I'M THE NEWBIE - SHOULD I BUY KINDLE TOUCH 3G OR KINDLE KEYBOARD 3G

[k777]

So many of you were so wonderfully kind in responding to my questions yesterday about the Kindle.  I wanted one that I could just take out of the box and use without having to hook anything else up or plug in anything.  As I stated in yesterday's message, I am a "lost ball in high weeds" when it comes to electronics and these modern day "wonders." Thanks to all of you who responded,  I decided on the Kindle 3G. I apologize for having to bother you again, but I have one last question.

Since I only plan to read books with the Kindle and nothing else, which would I be better off with - the Kindle Touch 3G or the Kindle Keyboard 3G?  What are the pros and cons of both?  THANKS A LOT!    

[Kathy]

Do you have another touch device that you use? I just went through this decision on rather to keep my Kindle keyboard or go with the Touch. I have the iPhone and iPad so the touch appeals to me. One suggestion would be to go to a Target store or one of the stores that are selling them. At my Target store they have a K4, Touch and a Keyboard on display that you can play with. That is what helped me make the decision to go to the Touch.

[k777]

Do you have another touch device that you use? I just went through this decision on rather to keep my Kindle keyboard or go with the Touch. I have the iPhone and iPad so the touch appeals to me. One suggestion would be to go to a Target store or one of the stores that are selling them. At my Target store they have a K4, Touch and a Keyboard on display that you can play with. That is what helped me make the decision to go to the Touch.

Hi, Kathy!  Nice to hear from you again.  No, I do not have another touch device.  My cell phone is just a plain "vanilla" one that I use for calling only for emergencies, and once in a great while, I have to text, but not much.  I didn't realize you could buy a Kindle from anyone but Amazon??

[malligator]

Since you don't already have a Kindle and therefore don't have a plethora of accessories and cases that you'll orphan by getting a Touch I'd recommend going ahead and getting the Touch. As Kathy suggested, go look at them in the store and if you have no strong preference for the Kindle Keyboard then go ahead and get the latest generation.

[VictoriaP]

Definitely take Kathy's suggestion and go handle both in person. To me, this is way too personal a decision to hand off to strangers on the Internet. Both devices have many fans and many detractors, because the way you interact with the devices is very different. I'd hate to see you get one and find you hate the way it works.

Also--just some general advice, because you're so new to all of this: using all capital letters on the Internet is the equivalent walking up to a group of people and yelling at them. Most people consider it rude when used in whole sentences or posts. Please, don't do it in your titles here, it isn't necessary. Save it for emphasizing a word or two if you need to in your post.

Welcome to Kindleboards! And hope you greatly enjoy your new toy once you've made your decision.

[Kathy]

There are several stores selling them now, but I prefer to order from Amazon. Some stores charge a restocking fee if you have to return it. I have had great service from Amazon and just like ordering straight from them. I doubt that you will be do much more than reading on your Kindle, so the keyboard really won't be an issue for you. The main difference is that the Kindle Keyboard has buttons on each side that you press to turn the page. The Touch has a keyboard on the screen when you need it and you actually tap the screen to turn the page.

[k777]

Since you don't already have a Kindle and therefore don't have a plethora of accessories and cases that you'll orphan by getting a Touch I'd recommend going ahead and getting the Touch. As Kathy suggested, go look at them in the store and if you have no strong preference for the Kindle Keyboard then go ahead and get the latest generation.

Thanks, Malligator.

[k777]

There are several stores selling them now, but I prefer to order from Amazon. Some stores charge a restocking fee if you have to return it. I have had great service from Amazon and just like ordering straight from them. I doubt that you will be do much more than reading on your Kindle, so the keyboard really won't be an issue for you. The main difference is that the Kindle Keyboard has buttons on each side that you press to turn the page. The Touch has a keyboard on the screen when you need it and you actually tap the screen to turn the page.

