Wow... new Kindle is coming out soon

[lovehoney]

I want a kindle fire!!!!!

 

[mickeymaker2003]

If you are on the fence about wanting one, I'd probably go ahead and order it now. You can cancel anytime before it ships (or return it once you get it if you don't like it). Waiting until release day to try to purchase may result in big delays if they pre-sell more than they have already manufactured.

 

[sillysmom]

I'm definitely getting a Kindle, now its just a matter of which one. So tell me if I have this right. As long as the Kindle I choose has wifi, which I think are all of them, then I can upload books from the library without hooking up to the computer? And if it had 3G as well, I could go on the internet as well? Also, I got the Wifi only version, once I uploaded the book, and then say left the wifi hotspot, I could still read the book, the wifi is only to get the book right? I think I'm leaning more towards the Kindle ($79), Kindle Touch($99) or the Kindle Touch 3G ($139) I would take the special offers cheaper model, no biggie. Just not thinking I actually need the internet available all the time, I have an Iphone and use that most of the time.

 

[Fyrefly]

I'm definitely getting a Kindle, now its just a matter of which one. So tell me if I have this right. As long as the Kindle I choose has wifi, which I think are all of them, then I can upload books from the library without hooking up to the computer? And if it had 3G as well, I could go on the internet as well? Also, I got the Wifi only version, once I uploaded the book, and then say left the wifi hotspot, I could still read the book, the wifi is only to get the book right? I think I'm leaning more towards the Kindle ($79), Kindle Touch($99) or the Kindle Touch 3G ($139) I would take the special offers cheaper model, no biggie. Just not thinking I actually need the internet available all the time, I have an Iphone and use that most of the time.

Wi-Fi means to use it wirelessly, you need to hook it up to your home Wi-Fi network and/or use a Wi-Fi hotspot in a place like Starbucks. Then it can connect to the internet and get your books.

3G means it gets on the internet the same way a phone does, it uses AT&T's network. You will be able to wirelessly get books "right out of the box" as it were, without setting up Wifi yet. So if you don't have a home wireless network or you don't feel comfortable connecting devices to to it, you'd want 3G.

Once you download a book, by library, store, whatever, it stays on your device until you take it off. You don't need a connection all the time and Amazon even recommends you turn off your wireless when you aren't using it to make the battery last longer.

At least on the Kindle Keyboard, which I have, you can web browse as long as you are connected. Doesn't matter if 3G or Wifi. So a lot of us without smart phones saw the Kindle 3G as a very cheap way to have an emergency connection if needed out of the house. Nook's 3G does NOT work for web browsing, it only web browses on Wi Fi. It sounds like whether or not the new Kindles (not the Fire it's Wifi only, but the other two) can web browse in 3G is unconfirmed.

The one thing I have read (correct me if I'm wrong, anyone who has done it!) is that you can only send library books wirelessly if your Kindle is hooked up to a Wi-Fi. It won't deliver wirelessly over just a 3G. So to get library books, 3G users must either also connect via Wifi, or use the included cord to move the book directly from the computer to the device.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

went on the website and the Kindle Fire looks great too, similar to an Ipad with color screen, web browsing etc for $199 I think I might need one of those

The Kindle Fire is an interesting item and the price is great. Looks like a deal for what it will do. Don't be fooled though - it isn't even close to an iPad.

I don't like the fact that the Fire does not come with 3G. I'm guessing this was to hold down the price. I'll bet the next version will offer this feature.

Wow, they look great! I wish they offered some kind of trade in deal because I would in a heart beat!

That would be sweet. Bose does this; wish Amazon did.

 

[MrsPete]

At $79 price point for a nontouch screen version and $99 touchscreen version they're going to take over the market. Especially now that they are finally testing library lending capability.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051QVESA

I'm a long-time Kindle fan -- I've had mine long enough that it was bought back when they were in the $300 range. It's genuinely one of my favorite posessions, and I'm considering buying one for my girls this Christmas.

So many people are interested in these. I predict these new models'll be best-sellers at Christmas. If I decide to give these to my girls, I'm definitely going to pre-order.

I haven't studied the new offerings thoroughly, but two things jump out at me:

1. I see that the two lowest-priced models don't come with charging cords (perhaps the other models too -- I wasn't really in the mood to compare and thought I'd look back later). The charging cord for my Kindle 2 wore out (plastic came off in places, and I was a little afraid of the exposed wires being a fire hazard). I'm pretty sure the replacement I bought at Best Buy cost $19. Later I bought a no-name docking station for around $11. Anyway, if you're not getting a cord, add $20 to the price.

