Kindle. With /Without Keyboard?

[john2443]

As I know nothing about these things can anyone tell me why you would/wouldn't buy one with a keyboards

Thanks

[justayellowbadge]

It would intefere with the steering wheel either way.

[FunkyGibbon]

The only time I have used the keyboard was to type in the access key for wireless networks. I imagine there will be a soft keyboard, so for the rare occasions that would be fine.

[Mark.]

I'm thinking of going for one without the keyboard. Nearly bought the 'old' type the other week.

Refreshing, I think, that a company produces a new version of a product and the price is less than the old one.

[Engineer1]

I bet it is a move to remove the "experimental" browser from the Kindle and shift people wanting an e-book reader and web surfing device towards their recently announced tablet. Of course the problem then becomes does Amazon Fanboism beat Apple Fanboism for me?

[FlossyThePig]

FunkyGibbon said:

I imagine there will be a soft keyboard, so for the rare occasions that would be fine.

I had a look at the manual last night and there is a soft keyboard operated using the centre button, which is actually a navigation device like on some mobile phones.

[The Moose]

I would suggest you go for the Keyboard with 3g version...only for the 3g...which is really rather good.

[Zingari]

I got a refurbished one from Amazon (not 3g) for £89. Absolute bargain as the thing is brand new in original packaging!

Next get a DVD of books from eBay for less than a fiver. Over 3,500 books and they are not all ste. In fact there are at least 100 I will actually enjoy reading so for the money that is a no brainer!

I plan to use mine 'out of country' where 3G is nonexistent so wasn't bothered and would have gone for a non keyboard had it been available but as I paid the same price it's no loss and the screen is the same size.

If my plans were different it would have to be 3G everytime albeit the internet is 'basic'. The added benefit of the device having an email address allows you to send documents to it and they are automatically formatted to read on the device. Nice touch.

[marshalla]

Zingari said:

I plan to use mine 'out of country' where 3G is nonexistent so wasn't bothered and would have gone for a non keyboard had it been available but as I paid the same price it's no loss and the screen is the same size.

Where on earth, assuming you're staying on the planet, are you going ? Kindle's 3G/2G connectivity is practically worldwide!

[Meoricin]

Zingari said:

I got a refurbished one from Amazon (not 3g) for £89. Absolute bargain as the thing is brand new in original packaging!

Next get a DVD of books from eBay for less than a fiver. Over 3,500 books and they are not all ste. In fact there are at least 100 I will actually enjoy reading so for the money that is a no brainer!

I plan to use mine 'out of country' where 3G is nonexistent so wasn't bothered and would have gone for a non keyboard had it been available but as I paid the same price it's no loss and the screen is the same size.

If my plans were different it would have to be 3G everytime albeit the internet is 'basic'. The added benefit of the device having an email address allows you to send documents to it and they are automatically formatted to read on the device. Nice touch.

Are these legal (out of copyright) books which you can download for free, or illegal books (which you could also download for free). Why give money to people selling free/illegal items?

As for keyboard vs no keyboard, that's not the only difference - looking at the stats, the new one has half the battery life and storage space. On the other hand it's faster to turn pages, smaller, and lighter.

Personally I like having the keyboard. It makes things like searching for something very quick and easy.

Edited by Meoricin on Saturday 1st October 01:00

[Zad]

I believe the non-keyboard Kindles only have 2GB of flash storage, the old type have 4GB.

[Zingari]

marshalla said:

Zingari said:

I plan to use mine 'out of country' where 3G is nonexistent so wasn't bothered and would have gone for a non keyboard had it been available but as I paid the same price it's no loss and the screen is the same size.

Where on earth, assuming you're staying on the planet, are you going ? Kindle's 3G/2G connectivity is practically worldwide!

If you tell me I can get a signal in the wastelands of Afghanistan then clearly I have bought the wrong one.

In terms of the DVD eBay has strict rules on what can and cannot be sold and I bought mine which was clearly advertised for the device and what it contained by a seller who had been on eBay for some time - not a one hit wonder! My conscience is clear.

For those with an ethical dilemma (and who presumably always drive within the speed limit) Amazon has an excellent range within the price range to suit your (trading) standards.

Edited by Zingari on Saturday 1st October 13:39

[Famous Graham]

I think he was getting at the fact that you could download them yourself if you were so inclined, rather than pay someone for them.

For some odd reason, while I have no compunction about downloading TV shows or films, I balk at doing it with books. No idea why.

Anyway, as to the OP - I've had my Kindle for 2 months now and I haven't touched the keyboard except, as mentioned above, to enter my wifi password.

[andyps]

Zingari said:

If you tell me I can get a signal in the wastelands of Afghanistan then clearly I have bought the wrong one.

Edited by Zingari on Saturday 1st October 13:39

Can't comment about Afghanistan, but if you can get a phone signal you can probably use the internet on a 3G Kindle. It is one of the great features of mine, you get internet access (albeit on a very basic browser) for free whilst roaming. It has certainly saved me a lot of money in roaming charges, even if just for email without web browsing, but it copes well with the PH forums.

[Meoricin]

Famous Graham said:

I think he was getting at the fact that you could download them yourself if you were so inclined, rather than pay someone for them.

For some odd reason, while I have no compunction about downloading TV shows or films, I balk at doing it with books. No idea why.

Anyway, as to the OP - I've had my Kindle for 2 months now and I haven't touched the keyboard except, as mentioned above, to enter my wifi password.

Exactly. I don't have a problem with pirating - I wouldn't be able to afford to read the books I read if I didn't. What I have a problem with is people making money out of it by luring people who clearly want to pay for things into paying the wrong people.

Absolute scum IMO, in with those who sell DVDs of free software (someone on here was going to buy a £5 DVD of Open Office the other day, until it was pointed out that it's free).

[Benjurs]

I had the choice between waiting for the new Kindle or buy the Kindle 3 with keyboard.

I chose the keyboard option, as I think the difference in size is neglible as I've got a cover from Ebay which has made the Kindle about three times thicker.

I don't think I'd be able to cope with using a 5 directional pad to try and type.

I will use the Kindle whilst at Uni, with free Wifi throughout, and I know that I'll be faster typing e-mails etc on a keyboard than using a 5 pad.

I don't intend in writing war and piece style e-mails but what with the long battery life it'll free up my IPhone 3GS whose battery only really lasts me a day (it's almost 2 yrs old now) and will also be a lot easier/faster than using my Iphone (I've powerfully built hands! (read fat hands!)).

I wasn't really all that fussed about the difference in memory size as I doubt I'd ever fill the new Kindle's memory, let alone my Kindle 3! Nor the battery will make much of a difference as I'll charge it once a week anyways.

I just like the idea of having a keyboard and the fact that it's slightly larger than the new Kindle as I've mentioned above the larger size fits my hands better.

Although fair play to Amazon on releasing a newer model cheaper than existing models but I think the £30 premium for the better battery/storage/keyboard is a price worth paying.

Just my 2p worth!

[Not Ideal]

I've just ordered the new Kindle without the keyboard.

The cheaper price, smaller dimensions and me thinking I won't need the keyboard much swung it for me.

[Switch]

The obvious solution here is to by a keyboard 3g for Holiday use (cheeky web access)
and a nice new shiny lighter for use in the home where you don't need to load up with books before you go. or so on.