works really well with websites designed for mobile access. Airlines check ins, news feeds, email, those sorts of things. I have used my 3G Kindle 2 in Mexico, Canada, Europe (France, Italy, Spain, UK, Isle of Man) without issue or charge. Just Sunday we were returning home from another city and my daughter needed a book for her AP Lit assignment due the next day. Bought the book in less than a minute and she was able to read it all the way home. I personally wouldn't get a Kindle without the 3G.

Thanks for the help so far, I knew this was a good place to ask.

I don't think she'd use it much for web browsing really, I think it would be more e-mail when she travels. For example, she often visits a friend at the shore who has no wireless. It drives her nuts not to check her email the entire visit. I wondered if the kindle might help with that. She also has a iPod touch, but it's only wifi, and she has no smartphone.

 

[PSULion]

The Kindle web browser works really well with websites designed for mobile access. Airlines check ins, news feeds, email, those sorts of things. I have used my 3G Kindle 2 in Mexico, Canada, Europe (France, Italy, Spain, UK, Isle of Man) without issue or charge. Just Sunday we were returning home from another city and my daughter needed a book for her AP Lit assignment due the next day. Bought the book in less than a minute and she was able to read it all the way home. I personally wouldn't get a Kindle without the 3G.

Thanks for the overseas info. It sounds like it might be worth it to get the 3G. I just hope my sister in law agrees, since we are splitting it!