Thank you, Kathy.  I would like to stick with Amazon, too, when I actually make the purchase.

[k777]

Definitely take Kathy's suggestion and go handle both in person. To me, this is way too personal a decision to hand off to strangers on the Internet. Both devices have many fans and many detractors, because the way you interact with the devices is very different. I'd hate to see you get one and find you hate the way it works.

Also--just some general advice, because you're so new to all of this: using all capital letters on the Internet is the equivalent walking up to a group of people and yelling at them. Most people consider it rude when used in whole sentences or posts. Please, don't do it in your titles here, it isn't necessary. Save it for emphasizing a word or two if you need to in your post.

Welcome to Kindleboards! And hope you greatly enjoy your new toy once you've made your decision.

Thanks for your post and the welcome, Victoria.  And I apologize if I've offended anybody by the caps.  I knew that it is sometimes considered rude to do that, but on other boards on which I sometimes post, a lot of us don't really pay attention to the "no caps things", so I didn't really think about it when I did it.  But I won't do it again on this board.

[The Hooded Claw]

The Touch is slightly smaller and more pocketable.  A friend I trust tells me the Touch works better for accessing footnotes in books, though I haven't tried that feature myself.  The Touch will probably be supported with software updates for longer in the future, as it is newer technology. 

But....many people, including me, loathe using a touchscreen to turn pages, and prefer to use keys that we can rest our fingers on and turn pages by twitching a finger.  I chose to get a k4 over a touch for this reason.  I believe, not positive, i read a thread claiming that some lefties find the Touchscreen arrangement awkward for turning pages, I'm a rightie, so didn't pay much attention.  Only way to test these things is to try a working ones of both models as mentioned.

If you try them and don't know which one feels better to you, I'd get the Touch, for the reasons mentioned in my first paragraph, and because it will save money over the keyboard version.

[k777]

The Touch is slightly smaller and more pocketable.  A friend I trust tells me the Touch works better for accessing footnotes in books, though I haven't tried that feature myself.  The Touch will probably be supported with software updates for longer in the future, as it is newer technology. 

But....many people, including me, loathe using a touchscreen to turn pages, and prefer to use keys that we can rest our fingers on and turn pages by twitching a finger.  I chose to get a k4 over a touch for this reason.  I believe, not positive, i read a thread claiming that some lefties find the Touchscreen arrangement awkward for turning pages, I'm a rightie, so didn't pay much attention.  Only way to test these things is to try a working ones of both models as mentioned.

If you try them and don't know which one feels better to you, I'd get the Touch, for the reasons mentioned in my first paragraph, and because it will save money over the keyboard version.

Thanks, Hooded Claw.  Boy, this gets really confusing.  Even though I think that Kathy's (and others) suggestion about actually going into stores and trying both the Touch and the Keyboard was excellent and definitely the thing to to, I just hate shopping and wanted to do it by internet.  And I realize that this, like most everything, is subjective, but I just don't really know what I'm going to do now.  Lots of people have commented that they prefer to have a keyboard to turn the pages, and others have also commented that the keyboards, for some reason, seem to work better, but can you tell me what the main purpose of having the keyboard is?  All I want to do with this device is read books, period.  So do you still think the Touch is the way to go?

[wiccanhot]

Have you ever seen/used a touch screen device before?  It might be easier for a techno-newbie to use the Kindle Keyboard because the buttons are there no matter what screen you're looking at.  For example, when you're reading a book on the Touch and the font is too small and you want to change it, there's no font button that you can just click on to access it, like there is on the Kindle Keyboard.  I think on the touch you touch the top of the screen which then brings up touch areas for the font and the menu and it shouldn't be that difficult.  But if you've never used a touch screen before you might be confused as to what to touch to bring up the buttons that are in plain sight on the Kindle Keyboard.

