I'm NOT slamming Kindle 3G users . . .

[Zell]

. . . but why would a person want a Kindle 3G to connect remotely (other than Wi-Fi) to download media when they could just download via Wi-Fi then take those books/etc. with them?  I realize the Kindle does have an "Experimental" web browser but, in my opinion, the Kindle's web browser is pitiful as a tool to access the internet -- which is why it's still in the experimental stage.  (I'm really looking forward to a more refined browser when it's available.)

If a 3G user travels a lot I'm certain they can still download media via a hotel/motel Wi-Fi -- or the many other places that offer Wi-Fi.

I'm not being on the offensive here, I'm just trying to understand the benefit of the 3G and why someone would want to own it.

Thanks!

[SusanCassidy]

I've often finished one book, and needed another when at the doctor's office (it takes a couple of hours to get my medication once a month).  I usually have a bunch of samples, and until I read the sample, I don't buy the book.

I find it to be very handy.

[Elk]

3G is great when wi-fi is not available, for everything from buying books to checking email.

If this is not of interest, the w-fi only version is for you.

[ZsuZsu]

I find the 3G to be VERY handy- I spent about 10 days in Florida at my father's house while he was gravely ill... I had not anticipated spending that much time there, and quickly ran out of new books to read (although I had about 100 on my device, none of those appealed).  My father does not have Wi-Fi, and it seemed inappropriate to borrow a car, leave the house and go in search of a hot spot.  Instead, I used the 3G on my kindle to quickly and easily grab new books without having to go anywhere.  (My husband has a Wi-Fi only Kindle and he ended up buying books on his iPhone and reading on the teeny screen)

I have also found the 3G to be useful when travelling- many hotels charge for Wi-Fi and many have pretty weak signals- I have taken advantage of the 3G while lying at the pool out of Wi-Fi reach numerous times.  I also used the 3G while vacationing in Mexico lying on the beach....

Wi-Fi is a great thing to have- but for me, personally, I use the 3G alot!

[Vegas_Asian]

I never am home. Work has no wifi. Schools wifi takes a lot of effort to get on wifi. 3G is jus easier.

[Belle2Be]

I actually really like the web browser, its fast and works better than my fiance's blackberry when we need to find an address or phone number or answer to a bet or something.

[Cindy416]

I love it because I live in the boondocks, 8 miles from the nearest town, in which there is one McDonald's and that's the only public wi-fi hotspot.  I have wi-fi at home and in my classroom (but that may change). I want to be able to download a book or a sample whenever and wherever I want. If I'm somewhere and I hear about a good book or an interesting author, I want to be able to browse the Amazon store while the author or book is on my mind. I also want to be able to buy a book after having read a sample, wherever I may be.

I realize that many people have wi-fi access nearly everywhere, but I don't. I figured that the extra $50 necessary to buy the 3G Kindle 3 would be money well-spent, and I still feel that way.

[Pushka]

Because not everyone has wifi?  Because k2 and k1 came with 3G and wifi is a new feature of k3.  Because people who travel and stay at hotels usually have to pay for wifi. enough reasons ?

[Zell]

By the way, I personally don't go through a lot of books each week or even each month like some of you may.  So I'll buy 2-3 books I want and it'll take me over a month or more to read them.  Right now I have about 6 or 7 books, to include the Bible, on my Kindle and I read a couple at a time and it will take me quite awhile to get through them.  So for me, I just download them at home and take the Kindle with me when I want to.  Even when I don't have my Kindle with me, when outside of the house, I can read one of my e-books via my iPhone.

[pidgeon92]

Convenience.

[musclehead]

In addition to all the greats points mentioned above...

Some people subscribe to newspapers or blogs.  These are delivered every day, whether the Kindle is awake or asleep.  For these people, the volume of downloads is much higher than those who buy a book or two a month.  Those people don't want to be constantly worried about being in a hotspot.

[Zell]

I never am home. Work has no wifi. Schools wifi takes a lot of effort to get on wifi. 3G is jus easier.

Makes sense.

[MAGreen]

I am in Okinawa, Japan and I love the 3G! It works all over the island, well, except for a few dead spots in the jungle areas....but with all the deadly snakes who'd want to read out there? Wifi is sketchy and slow out here, so it's a lot easier to have the 3G.

