Is 3G really necessary?

[agilepup]

Hi all,

I just joined the board.  I have been waiting to see what Amazon was going to offer, because I really liked the form factor of the Nook touch but the content of Amazon just goes above and beyond.  So now I've decided that I'll get a Kindle Touch, but I have a question about 3G. 

I don't have wifi at home or at work, so it would seem that 3G would make a lot of sense.  But is it really necessary?  Can I do my shopping on my computer on the Amazon website and plug the Kindle in to transfer the content?  Obviously not as convenient as being able to get a book instantly, but....

Does anyone else manage their Kindle in this way?  Just trying to decide which to buy.  The extra $50 could buy a lot of books   

Thanks for reading!
Michele

[MariaESchneider]

Michele,

Sure, it will work that way.   But you might really enjoy the convenience of the 3g. 

I've been asking a bunch of questions myself and I think I've finally decided on the 3g -- I might very well want it for email, even if it is clumsy.  Now my only question is:  Does the new touch really have a faster processor than the current 3g?  Does that mean faster page turns or am I being misinformed by another board...

[KayakerNC]

Or...you could buy a wi-fi router, have the convenience, and still have $20 or so.

[KindleChickie]

I subscribe to a few newspapers and more than a few blogs.  I get my updates throughout the day so for me 3G is important.  I love when I am sitting in line somewhere and pick up my Kindle to see what has updated.

[ginaf20697]

I use my Kindle at work so the 3G is definitely necessary. You really shouldn't be doing that sort of thing on your work computer

[balaspa]

Well, I think having it for the Kindle is a must.  Being able to be, essentially, anywhere and browse the store and download a book is fantastic. 

I recently got a 3G Chromebook, though, thinking along those lines and then decided to set myself and my girlfriend up with WiFi and now never use the 3G.  But that's a whole different thing than the Kindle.

Apparently I am just in the mood to share stories that have nothing to do with the topic at hand 

[DD]

I think it depends on your individual needs.  My husband and I travel a lot and I like being able to download books or bring them over to Kindle from my Archived Items when I'm not near a Wi-Fi network.  If you're home a lot and don't mind downloading to your computer and transferring via USB, then that's a good option for you.

[Ann in Arlington]

Welcome Michele. . . .you'll find we're a friendly -- although somewhat slightly kooky -- bunch.

Here's my take on 3G.

If you have internet in your home you CAN have WiFi by purchasing a router and setting it up.  It will likely not cost you any more than the additional upcharge to purchase a Kindle with 3G. AND then you can use it for other wireless devices you may acquire -- laptops, tablets, etc.  Or if people visit you and they have a wireless receiver in their devices they'd be able to use your network without actually using YOUR computer.  Setting them up is generally REALLY easy.

So if you do that, you'd have wireless in your home and if that's really the only place you'd likely download content, you're all set.

If you want to be able to shop for Kindle books on the device you do need some sort of wireless connection.  But most people find it much easier to shop on the computer and then send the books to the device.  Even without wireless this is possible as there will be an option when you go to purchase a book to transfer it via the  computer.  It then gets saved to your hard drive and you can copy it the usual way to the Kindle using the USB cable that's included.  

So, yeah, wireless isn't really needed -- EXCEPT that you must connect wirelessly at least once so that it is really fully registered and you can use the 'collections' feature. (At least, that was true for previous Kindle generations so I'm assuming it still is.)  But you can do that at any WiFi hotspot which are usually not too hard to find.

Even if you do set up a wireless network at home, you may still be the sort that wants to be able to shop on the Kindle anywhere while you're out and about without having to find a WiFi hotspot.  In that case, the 3G might be worth the extra cost to you.  I wouldn't really feel like I needed it because where I live you can't swing a LOLcat without hitting one.  Most casual dining places, coffee shops, etc. have them as well as the local libraries and some open park like areas.  But that may not be the case where you are.  

Or, you may just feel like you want to always be able to connect. . . no need, just a want.  And that's o.k. too.

As to using it at work:  I work in a secure building.  No WiFi and 3G signals are blocked too.  But I can still read on my off time -- the wireless connection isn't needed for that at all.

[history_lover]

I've been asking a bunch of questions myself and I think I've finally decided on the 3g -- I might very well want it for email, even if it is clumsy.  Now my only question is:  Does the new touch really have a faster processor than the current 3g?  Does that mean faster page turns or am I being misinformed by another board...

