OT: The Kindle and Internet Browsing

[BethEJo]

Hi

I know this is "off topic", but I also know that a lot of you have kindles on this forum, and so I thought I'd post this question here. Sorry if this is not appropriate...

So.

I want to buy a kindle, and have seen that the Kindle with 3G connectivity comes with an "experimental" internet browser. I just wondered what are you guys' experiences with this? Are you free to browse the entire internet?

Thanks in advance

 

[Eliza32]

I have the wifi version in the UK, and I can see everything, but it's not brilliant because it's all in black and white obiously. I've surfed all over with it, but use it mostly for email in places like Starbucks. You can see all of the content, but no lovely colour!!

 

[bicker]

I want to buy a kindle, and have seen that the Kindle with 3G connectivity comes with an "experimental" internet browser. I just wondered what are you guys' experiences with this? Are you free to browse the entire internet?

Yes, but t hat doesn't mean that every website is designed so that it will work on the Kindle browser. Also, it's really only a decent online experience for relatively low-tech websites (I wouldn't enjoy DISing with my Kindle 3G). I look it as a stopgap - something that I could use in a pinch to do some specific things, when I can't get to a place where I can connect to the web with a real web browser.

The most significant use we've made of it is looking up restaurants nearby a highway exit we were approaching.

Also note that it is "experimental". It is possible that that could mean one of two things: Either: (1) As soon as usage becomes so onerous on the network, they'll get rid of it rather than having it balloon their costs or degrade the quality of the core network operations; or (2) As soon as it gets popular, they'll start charging for it.

In other words: Don't buy the Kindle 3G for its ability to surf the web. Look at that capability as a little bit of sugar on top, for as long as it lasts. Buy the Kindle 3G (specifically) for its ability to browse and buy books, wherever and whenever. If that benefit is not worth the extra $60 (in the US), then stick with the wifi Kindle 3.

 

[chirurgeon]

I agree with Bicker. The web browsing isn't great. The Kindle just can't handle the graphics that most sites use these days. I got my Kindle almost 2 years ago when the only choice was with the 3G. Not that I mind having the ability to download books anytime I want. I just don't see using the Kindle for web browsing except in an extreme emergency.

Kim