[Zell]

I love it because I live in the boondocks, 8 miles from the nearest town, in which there is one McDonald's and that's the only public wi-fi hotspot.  I have wi-fi at home and in my classroom (but that may change). I want to be able to download a book or a sample whenever and wherever I want. If I'm somewhere and I hear about a good book or an interesting author, I want to be able to browse the Amazon store while the author or book is on my mind. I also want to be able to buy a book after having read a sample, wherever I may be.

I realize that many people have wi-fi access nearly everywhere, but I don't. I figured that the extra $50 necessary to buy the 3G Kindle 3 would be money well-spent, and I still feel that way.

Understandable.  Good for you.

[Zell]

Because not everyone has wifi?  Because k2 and k1 came with 3G and wifi is a new feature of k3.  Because people who travel and stay at hotels usually have to pay for wifi. enough reasons ?

Yup!

[Zell]

Because people who travel and stay at hotels usually have to pay for wifi. enough reasons ?

By the way, most hotels/motels these days offer free Wi-Fi.  Interestingly, it's the high-end hotels that charge -- and it's an arm and a leg to get it.

[Pushka]

By the way, most hotels/motels these days offer free Wi-Fi.  Interestingly, it's the high-end hotels that charge -- and it's an arm and a leg to get it.

I think you might be assuming that kindle users only live and travel in USA. Certainly where I travel free wifi is rare and only offered in Club and premium rooms. Certainly not free in Australian hotels.

[musclehead]

By the way, most hotels/motels these days offer free Wi-Fi.  Interestingly, it's the high-end hotels that charge -- and it's an arm and a leg to get it.

That's because they know their guests "need" internet. And most are on expense accounts anyway, which means the company pays for it!

[Gayle]

Recently, while visiting friends, we attended a study group session at their local church.  The instructor mentioned a couple of books to read.  No wifi was available, but I was able to use 3G to go to Amazon and download samples in just a matter of a couple minutes.  Also, I travel in my motorhome and sometimes wifi is not an option.  Convenience is the key, and I like having instant gratification. lol

Gayle

[osnova]

Last year I traveled to Eastern Europe and China.  3G worked!   Wi-Fi at the hotels often costs money (have just read the posts above, I guess I stayed at more expensive work-paid hotels) and is limited.
Once on the road I needed an address of a business and I googled it on my Kindle.

[Zell]

I think you might be assuming that kindle users only live and travel in USA. Certainly where I travel free wifi is rare and only offered in Club and premium rooms. Certainly not free in Australian hotels.

Good point.  I don't assume all Kindle users are in the U.S. but obviously did not consider situations outside of the U.S.  I stand corrected.

[Luvmy4brats]

Because I have crappy internet service at best, and most of the time the 3G is faster than my owen wifi, because it was a feature on the K1 and K2 that I've grown accustomed to, because I'm one that will whip out my Kindle wherever I am and demo it for someone who is interested, because I'd rather not always have to try to find a free wifi spot when I'm out and about and because I want to.

I don't use the browser on the Kindle unless I have no choice.. which is rare because I almost always have my iPad (also 3G) and/or iPhone with me..

[AnnetteL]

I planned to get the WiFi version, but for my b-day my husband got the 3G. I'm glad he did. I don't know that I'll use it a ton, but it's really nice to know that I have access to the Kindle store from anywhere.

[Zell]

That's because they know their guests "need" internet. And most are on expense accounts anyway, which means the company pays for it!

That's about right.  They take you for whatever they can get at your company's expense.  But if you're there on pleasure it's a killer.

[sherylb]

By the way, most hotels/motels these days offer free Wi-Fi.  Interestingly, it's the high-end hotels that charge -- and it's an arm and a leg to get it.

I drove across country from Florida to Washington state and at least half of the motels did not have Wi-Fi. The other half either charged to use or was so weak I could not use it and had to plug in.
I live in a small city that thinks it is pretty tech-savy and even though Wi-Fi is available in some places, it is not standard by any means.
I like the 3G because I KNOW I will more than likely have some coverage one way or the other should I need it.
Also, I just thought of this...at home I do have Wi-Fi, but hubby likes to stream stuff and that boggs down the pipe so even though I do have it, it is not always the best solution.