I don't think so - if you notice, the info about the KT doesn't actually say "faster" page turns, it says:

"Fast page turns
Kindle Touch has a powerful processor tuned for fast, seamless page turns."

Michele, you can transfer books through your computer but personally, I think it would worth the extra money to not have to deal with that - I would either get a router or get 3G.

Not having internet access through your Kindle would also mean several features won't be available to you. You won't be able to access all your highlights and notes at kindle.amazon.com (or view "public highlights") or share them through email or social networking sites. You won't be able to sync your furthest read page between devices. You won't be able to look up words or phrases on google or wikipedia. It may also mean you don't have access to the "book extras" from Shelfari or the new "X-Ray" feature (might be the same thing?). I'm not sure whether you'd be able to lend/borrow books. And of course you won't be able to use the web browser.

Maybe you have no interest in those features but you should be aware of them before you decide.

[Chad Winters]

I have wifi at home and work and never use the 3G
but if I didn't have those it would be vital

[Ann in Arlington]

Someone mentioned having the 3G for email.

I don't think you should count on that working.  If you read the tech specs it seems like web browsing may only be available when it's in WiFi mode and NOT in 3G mode.  Apparently Wikipedia and a few other sites may still work, but it won't necessarily allow access to email sites and such.  I don't KNOW this. . . but it's something that people have noticed.  Kindle CS is all at sixes and sevens right now so they're not much help:  some CS reps have said the browser is the same as on the Kindle Keyboard and other's have said, no, it won't work with all sites unless you're on WiFi. 

All I'm saying is that I wouldn't count on general browser use as a reason to go for the 3G.

And I'm not really sure we'll know which it is until someone gets one. . .around November 22 or 23.

[TLM]

I take my Kindle everywhere, so yes for me it is necessary.  And if I every upgrade my K2i I will be spending the extra to have 3G.  But if you actually read only one book at a time or never take your kindle out and about, then Wi-Fi only is probably o.k.  I just need to be prepared for anything.  I never know when an interesting book will be mentioned by a person, in a review or on T.V. and I will quickly need to download the sample.

[DD]

Whatever you do, before you decide on 3G, make sure you check the 3G coverage area map for your location:

http://client0.cellmaps.com/viewer.html?cov=1

[mooshie78]

Just depends on your usage.  If you'll carry your Kindle everywhere you go, then it's a nice feature to have.

If you're like me, and it will seldom leave the house (and you have wifi at home), then might as well save the $50 and put that towards some e-books!

I had a K1 and K2 that had 3G of course, I think I bought a book once while traveling with it in the 2+ years I had those devices.  So I went wifi only for my K3 and haven't regretted it.  I mainly just read at home, and I always have a ton of unread books on it from freebies and sales etc. so no need to buy books when traveling generally.

[KayakerNC]

While we were on the road last spring, it was nice to be able to log into the Weather Channel with my K3 3G and see on the radar just where that storm, that was traveling with us, was actually headed.
Of course, you could do the same with your smart phone, but what's the fun in that?

[Leslie]

Personally, I love having 3G available. I download tons of samples which I don't read immediately. More than once, I've been on a bus and read a sample, liked the book, and was really glad I could buy it instantly while enroute. I just ordered the $79 Kindle which is Wifi only--I'll be interested to see if I feel like that's okay or I miss the 3G. I don't have Wifi at work so I suspect I'll miss it (which means I'll be ordering the Touch with 3G next. LOL).

L

[gibsongirl]

This has me wondering if I should switch my pre-order from the Touch Wi-Fi to the Touch 3g.  I'm upgrading from the K2, which operates on 3g, so I'm not used to needing to set up wi-fi on my Kindle.

I mostly read at home, where I have wi-fi, but I do like to take my Kindle with me when I travel (a few times a year).  I don't usually leave for a trip without a massive Amazon shopping trip for Kindle books anyway (I like to be prepared!  But it's so much better than packing a suitcase full of hardcovers) but I wonder if I'll be sorry I didn't get the 3g model if inspiration to buy a new book does strike when I'm not near a wi-fi hotspot...

[KindleGirl]

I have 2 kindles and I use the 3G for syncing as much as downloading a new book. One kindle stays at home and one goes with me. If I don't remember to turn the wifi on and sync my place in my book before I leave, then I need the 3G to sync while I am out and about. I have had the wifi-only kindle with me a couple times and forgot to sync before I left....so naturally,  it was frustrating when I couldn't sync and had to try to find my spot manually.