[The Hooded Claw]

Thanks, Hooded Claw.  Boy, this gets really confusing.  Even though I think that Kathy's (and others) suggestion about actually going into stores and trying both the Touch and the Keyboard was excellent and definitely the thing to to, I just hate shopping and wanted to do it by internet.  And I realize that this, like most everything, is subjective, but I just don't really know what I'm going to do now.  Lots of people have commented that they prefer to have a keyboard to turn the pages, and others have also commented that the keyboards, for some reason, seem to work better, but can you tell me what the main purpose of having the keyboard is?  All I want to do with this device is read books, period.  So do you still think the Touch is the way to go?

I think the Touch has some advantages, as I said in my post.  But I don't think those advantages outweigh you the user feeling good about your device, and liking how it works!  Despite the advantages of the Touch, when I decided to upgrade Kindles, I chose to get a K4 because I didn't feel good about how I would interact with the Touch (turning pages with the touchscreen instead of a button).  That kind of issue why so many of us are urging you to try out both models to see which you like.

I don't blame you for not wanting to go to the store--I needed to replace my electric blanket this week, and chose to pay extra for two day shipping from Amazon rather than go to a store this time of year!   If you don't want to go to the store, do you know anyone (through work, or friend of a friend) who has a Kindle you could try out?  Kindle Keyboards have been out for over a year, so there are a lot of them out there.  The Touch is so new you'd have to be luckier to try one.

If you don't want to go to the store, I have a couple of other thoughts--And these are just my musings, not wisdom on stone tablets from Mount Sinai....

1)  Since you are a "tech novice" my hunch is that you may be more comfortable typing on a physical keyboard than on a touch screen.  But that's just a hunch.

2)  Since you seem open-minded to new stuff (otherwise you wouldn't be wanting to buy a Kindle!), I suspect it probably doesn't matter in the long run which one you get.  You will get used to using whichever one you choose, and each model has good points and bad points.  If you agree with that idea, just pick a Kindle model, and order it from Amazon and try it out.  I suspect you'll do fine with either one.  Amazon has an extremely liberal and kind return policy if for some reason you just can't stand the one you order.  But I suspect you'll like either model.  I'm similar to you, I don't use the keyboard much and I suspect I'd be just fine with a touchscreen keyboard if Amazon would just put physical page turn buttons on the Kindle Touch!

Congrats on choosing to buy a Kindle, good luck with whichever one you choose, and keep talking to your friends here.  We will help you through any humps.

[k777]

Have you ever seen/used a touch screen device before?  It might be easier for a techno-newbie to use the Kindle Keyboard because the buttons are there no matter what screen you're looking at.  For example, when you're reading a book on the Touch and the font is too small and you want to change it, there's no font button that you can just click on to access it, like there is on the Kindle Keyboard.  I think on the touch you touch the top of the screen which then brings up touch areas for the font and the menu and it shouldn't be that difficult.  But if you've never used a touch screen before you might be confused as to what to touch to bring up the buttons that are in plain sight on the Kindle Keyboard.

Thank you, wiccanhot.  Good information, and I appreciate it.

[k777]

I think the Touch has some advantages, as I said in my post.  But I don't think those advantages outweigh you the user feeling good about your device, and liking how it works!  Despite the advantages of the Touch, when I decided to upgrade Kindles, I chose to get a K4 because I didn't feel good about how I would interact with the Touch (turning pages with the touchscreen instead of a button).  That kind of issue why so many of us are urging you to try out both models to see which you like.

I don't blame you for not wanting to go to the store--I needed to replace my electric blanket this week, and chose to pay extra for two day shipping from Amazon rather than go to a store this time of year!   If you don't want to go to the store, do you know anyone (through work, or friend of a friend) who has a Kindle you could try out?  Kindle Keyboards have been out for over a year, so there are a lot of them out there.  The Touch is so new you'd have to be luckier to try one.

If you don't want to go to the store, I have a couple of other thoughts--And these are just my musings, not wisdom on stone tablets from Mount Sinai....

