e-Ink is the technology behind the screen on Kindles. It's what gives it that paper-like look. It's also what forces it to be black-and-white only. It's also what forces that awful blink-and-pause between pages. It's why I hated the look of Kindles, and why I find the iPad screen to be so much nicer. But obviously some people prefer e-Ink and they like to talk about it as if it's an advantage. To them it is. To me it's a laughable disability.
Here is my question...
I have been on the fence about these e-readers for a bit, now that I have gotten back into reading. I hate clutter more than anything so these are right up my alley. I just love the feel of a real hard cover book.
Anyways, here is my question. The browser on the kindle, I know you cannot compare it to the iPad or even an iPhone because of the eInk screen, however, do they let you use the unlimited 3G to say check mail, etc. if you are to purchase the 3G version?
I played with one in the past, the first version, and the browser is definately berable. I mean, heck, the iPhone doesn't even support flash as it is so nearly all sites have mobile versions which the kindle can handle. Now, I wouldn't get into a hour long session with this or anything...Just if I needed it for something.
In addition to being more outside friendly, I think that e-Ink helps keep the novelty of books alive. Love it or hate it, I view the blink-and-pause phenomenon you describe as an interesting take on turning a page. And perhaps not everyone experiences this, but I do find a backlit screen to be a bit annoying after a couple hours of reading. Don't get me wrong, the iPad is an amazing device, I just don't believe it can effectively be marketed to individuals who are solely looking for an ereader.
I never thought of myself as someone who would ever quit buying physical books, but after discovering I could purchase most of my textbooks for college onto a Nook, one now accompanies me everyday to class. The only downside I've really experienced thus far is an endless barrage of nook jokes from my friends. Yes, I clean my nook daily. Now what exactly is so funny?![]()
Isn't it hilarious how people decide, literally sight unseen, that the iPad will hurt their eyes, while writing that opinion on the same backlit screen they been reading from for years.
It's hilarious how some people can't just accept the fact that it is more easy on the eyes, even if it's just a minimal difference, reading on a Kindle than in the iPad.
No it didn't. The original argument started that the Kindle is easier on your eyes and better for reading for long periods.Strawman. This started based on the assertion that an iPad is useless for reading, and will blind you.
The 3g support only allows you to connect to the Kindle's library to purchase and download content. If you want to use the web browser, you'll need to connect to a wifi hotspot to do so. Although, I'm patiently awaiting a youtube video of a hacked Kindle using it's web browser over 3g..hint..hint..![]()
That's what I'm asking myself right now. We don't have access to wifi at work (due to security purposes), but I'm not sure how often I'd be reading at work anyway. The only reason I can see the 3G as being a benefit is during travel, which I rarely do. I almost like the option as a "just in case" sort of insurance. However, $50 is quite a bit...
I have a Nook with both 3G (only for the B&N store) and wifi. I find myself almost never using 3G. In 10 minutes I can get 4 books from the Nook. Or I can get them in even less time if I buy them on my computer and just use the Nook to download. Typically I can do this on my home network. So I haven't used 3G since the first few days until the novelty wore off.
I haven't tried to do it outside of the US, but I almost always have occassional wifi access somewhere when I travel. I would probably do the same thing there that I do in the US. So the Kindle's 3G access wouldn't be all that important while traveling, either.
Power consumption is much faster on 3G than wifi as well.
So if I had to do it over, I would have saved the $50 and bought wifi only.
Anyway, if I was in the market for the K3 (?) Wifi/3G version, I'd absolutely go for the 3G version. There is nothing more satisfying than downloading a book while on the tarmac on a plane just before a 5 hour flight. It's magical!
It's hilarious how some people can't just accept the fact that it is more easy on the eyes, even if it's just a minimal difference, reading on a Kindle than in the iPad.
I know that I read a lot in my Mac, but I do it while working/playing/etc. When I want to just sit and enjoy a book, I do find the Kindle a much better device than the iPad. And not only for the screen, but size, weight, the fact that it doesn't presents you with extra distractions that the iPad has (like mail alerts, etc.).
It's hilarious how some people can't just accept the fact that it is more easy on the eyes, even if it's just a minimal difference, reading on a Kindle than in the iPad.
I have a Kindle and I'm probably going to buy an iPad later on, it's an amazing device. But if I want to read, I'll keep using the Kindle. Why? Because I really enjoy reading, and the Kindle gives the user a much more pleasant reading experience.
The 3g support only allows you to connect to the Kindle's library to purchase and download content. If you want to use the web browser, you'll need to connect to a wifi hotspot to do so. Although, I'm patiently awaiting a youtube video of a hacked Kindle using it's web browser over 3g..hint..hint..![]()
I think its hilarious how the iPad is always compared to the Kindle. They are so different.
See, that's another reason I would consider the 3G model. For those spur of the moment purchases. I think I'm just going to go for it and get the 3G/Wifi model.
If you were consistent applying your logic you'd never ever bought iPad in a first place. Netbooks are a much more versatile device than iPad is. They can do everything iPad can and then a lot more.
Have fun with your Kindle!See, that's another reason I would consider the 3G model. For those spur of the moment purchases. I think I'm just going to go for it and get the 3G/Wifi model.