2. I see a huge difference in the amount of time the Kindle remains charged. I'm very attracted to the models that hold a charge for weeks! So convenient.

 

[MrsPete]

Wow, they look great! I wish they offered some kind of trade in deal because I would in a heart beat!

For these prices, I think that's asking too much. I suspect they're making very little off the machine and expect to make their profit from book sales.

If you are on the fence about wanting one, I'd probably go ahead and order it now. You can cancel anytime before it ships (or return it once you get it if you don't like it). Waiting until release day to try to purchase may result in big delays if they pre-sell more than they have already manufactured.

Good point. Since they don't come out 'til mid-November, you're just "holding it" -- just like if it were in your cart and you were giving it a ride around Walmart or Target.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they charge your credit card 'til the item ships?

 

[ksloane]

For these prices, I think that's asking too much. I suspect they're making very little off the machine and expect to make their profit from book sales.
Good point. Since they don't come out 'til mid-November, you're just "holding it" -- just like if it were in your cart and you were giving it a ride around Walmart or Target.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they charge your credit card 'til the item ships?

I didn't think of that but I'm going to put on one hold now for my daughter for Christmas. I'm anxiously waiting on Apple's announcements next week, but since I could go back in next week and cancel it, I think I'll do that...great idea!

 

[nowellsl]

I'm tempted by the Kindle Fire! I have the keyboard Kindle 3g. The experimental browser is so cumbersome to use that I rarely do! I imagine the touch screen would help a lot! I do use the 3g to download books from anywhere.... nice feature! The specials ads are awesome, I've gotten some really good deals!

 

[Singinglizzie]

After reading through all these responses, I just wanted to add that the replacement insurance policy we bought for my high schooler has been invaluable. Believe it or not, he wound up with several cracked or locked screens within the first 90- days. He is now on Kindle #5 - this one has been working for at least 4 months - a new record for him. Consequently I would advise against buying through Amazon and instead recommend buying through Target, which sells a replacement policy - I think I paid $30 for it, and it has saved me 5 times!!! I've read that the kindle screens based on the current models (uses a kind of etch a sketch tenology) can crack or lock and there is no way to repair them. Amazon may or may not assist you if it breaks. Maybe the new color screens will not have this problem, but do be aware of it if you buy a current model.

 

[granmanh603]

I've never paid for 3G service with any of our Kindles... the pages on Amazon say that the 3G service is still free

the 3g service only lets you download books

 

[jrmasm]

the 3g service only lets you download books

Not true. It has a internet browser as well. It's not pretty but it's there. I believe there is a poster that used the browser to check email for free when she was overseas.

 

[pjtjm]

I just wanted to mention that I noticed that in the description for the new Touch 3G model, the experimental web browser is available "via wifi".

This is different than the description for the K3 (or Kindle Keyboard)'s description. On that page it says simply the EWB is free.

I opened a thread on the Amazon discussion board last night, and someone is checking with Amazon directly, but it's not clear if the newer 3G kindle will still support web browsing via 3g.

You will be able to download books via the bookstore via 3G - that is clear.

I just thought I'd let you know before you decide on that model simply for the 3g web browsing.

I will update this when Amazon responds to the question.

Well, I did hear back from Kindle customer service, but the email answer I received did not address the specific question. (They basically said, "Yes, it will have a web browser"). I knew that, but how will it work?


But someone else on the Amazon forum noticed this veribage in the Touch 3g page:
If you read the charging specs for the 3g touch you will find this:
A single charge lasts up to two months with wireless off based upon a half-hour of daily reading time. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to 3 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, downloading content, and web browsing (browsing available only in Wi-Fi mode).


Since they say "ONLY in wi-fi" - I think that answers the question.

 

[bumbershoot]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they charge your credit card 'til the item ships?

Charging has always been at the start of the shipping process, so you are correct, they won't charge it right now.

After reading through all these responses, I just wanted to add that the replacement insurance policy we bought for my high schooler has been invaluable. Believe it or not, he wound up with several cracked or locked screens within the first 90- days. He is now on Kindle #5 - this one has been working for at least 4 months - a new record for him. Consequently I would advise against buying through Amazon and instead recommend buying through Target, which sells a replacement policy - I think I paid $30 for it, and it has saved me 5 times!!! I've read that the kindle screens based on the current models (uses a kind of etch a sketch tenology) can crack or lock and there is no way to repair them. Amazon may or may not assist you if it breaks. Maybe the new color screens will not have this problem, but do be aware of it if you buy a current model.