1)  Since you are a "tech novice" my hunch is that you may be more comfortable typing on a physical keyboard than on a touch screen.  But that's just a hunch.

2)  Since you seem open-minded to new stuff (otherwise you wouldn't be wanting to buy a Kindle!), I suspect it probably doesn't matter in the long run which one you get.  You will get used to using whichever one you choose, and each model has good points and bad points.  If you agree with that idea, just pick a Kindle model, and order it from Amazon and try it out.  I suspect you'll do fine with either one.  Amazon has an extremely liberal and kind return policy if for some reason you just can't stand the one you order.  But I suspect you'll like either model.  I'm similar to you, I don't use the keyboard much and I suspect I'd be just fine with a touchscreen keyboard if Amazon would just put physical page turn buttons on the Kindle Touch!

Congrats on choosing to buy a Kindle, good luck with whichever one you choose, and keep talking to your friends here.  We will help you through any humps.

Hooded Claw, I can't thank you enough for taking as much time as you have to answer my questions and be patient with me.  I have met some of the nicest people on this board.  As a mater of fact, this is probably the best board I've ever been to.  It's so unusual finding people who are willing to take the time to help others.  And I might have to bother y'all again.  But bless you for everything you've done, and I really think I'm going to go with the keyboard since I am used to a keyboard.  I was an Executive Assistant for many years, and if I had a dime for every letter or report or presentation I've every typed, I'd own Amazon!!  Again, thanks.

[ElaineOK]

Physical keyboard v. virtual keyboard for notes, searching and shopping in the Kindle store directly from Kindle.  I usually prefer a physical keyboard.  Not this time.  The virtual one on my Touch better is way better than the physical one on my K2, and the K2's is probably better than the K3's, because of the number row. 

Physical package -- Tough is smaller, it fits in my hands better, it fits into more pockets and things and it has a grippy back that is easier to hold.

Page keys -- I admit that I prefer the page turn keys on my K2, but they do click.  The Touch is quieter.

Word look up and foot notes -- To highlight a word, click on a footnote, highlight text or insert a note with the K3 you have to basically scroll down and over to it.  With the Touch you just tap it.  Big win. 

Navigation -- my K2 wins this one, the physical back button was right there.  The Touch back button requires that you tap the top of the screen, wait a second while the menu appears, then tap the back button in the upper left-hand corner.  Getting to the table of contents section in magazines was easier with my K2, but the layout once you get there is far better with the Touch. 

Just a few thoughts off the cuff.

Elaine
Norman, OK

[PhillyGuy]

Both are OK.

If you look at the amazon.com customer reviews, you'll see that with the Touch, five star reviews outnumber one star review by about a four to one ratio. Whereas with the Kindle Keyboard, five star reviews outnumber one star reviews by a stupendous nineteen to one ratio. Big difference!

Maybe someone here will predict that the ratio for the Touch will improve over time. That makes sense, because the device will improve over time, in two ways. One way is by software updates, which you will benefit from even if you buy the Touch now. The other way is subtle hardware improvements to address reasons why people return devices for service. A new Kindle Keyboard unit will be the final revision reflecting all improvements. A new Touch is essentially Amazon's Rev. 1.0.

The Keyboard models are so mature that they are possibly being phased out. Amazon only is selling new units with the 3G feature not really needed for books (I do need it since I want to keep up with the news all day long).

If in the US, you can buy new Kindle Keyboard's for $99.99 with free shipping, and get $10.00 off a future purchase, at www.toysrus.com.  

P.S. Re the others who would go with a test drive rather than my overly rational approach above, to each his own. It takes me months to get used to a new computer-type device, so a few minutes with one wouldn't help me to decide. But it's a big world with lots of kinds of good people.

[k777]

Physical keyboard v. virtual keyboard for notes, searching and shopping in the Kindle store directly from Kindle.  I usually prefer a physical keyboard.  Not this time.  The virtual one on my Touch better is way better than the physical one on my K2, and the K2's is probably better than the K3's, because of the number row. 

