New kindle and already a regret

[Karen B.]

I also downloaded the PDF format of the manual to my computer, in case my Kindle is not working for some reason. In some ways, that's easier to find info on, because the screen is bigger.

[Helen]

Thanks Addie, much faster! Funny that it doesn't come up on the cover to start with.

[Shari]

Clare-Dragonfly wrote: "All 3rd gen Kindles have web browsers. I don't know how well it would browse Facebook, though, what with the slowness and the lack of color."

I've tried browsing FB with it and it isn't that great. Too difficult to maneuver. I stick to reading. And also, I had the old 3G kindle and got the new one with wifi only. I added wifi to my home, easy peasy, for only $40!! Now my kindle and cell phone work great here! :) Use the money you would be spending on the 3G upgrade for wifi for your house!

[Addie]

Helen wrote: "Thanks Addie, much faster! Funny that it doesn't come up on the cover to start with."

Glad I could help. I like to start with the cover too!

[Helen]

Ideally, I'd like Amazon to upgrade so that the cover was the screen saver.

[Karen B.]

Now I have to admit I am confused, what's the difference between getting an I-Pad or an inexpensive Notebook (not laptop). My daughter loves her notebook which she says she can do most things on except anything that is on a CD.

[Betsy]

A notebook has a keyboard and mouse/touchpad; an iPad no keyboard (except a virtual one on the screen) and the whole screen is a touchpad. An iPad is Apple, so you have access to Apple apps (like iTunes); a notebook is likely Windows so apps are Windows compatible purchasable from a variety of sources.

[Karen B.]

Thank you. I guess I just haven't looked into Ipads at all. Was curious about approximate prices too. Beings as I am hoping that Amazon will come out with a competing "pad".

[Andre Jute]

Karen B wrote: "Now I have to admit I am confused, what's the difference between getting an I-Pad or an inexpensive Notebook (not laptop). My daughter loves her notebook which she says she can do most things on except anything that is on a CD."

The iPad is basically a closed system, just like the Kindle; it ties you to Apple. The iPad will always need another computer with a link to iTunes. If you're merely a consumer of copyright materials, it might just do; if you create anything more than a few emails or a Garageband song, the input/output restrictions will soon become tiresome.

A notebook is theoretically open, though you will have to download any apps not on it at purchase from an internet source, or an external CD drive (the one I use is made by Iomega and cost EUR 85 and is deplorably slow). It is theoretically less portable than an iPad. Its keyboard, unless it is very cheap, is likely to be superior to the iPad's virtual keyboard. You can get the external Apple keyboard and make it work with the iPad for use at home.

I love the iPad but for reading I'd rather have a Kindle and for writing a fullsize iMac. Your daughter is right, the notebook computer computer is likely to be more useful than the iPad. But the iPad is trendier...

An iPad is about twice the price of a good-quality notebook, getting on for three times the price when you've bought a necessary case and the extended guarantee and a few accessories. "Competing" pads from other hopefuls don't, and one from Amazon is likely to be even more hopeless because it will be built down to a price and because Amazon has zero experience with software, as is amply illustrated by the Kindle. Apple has such a lead in software, and in hardware ergonomics, it will always leave the other padmakers for dead; Amazon just doesn't have the class to compete at that level. On the other hand, an Amazon pad is likely to be *much* cheaper.

I've used Apple's gear from the beginning over thirty years ago, and am a big fan, but as a reader I cannot recommend the iPad. Check the glare on the thing just lying on my side table.

[Mark]

Betsy wrote: "A notebook has a keyboard and mouse/touch pad; an iPad no keyboard (except a virtual one on the screen) and the whole screen is a touch pad. An iPad is Apple, so you have access to Apple apps (like ..."

Because I am a gadget freak, I bought myself an Asus Transformer the other day. I chose the one that came with the docking station. The transformer's docking station is like a notebook's keyboard including the touch pad/mouse pad thingy.

When the transformer itself is docked (the tablet part) the entire thing looks like a very posh notebook. It works exactly like one but with a touchscreen included. The android OS works the same as my HTC desire mobile phone. Its really nice, and better than my Samsung notebook, but...

I still would not use it for reading even undocked and in its tablet form. My Kindle is the perfect reader for me. No eyestrain, instant or very nearly downloads via its 3G, and just so convenient.

I love my gadgets, and the Transformer is great for writing on when I am away from the house. It has its own word processing program on it, and the files are compatible with MS word. It is very admired by friends when they want to surf the net... it hooks up instantly to the hotspot in my HTC desire, and the web browser works great. The apps are cool, and games are a joy on it. It has easily supplanted my Samsung notebook, but could not replace my home PC or kindle.

So I have 5 irreplaceable (to me) gadgets now. My HTC desire, my iPod, my Kindle, my home PC, and my Asus Transformer :) As I said, i am a gadget freak.

Mark E. Cooper
http://mark-e-cooper.blogspot.com

[Mikki]

Helen wrote: "I'm perfectly happy with wifi, I do all my buying at home anyway"

yep..me too :))

[Karen B.]

I am very satisfied with wifi. Every time I am at this computer I seem to get a strong signal even though I don't have a wireless router. I connect through Netgear which is free, but I don't even have to select it. It just happens automatically.

[Karin]

I went for the 3G because I didn't want to regret getting the wifi only model. I just like the idea so much that I could get a new book no matter where I am. I do have Wifi at home so I haven't really used the 3G, but I like that I have that option. Unfortunately I'm in one of the countries that has restricted 3G access so I can only go to amazon and wikipedia on 3G, not regular browsing (on wifi I can go anywhere with the browser), which is unfortunate 'cause I liked the idea of browsing while on a train instead of using the small screen of my smartphone.

That Asus Transformer is next up on my wishlist BTW, I've been looking for an android tablet and I just know that that's the one I want :)

[Elle]

I'm actually really happy I got mine without the 3G.

I have so many books on it, I never need to download when I don't have wifi.

Takes a bit of pre-planning if you aren't like me with around 400books on it, but it doesn't make such a difference, I don't think.