Why Get A Kindle 3G?

January 20, 2011 By 9 Comments

Kindle 3G

“Why should I get a Kindle 3G?” This is probably the question that I get asked most often by my family and friends who know that I run a Kindle review website. They are usually looking to buy a Kindle, and many times they want to go with the wireless version instead of the Kindle 3G because it is cheaper, but they want to make sure they are getting the best deal.

If that is you, maybe we can help you make your decision. For many people, the Kindle wireless version will be sufficient. For others, like me, you may want to pony up the extra cash to get the convenience of a Kindle 3G.

Below are the main advantages and disadvantages that a Kindle 3G offers you. By using this as sort of a checklist, you should be able to decide which one is right for you –

Coverage Just About Everywhere

With a Kindle 3G, you never have to worry about being hooked up to a wifi network somewhere. You can buy and download books essentially anywhere that you would typically have a signal on your phone. The Kindle 3G offers this service free, something none of the other tablets out there have.

No Hassles Getting Connected

While the Kindle wireless is not difficult to hook up via a wireless network, it is easier not to have to mess with it. If you have a Kindle 3G, you can simply turn on your device and it will connect on its own. No worries about having to put in a password for a wifi network.

Kindle 3G Battery Life

One disadvantage of the Kindle 3G is the fact that being connected to the 3G network uses up battery life much more quickly. However, the easy solution to that is simply turning off the 3G connection when you are not downloading anything, which only takes a few minutes to do.

Cost

The Kindle 3G does cost a bit more than the Kindle wireless. Right now, the difference between a Kindle 3G and Kindle wireless is about $50.

Conclusion

For me, the Kindle 3G was worth the extra money (as was the Kindle DX for the bigger screen), however, if you do not plan to use your Kindle anywhere but at your home, and you already have a wifi connection, saving that $50 and getting the Kindle wireless instead of the Kindle 3G may make more sense for you.

If you want to know more, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the full comparison from Amazon.

Already have a Kindle? Make sure you check out our review on the best Kindle waterproof case!

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Can the Kindle Continue to Compete?

October 5, 2010 By 1 Comment

There are so many different ebook readers out there now. The Nook, Kobo, Sony, and iPad are all trying to hone in on the Amazon Kindle’s territory. It is a dog-eat-dog world when it comes to e-readers.

kindle unique

With all the new faces in the game, will Kindle continue to compete? I think so, and here is how -

  1. Cost – The Kindle still has one of the cheapest price point for e-readers out there, especially compared to the iPad.
  2. Free 3G – The no-cost 3G makes the Kindle enticing as a “one-off” cost. No monthly payment here!
  3. Uniqueness – Yes, there are other e-readers out there. However, none offer the same exact features. None of the others offer subscriptions to blogs and newspapers like the Kindle does, for example.
  4. Title availability – While the iPad and Nook have a number of titles available, the Sony reader and Kobo do not have the same volume.
  5. Brand recognition – While some of the other ebook readers are catching up to the Kindle, Kindle is still recognized as the premiere brand over Nook and Sony.
  6. Screen – The e-ink screen speaks for itself.
  7. Accessories – A whole industry has sprung up around Kindle lights, Kindle chargers, etc.

Many people thought the iPad would be “the Kindle killer.” However, the opposite has proven true, as they are different devices marketing for the most part to different kinds of users.

In my opinion, the Kindle is here to stay for a long time!

What do you think? Any features I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Click to read our full breakdown of the Kindle vs. iPad.

Also, check out my latest article comparing the Kindle DX vs. iPad over at Info Barrel.

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Attack of the Giant iPhone, The Apple iPad

January 27, 2010 By 2 Comments

giant iphone clone the ipad

It made its debut today in San Francisco, the Apple iPad which looks very much like a giant iPhone. Essentially the much hyped, much anticipated Apple Digital Reader is by and large a BIG iPHONE with added functionality.

In addition to music, you will be able to read digital books, play games, use iPhone developed apps, access national newspapers, surf the web and more with the iPad. But it looks freakishly like a bloated and swollen iPhone. It’s sort of uninspiring that such a sleek and creative company as Apple, came up with “iPad’ as the name for its tablet pc and that the design is EXACTLY the same as the iPhone. I don’t get it.

Also, there is no mention yet on the price or availability of this new Apple device.

What do you think so far of the new Apple iPad?

update: The price has been revealed, and is as follows. An entry level 16Gb model is $499 and it goes up to a 64Gb model for $699, service is extra and on the AT&T 3g network.

What is the iPad seriously missing, so far? No camera! Which is weird considering its size.

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Amazon Kindle Versus The Apple Digital Reader

January 26, 2010 By 3 Comments

apple digital reader

Are you waiting on bated breath like the rest of the planet regarding the Apple Digital Reader, (a/k/a Apple iPad – maybe?) it supposedly comes out tomorrow. Whoa!

The anticipation factor on this digital reader is HUGE, not too mention the rumors are just as big. Through all the speculation, fact is no one really knows for sure, the size – price – or specs on this, the Jesus reader. But one thing everyone seems to agree on, is that the Apple digital reader will be priced steep as is their style. And it will be sleek, as is their style.

Let’s take a look at the major differences between the Apple Digital reader and the Amazon Kindle. (from what we do know)

Kindle

  • Price – $259
  • Size – 6 inch and 9 inch (DX model)
  • Ink – eInk
  • Connectivity – Wireless 3G (via AT&T)
  • Storage – 2GB
  • Input – Keyboard

Apple Digital Reader

  • Price – $1,000 + (heavily rumored to be high priced)
  • Size – 9 inch (heavily rumored to be bigger than the Kindle 2, 6 inch screen)
  • Ink – LCD (computer like screen in tablet style form)
  • Connectivity – Wireless 3G (heavily rumored to be either via Verizon or Sprint)
  • Storage – n/a (but most likely will have good storage capacity)
  • Input – Touchscreen (heavily rumored)

Yes! this is mostly speculation, but one thing we can pretty much all bet on is the MEDIA BUZZ the Apple digital reader will create, and as such get people talking about “reading” in general.

Question

What specs have you heard or read about, that will most likely make it to the Apple iPad?

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