Physical package -- Tough is smaller, it fits in my hands better, it fits into more pockets and things and it has a grippy back that is easier to hold.

Page keys -- I admit that I prefer the page turn keys on my K2, but they do click.  The Touch is quieter.

Word look up and foot notes -- To highlight a word, click on a footnote, highlight text or insert a note with the K3 you have to basically scroll down and over to it.  With the Touch you just tap it.  Big win. 

Navigation -- my K2 wins this one, the physical back button was right there.  The Touch back button requires that you tap the top of the screen, wait a second while the menu appears, then tap the back button in the upper left-hand corner.  Getting to the table of contents section in magazines was easier with my K2, but the layout once you get there is far better with the Touch. 

Just a few thoughts off the cuff.

Elaine
Norman, OK

Thanks a lot, Elaine.  It's nice to get different perspectives, and the extra tips are helpful.

[k777]

Both are OK.

If you look at the amazon.com customer reviews, you'll see that with the Touch, five star reviews outnumber one star review by about a four to one ratio. Whereas with the Kindle Keyboard, five star reviews outnumber one star reviews by a stupendous nineteen to one ratio. Big difference!

Maybe someone here will predict that the ratio for the Touch will improve over time. That makes sense, because the device will improve over time, in two ways. One way is by software updates, which you will benefit from even if you buy the Touch now. The other way is subtle hardware improvements to address reasons why people return devices for service. A new Kindle Keyboard unit will be the final revision reflecting all improvements. A new Touch is essentially Amazon's Rev. 1.0.

The Keyboard models are so mature that they are possibly being phased out. Amazon only is selling new units with the 3G feature not really needed for books (I do need it since I want to keep up with the news all day long).

If in the US, you can buy new Kindle Keyboard's for $99.99 with free shipping, and get $10.00 off a future purchase, at www.toysrus.com.  

P.S. Re the others who would go with a test drive rather than my overly rational approach above, to each his own. It takes me months to get used to a new computer-type device, so a few minutes with one wouldn't help me to decide. But it's a big world with lots of kinds of good people.

PhillyGuy, you and I share something then because not only have I already said in previous posts that I am practically electronically illiterate, but it takes me months to get used to "anything" these days.  Before I retired, they would often force a new computer on me or a new type of Word Program/Version or whatever, and it would also take me months to get used to it.  As a matter of fact, I probably shouldn't tell this because everyone really will think I'm a dunce, but there came a time at work about 10 years ago when it was obvious that I would either have to start using a computer or wouldn't be able to do my job anymore.  So my sister dragged me to the local community college to take a computer course for 6 weeks.  Then, I finally agreed to give up my beloved typewriter and started using the computer, but when I first got it, I almost couldn't function for the first 3 weeks.   Now maybe it's clear why I had to ask so many questions before buying the Kindle.  Anyway, thank you so much for your input.

[rlkubi]

I had a K2 and traded to a K3 and love it.  I also have an Evo touch screen phone and an Ipod Touch.  I love those also. For reading I prefer my K3.  I personally don't like the touch for that.  But it's totally personal.  I would try them out and then purchase directly through Amazon.

Good luck!

[sunfiregirl]

I have a K2 and just upgraded to a Touch that is scheduled for delivery to me today

I was always of the mindset that I could never get used to anything with a touch screen.. I had a Blackberry forever and while all my friends were upgrading to iPhones or Droids, I just kept upgrading my Blackberry cuz I loved the physical keyboard & refused to do touch.  Well a couple of months ago I took the plunge & upgraded to a Droid phone that is completely touchscreen... I thought for sure I'd be taking it back to Verizon quicker than they can say Droid, but I fell in love....Yes, it was a learning curve, but now I can't imagine anything else

I had never noticed that my K2 buttons made a clicking sound when I turned pages... but now..I do... It's probably just a mind trick since I'm used to typing on my Droid & it's silent but who knows

In the end, it's what YOU feel comfortable with... but whatever you choose, have fun! I couldn't live w/out my Kindle!

