difference between $139 and $189 Kindle

[Doctor Barbara]

Everyone here are authorities on the Kindle - pray tell, (the Amazon video on the Kindle is not streaming for me at present) --- what is the difference between the $139 and $189 Kindle?

Thanks..

Doctor Barbara




edit -- modified thread title for clarity -- Ann

[mooshie78]

The $189 has 3G built in (and free 3G usage) as well as WiFi.

The $139 model only has WiFi.

[Seamonkey]

What that difference means, you may ask? 

Having Wifi is new with these two models, for the kindle.  This allows people to use wifi networks when they are faster than 3G, or when they cannot get good 3G reception.   Many people feel that they will always or almost always be near a wifi network at home or elsewhere and don't need the 3 G at all.

3G is good for people who do have that reception but do not have or are not near a wifi hotspot.

I was used to having the 3G on my previous Kindles and just thought I might be disappointed if I didn't get that model.

Turns out that sometimes, when I'm upstairs in my bedroom, where my Kindle also sleeps and where we read together and not uncommonly want to download a book or look at the kindle store or allow blog entries to download, I don't get all that great reception on my own wifi network,  which lives downstairs in my livingroom.  Hadn't occured to me that this would be the case, since I don't have that problem using my laptop upstairs accessing via my wifi network.

So.. for me it WAS a good decision to opt for the $189 model.

Of course one can also get books via usb cable using their computer, but I've been accustomed to downloading wirelessly since I had my K1 and then K2, and DX, so  I'd miss it in a K3.

My own doctor has been using my K2 for a few months and he has yet to turn on the wifi.. he just reads books I already had on there.  So.. I think he'd be perfectly happy with the $139 model, since he tells me he does have a wireless network at home.
     

[Ann in Arlington]

My own doctor has been using my K2 for a few months and he has yet to turn on the wifi..

You probably mean wireless in general, as the K2 does not have WiFi but ONLY 3G. . . . . .but there are a lot of rookie kindleers stopping by so I didn't want to confuse anyone.

[Seamonkey]

True... I actually should have said whispernet..

I asked if he charged it and he said yes..  so he managed to do that.

[jabrennan]

Does anyone know if the $139 model is going to be available in white?

[Cuechick]

Does anyone know if the $139 model is going to be available in white?

I thought it was, my friend ordered it in white?

[Muddypawz]

As of now, only the 3G/WiFi ($189) model is available in white or graphite.  The WiFi ($139) model is only available in graphite.

Melissa