[agilepup]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply everyone!  It sounds like what I really need to do is get with the program in the 21st century and get a router.  I would most likely be reading at home and on my lunch break at work.  (NO, I don't download things on my work computer   )  And maybe some while traveling but I can make sure I have enough content to keep me busy before leaving home.  I can't think that I would care about browsing or email on it.  I really just want to be able to purchase books and read some borrowed from the library.

Michele

[Ann in Arlington]

  I really just want to be able to purchase books and read some borrowed from the library.

Michele

Having WiFi in your home will make that process much easier. . .though you can download and copy the same as a purchased book.  Be sure you have a library card for your local system and are all set up to borrow before the Kindle arrives!

Welcome to the Kindle Kollective. . . .you WILL be assimilated.

[KathyY]

I ordered my K3 with 3G because I didn't want to wish I had it later. I think that I have only used the 3G a handful of times so I ordered my Touch without. I always have my iPhone with me and that is easier to use for Internet and e-mail. I buy my books on my laptop most of the time and they download via Wi-Fi at home. I have more books on my Kindle than I could read in several weeks so I don't worry about not having something to read. I think that having 3G or not is something that everyone needs to evaluate as it might be vital to someone.

[MariaESchneider]

Personally, I love having 3G available. I download tons of samples which I don't read immediately. More than once, I've been on a bus and read a sample, liked the book, and was really glad I could buy it instantly while enroute. I just ordered the $79 Kindle which is Wifi only--I'll be interested to see if I feel like that's okay or I miss the 3G. I don't have Wifi at work so I suspect I'll miss it (which means I'll be ordering the Touch with 3G next. LOL).

L

I have a friend who doesn't have wifi at work either--and so always has to wait until she gets home to download books.  I know in one case this really annoyed her.

Yup, I'm leaning to 3g.  But the keyboard model, not the touch.  So far today, that is.

[ayuryogini]

So many people have given such thorough replies, but I'll just add my two cents.

Even though I have Wi-Fi access at home, I take my Kindle everywhere with me, so 3G has not exactly been necessary, but SOOOOO convenient that I would really miss it if I didn't have it. Even though it's more money, it's just a one time charge that more than makes up for itself.  I have never regretted having it, and know that I would really feel the loss if I didn't have it.
One thing I love about it is that I can be conversing with someone about a book in the airport or at a coffee shop, and purchase it right then and there. That's just one of many things that are great about 3G.

Let us know what you decide.

[Tatiana]

DH and I enjoy the convenience of 3G.  Today we were driving down I-85 towards Greensboro NC while listening to the radio.  DH heard about a book he wanted and asked me to check Amazon and buy it if it was available.  It was available so within 5 minutes I checked, and it was downloaded to his K2.  I also turned on my 3G on my K3 and downloaded a book I had pre-ordered for delivery on 10/1.  We were two happy campers today!

[Luvmy4brats]

I'm also one who loves the convenience of the 3G. It really helps comes in handy when I'm standing in the book aisle at Target and find a book that I simply must have or sitting at the soccer field and absolutely need a new book.

[Seamonkey]

I like having it.. sure, I have wifi at home, but sometimes when I'm upstairs, not always, the kindle will flip to 3G and of course when I'm out and about it just sticks to 3G and while there is wifi many places, I seem to be in other places and if they have free wifi it often requres signing in.. 3G is just easier and faster.

Agile, without a home wifi presence, I would definitely want 3G.  Having to connect to a computer to order from Amazon is just a PITA.. and I often want to click over to read descriptions when I'm deciding what book to read next, or I finish a book and want to see if that author has other books available, or I'm reading a blog and read about a book of interest, I want to quickly check Amazon..

It isn't totally necessary, but once you have it and use it, you don't want to go without it.

 

[CS]

I used to be a major proponent of 3G. Even up to last year, I was recommending it to people. But I took a good, long look at my own Kindle usage and realized I took advantage of the 3G functionality very few times outside the house. So, when the $79 wi-fi-only Kindle landed, I opted for that model after using a K1 for years. No regrets whatsoever. The wi-fi is blazing fast and I'm in love with my new baby.

[Lursa (aka 9MMare)]

Because I only use my K3 for reading books, I have found that just wireless is fine for me. I use 3G on my phone all the time for things, but my Kindle is just for reading.