Within that short amount of time, amazon almost certainly would have helped....

 

[DCPrincess]

Not true. It has a internet browser as well. It's not pretty but it's there. I believe there is a poster that used the browser to check email for free when she was overseas.

Not sure about the new Kindle, but I have a 3G one and have used it to check my email in Ecuador without a charge.

 

[Ephany]

1. I see that the two lowest-priced models don't come with charging cords (perhaps the other models too -- I wasn't really in the mood to compare and thought I'd look back later). The charging cord for my Kindle 2 wore out (plastic came off in places, and I was a little afraid of the exposed wires being a fire hazard). I'm pretty sure the replacement I bought at Best Buy cost $19. Later I bought a no-name docking station for around $11. Anyway, if you're not getting a cord, add $20 to the price.

People are saying they do come with a USB cord though, so you can charge it via the computer, you just can't plug it into the wall like the earlier models.

the 3g service only lets you download books

I checked my email using my K3 sitting in the harbor in Nassau this summer for no charge. It was clunky and slow, but adequate for what I needed.

 

[baseballmickey]

Thinking this might be the year I finally get a Kindle!

People are saying they do come with a USB cord though, so you can charge it via the computer, you just can't plug it into the wall like the earlier models.

I checked my email using my K3 sitting in the harbor in Nassau this summer for no charge. It was clunky and slow, but adequate for what I needed.

Interesting notes by PP about the power/charging cord. Recently I've acquired a few AC outlet chargers/adapters that allow you to plug a USB cable into it. I love these things! I got one with my cell phone, and one with the IPod Touch I got last christmas. I'm wonder if there are any of these out there that have multiple USB ports on them. And since my car has a USB port as well... I use the USB cable (with or without the adapter) for charging my phone and Ipod everywhere now! I keep one adapter at home, and the other stays in my bag.

 

[ChiCat]

Wow, they look great! I wish they offered some kind of trade in deal because I would in a heart beat!

And I agree, the library lending should seal the deal with Kindles. I already borrowed my first book on mine and it is beyond easy!

Late to the party and sorry if this has already been posted. You borrowed a book on Kindle? How? From another use or the library?

 

[disney_5]

I think I am getting the touch model. Might as well pre-order one now. I wanted to ask what everyone is doing for covers? I think the ones amazon is selling are $35. Will other companies make cheaper ones once the devices come out? And is anyone buying the accedent policy? Is it worth the $20?

thanks, Jen

 

[MrsPete]

After reading through all these responses, I just wanted to add that the replacement insurance policy we bought for my high schooler has been invaluable. Believe it or not, he wound up with several cracked or locked screens within the first 90- days. He is now on Kindle #5 - this one has been working for at least 4 months - a new record for him. Consequently I would advise against buying through Amazon and instead recommend buying through Target, which sells a replacement policy - I think I paid $30 for it, and it has saved me 5 times!!! I've read that the kindle screens based on the current models (uses a kind of etch a sketch tenology) can crack or lock and there is no way to repair them. Amazon may or may not assist you if it breaks. Maybe the new color screens will not have this problem, but do be aware of it if you buy a current model.

I know two people who've broken a Kindle, and they were both tweens. And one of them is definitely irresponsible with her things -- her parents buy her so much that she doesn't value and take care of expensive toys. I'd guess that teens might be more likely than adults to toss a Kindle into a bookbag.

On the other hand, my Kindle's an older model that's no longer available, and it's in perfect condition because it's literally always either in my hand or packed away in its protective case. And I have a friend my age whose brand-new Kindle "just wasn't quite right" -- it'd hang up for 5 minutes, then start working again -- and she sent it back to Amazon on Day 2 of ownership; they exchanged it without any trouble. Aside from her, I haven't known an adult who's had a problem, and I'm sure she had the bad luck to get a defective one.

If I end up buying these for my daugthers for Christmas, I think I will get the insurance for them -- though I probably woudln't do it for myself. I think it might be most important for my soon-to-be-a-college-student daughter. Living in a dorm room, things on her desk could easily be subjected to food, drink, friends -- it'd be very easy for something bad to happen to her machine.

People are saying they do come with a USB cord though, so you can charge it via the computer, you just can't plug it into the wall like the earlier models.

Hmmm . . . my Kindle cord is really cool: It's a wall plug-in, but if you pull off the "prongs thing" it's a USB underneath. Sounds like they may've developed a cheaper model? I'd want to know for certain before ordering.

Personally, my favorite charging method is my little docking station. It sits in the bay window in my bedroom behind a curtain, and it's super-convenient.