[Annie]

Personally, I've never been a fan with touchscreens (and it certainly has nothing to do with age!). I guess it's something you have to get used to, if you don't already have any touchscreen devices to use. My younger sister uses touch screen everything, and when I attempt to use her phone, I get frustrated and stop using it. I personally stuck with the traditional keyboard Blackberry, simply because I hate touchscreens. I'm sure if I had more touchscreen devices, it would be less of a challenge, but I like the feel of knowing that I pressed a key. People make more mistakes with a touchscreen, IMO. Really, it wouldn't matter on a Kindle, since you won't be typing much, unless you plan on making notes, buying books directly from your Kindle, etc. I guess since I'm stubborn and refuse to conform to this new technology, I will continue to get non-touchscreen electronics for as long as I can. I'm sure eventually, everything will be touchscreen, but for the time being, I'm going to hang onto it. So, basically it's up to what you're comfortable with. I personally would go with the keyboard, but that's just me.

[love2read]

I have the Kindle Keyboard (K3) with 3G. I absolutely love it. The page turns aren't as noisy as on the K2. Another advantage of the Kindle Keyboard is if you like to read near water, like a bathtub, hot tub, ocean... you can put it in a Ziplock bag and still turn pages. You can't turn pages on touch screens through a plastic bag.

But as others have said the touchscreen kindle is smaller and easier to fit in a pocket or purse. Both have excellent screens so reading will be the same on both.

I would also recommend getting one with 3G instead of just WIFI only so you can use it anywhere. You may be surprise when you get done reading a good book and want to read the next one in the series that you can be anywhere you get a cell phone connection and download the next book within minutes. You don't have to wait to get in WIFI range.

I am right-handed but read on my K3 with just my left hand so have my other hand free to eat or whatever. You can't turn pages forward very easily with just your left hand on a touch screen. When you touch the right side of the screen, the page turns forward. When you touch the left side of the screen it turns the page back.

But I agree with another post that once you get either Kindle you will learn to use either one and fall in love with it. You will be motivated to learn the device you have. Plus you can always come on this board and ask as many questions as you want to learn either device.

I have several other devices with touch screens and love them too. I love reading in complete silence, especially at night. No page turn soft clicks.

So basically you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose.

I'm excited for you getting your first Kindle. You're going to love it!!!

[VictoriaP]

I am right-handed but read on my K3 with just my left hand so have my other hand free to eat or whatever. You can't turn pages forward very easily with just your left hand on a touch screen. When you touch the right side of the screen, the page turns forward. When you touch the left side of the screen it turns the page back.

I'm right handed. I use both hands equally when reading, one hand at a time. And there is absolutely NO issue with using just my left hand to read on the Touch. It was specifically designed to be very easily operated this way. I'm a born klutz, with hand and dexterity problems due to illness, and I can still operate the Touch with either hand, one handed.

The "Back" function on the Touch consists of a very narrow band that runs down the left side of the screen. It is not at all difficult to skip over the band with your thumb and page forward instead, because the page forward zone runs across the majority of the screen. Indeed, I've yet to accidentally page backwards that way.

There are plenty of reasons not to go with a Touch, but this really shouldn't be one of them. It's no harder to operate the page forward or back functions on a Touch than it is on a K4.

[jbcohen]

In the real world I am a network administrator by profession so let me add one thing to the conversation.  The wifi takes a little setting up and a little networking knowledge, you will need to buy and setup a wireless router and handle the user names and passwords so for people that are not technology inclined I would stick to the 3g models as they working over cell phone towers in your area not your home network and are therefore a bit easier for the novice to work with.  Myself
I love technology and I have constructed several networks from the ground up so wifi is no real big deal, hence I went for the wifi.