Technology is fine and generally makes our lives more comfortable and convenient, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we should have the latest technologies in everything we own. Take Amazon’s Kindle Wireless Reading Device, for instance. The original Kindle comes with WiFi. Amazon now offers the new Kindle e-book reader with 3G capability. Do you really need a Kindle 3G? Is it worth the extra $50? Continue reading this Kindle 3G review to find out!
About Wireless Reading Devices
Popularly known as an e-book reader or electronic book reader, a wireless reading device is a portable electronic device that allows you to download e-books, newspapers, magazines, etc. There are a number of portable e-book readers today, most notably the Amazon Kindle, Kobo e-reader, Barnes and Noble Nook, and Sony Reader. The Apple iPad is a tablet PC and ideally should not be compared to e-book readers.
One of the most popular wireless reading devices today is the Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device by Amazon.
Kindle 3G Service
The first two models of the Kindle use Wi-Fi only for connectivity. Amazon’s third generation Kindle offers Wi-Fi + 3G connectivity. The additional connectivity option is a good thing, of course, but there’s another cause for celebration. Kindle’s 3G service is absolutely FREE.
That’s right. You’ll never get a bill for the 3G service. Technically you’ll be paying for the service, but the cost is included in the price of the content. It’s a smart move by Amazon to make your 3G connection simple, sweet and painless. eBook downloads are fast with 3G and usually cost $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
In case you’re wondering, the Kindle 3G wireless reading device connects to Sprint Nextel’s 3G cellular network, which is easy to use and widely available nationwide. Amazon pays Sprint for the 3G service.
Can You Still Use Wi-Fi?
The Kindle was developed by Amazon to use Wi-Fi and has always been able to use this connectivity option. Seeing how users would have to find a hotspot and in some cases manually log in to it, the Kindle wireless reading device was redesigned to use 3G. However, it doesn’t mean you can scrap Wi-Fi. In fact, if there’s a Wi-Fi hotspot in the area your Kindle 3G will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi.
Say Goodbye to Heavy Books
I originally scoffed at the idea of purchasing a Kindle. I love books. What I don’t like is lugging a lot of heavy books around if I want to read while I travel or go on vacation.
With the Kindle 3G wireless reading device, I can have all the books I want to read in a sleek device that weighs less than a paperback. I can even download books on the go, thanks to Wi-Fi AND 3G. How’s that for convenience?
The Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device: As Good as a Real Book… well, almost
I know, I know. Book lovers will kill me for saying the Kindle 3G e-book reader is just as good as a real book. Nothing beats holding a book in your hands, smelling the paper and ink, and turning the pages. But trust me. You’ll really appreciate the convenience of a wireless reading device when you travel. Besides, the Kindle 3G has the following features that make the eBook reader a pleasure to use:
- Uses the latest E Ink Pearl technology for better contrast so it’s easier to read. The Kindle’s electronic ink provides sharp images and reads like real ink on paper.
- No glare, so you can read even in bright sunlight
- Smaller, sleek design maintains the same 6” size reading area
- Weighs only 8.7 ounces; lighter than a paperback.
- Can store up to 3,500 books, but lighter than a paperback (see above)
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect to hotspots
- 3G Wireless service is free – no monthly payments or annual contracts
Pros
- Simple and convenient device; no computer required
- Light and thin
- Font size can be adjusted
- Clear and crisp display with good contrast, easy to read
- No glare
- Comes with Wi-Fi and free 3G
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
- Comes with free 3G web browser
Cons
- Not suitable for reading magazines
- Contrast is not so good under dim light
- Limited options for categories and sorting
What Reviewers Say
If you go by the 4.5 star average rating of this wireless reading device from almost 20,000 reviews, it’s clear that the Kindle 3G is a winner. In fact, it compares very favorably with other e-book readers like the Barnes and Noble Nook and the Sony Reader.
PC Magazine has this to say: “Simply put, it’s the best dedicated eBook reader you can buy… Amazon has managed to increase the contrast on the Kindle in a way that sets it above the Nook, Sony Readers, or any other dedicated eBook reader we’ve tested.”
Amazon reviewers report that the Kindle 3G is very easy to read with its crisp fonts and sharp contrast. They did notice that page-turns are quick but not instant. There is a very slight delay when turning a page. Also, the Kindle is best for reading text-based books.
Kindle users also say they love the Wi-Fi connectivity but the free 3G service is a fantastic bonus. In fact, a number of them were sorry they didn’t get the Kindle 3G sooner.
All told, the Kindle 3G wireless reading device appears to be a winner, and the free 3G service is a stroke of genius. You can get your Kindle 3G cheap at Amazon.com.
I was looking into the Kindle and your comments about the 3G and WiFi, sold me on it. I opted to not get the cheaper that had the pop ups or whatevr. hank you
Glad to hear that you found the review to be useful.
Does the 3G work in other country’s besides the USA? Here in Costa Rica we have 3G but only in the 850 gsm band. Would it work here?
It does work worldwide. They offer wireless coverage in over 100 countries and territories. They provide a map at http://client0.cellmaps.com/viewer.html?cov=1 where you can type in your country to see what kind of wireless coverage they have they.
Yes, it’s not always easy to find a hotspot, so the 3g is definitely worth shelling out a few extra bucks.
Does it really web browse, though ?
Yes, you can browse the web on it. I don’t really like using it as a web browser though because using the keyboard is not that easy.
Was wondering how bothersome the ads are on the cheaper kindle?
Personally, I have the version without the ads, but it seems like it wouldn’t be that bothersome because they say that the ads only appear on the screensaver page and on the bottom of the home screen—they don’t interrupt reading. Hope that helps!
I just got my first Kindle and chose the 3G with ads. It is NOT a problem for me at all. One ad is the static picture when the unit it asleep, so I really don’t care. The other is very small, across the bottom of the home page – and easy to look at once then ignore. Others have reported that there are some fantstic deals in these ads, so I will pay a little bit of attention to them. I think it was well worth the $50 savings.
Thanks for chiming in Joan!
Can the kindle 3g browse the web?
Yes!