So wireless, which I have at home, is just fine. I download things in the evening when I go online and visit....this forum! Among other sites 

My K3 holds so many (unread) books that there are plenty to choose from when traveling. I dont need to be able to download more 'spur of the moment,' altho I might be bummed if I cant grab a Kindle Deal of the Day while away from home, but that hasnt happened yet 

[ellenoc]

Believe it or not "getting a router" won't do it for everybody. I'm rural and my internet is dial up. Could I manage by downloading to the computer, hooking the Kindle up and transferring that way? Yes, but it would kill a lot of what makes a Kindle a Kindle. So 3G for me for the foreseeable future. I never ever used wifi on my 3G Kindle until recently when I tried downloading a library book and took the Kindle to the library afterwards and used their wifi just to see how it worked with library checkouts. It would be neat.

[monkeygirl351]

I have a kindle with 3G and found that I wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there. I download all my books to my computer to import to calibre before they go on my kindle anyways, that way everything is backed up as I go along. I usually browse the amazon store on my pc or iPad and send the samples through wifi as I am at home when I do that. Honestly, there is wifi in so many places that 3G isn't even really neccesary for it. That being said I do have a 3G iPad, but use it for alot of other things like navigation and such. I can't even remember the last time I turned 3G on on my kindle.

[history_lover]

Believe it or not "getting a router" won't do it for everybody. I'm rural and my internet is dial up.

You can get wireless with dial up: http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless/f/wlansharedialup.htm

[drenee]

Whatever you do, before you decide on 3G, make sure you check the 3G coverage area map for your location:

http://client0.cellmaps.com/viewer.html?cov=1

Thank you for this link.  Question.  Are some of the Kindles AT&T and some Sprint?  If so, how do we know which is which?  I seem to remember they switched at some point, but I can't remember when. 
deb

[robertk328]

I like the 3G because:

1) I can download books, samples, etc. anywhere without being in a wifi zone
2) I read on my iPhone or iPad at times, and the 3G means the Kindle (my primary reading device) will always be sync'd whether I'm home or not. I'll sometimes sneak in a few pages here and there on my iPhone, and when turning the Kindle on it knows I'm a few pages up and will ask to go to that spot.

robert

[Leslie]

Thank you for this link.  Question.  Are some of the Kindles AT&T and some Sprint?  If so, how do we know which is which?  I seem to remember they switched at some point, but I can't remember when. 
deb

I believe they switched when the K2 came out as the international version. The original K1s had Sprint, and the first generation of K2s.

L

[drenee]

Thank you.  I have AT&T as my cell phone provider and I get spotty service at home.  But recently my K2 gets all five bars and downloads perfectly.  Previously I had to drive up to the top of the road to download a book or hook up to my computer.  Just trying to figure out why my K is getting such great service.
deb

[mooshie78]

Thank you.  I have AT&T as my cell phone provider and I get spotty service at home.  But recently my K2 gets all five bars and downloads perfectly.  Previously I had to drive up to the top of the road to download a book or hook up to my computer.  Just trying to figure out why my K is getting such great service.
deb

They probably amped up the data signal in your area, put up a new tower or something.  I run into some place where I only have a bar or two of 1x voice signal on my verizon phone, but have 3 or 4 bars of EV data signal.  Not an issue at home since I live in a big city and get 4 bars of both.  But run into it in rural areas like my parents place etc.

[drenee]

So I must have Sprint on my K2 then.   It's nice to be able to use the Whispernet at the new place of abode. 
deb

[PhillyGuy]

3G is an awesome bargain if you want what it is good for. But it doesn't have, for me, anything to do with reading books.

This summer, our youngest backpacked through Eastern Europe and kept in touch with m.gmail.com, which seemed to work everywhere. If I remember right, if you buy your Kindle 3 AKA Keyboard 3G in the US or UK, you get free internet in about 100 countries. If bought elsewhere, free full internet extends to a mere 60 countries. Amazon puts the cell phone companies, who charge for service by the month and then hassle you for more money if you cross an international border, to shame.

I used to check the news on twp.com (Washington Post mobile site) during my morning transit commute. Sometimes I still do, but now I've subscribed to the New York Times latest news blog. $1.99 a month for what amounts to a continuously updated front page. Without 3G news would of course be stale. When it comes to books, I feel no similar urgency.

Note that you can't expect to use the same web site that's optimized for a PC on the Kindle.

[Seamonkey]

The NY Times Latest News Blog is one of the best things (other than books) for my Kindle!