The new Kindle Touch: Whoa!

[MizzouRah]

Knock on wood.. I haven't had any real issues with my Fire. Sometimes a touch doesn't register, but it's never during a game only when clicking on an app or sometimes while I'm trying to click an internet link.

I would assume an os update is in the works to fix any release day issues?

[thesloppy]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

I would assume an os update is in the works to fix any release day issues?

That's what I'm kind of hoping for, in the case of my Touch as well.

After writing my nasty review on here, I picked up my Kindle to give it another look, and now it won't open anything at all...I just get a blank page, with a menu bar at the top. I assume mine is just screwed up, so my issues may all just be due to the fact that I got a bad individual machine...which doesn't make ME feel any better about the little piece of crap, but your mileage may vary, and take that into account when weighing the issues I had.

[ISiddiqui]

Interestingly enough in many online reviews, the $79 Kindle got the higher reviews. Though those were mostly based on the fact that it was lighter than the $99 Kindle Touch.

[thesloppy]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Interestingly enough in many online reviews, the $79 Kindle got the higher reviews. Though those were mostly based on the fact that it was lighter than the $99 Kindle Touch.

Yeah...I was going to note that the Touch was rated 4 1/2 stars on Amazon, when it only had a few hundred reviews, a week after it came out, but was down to 3 1/2 stars recently, but has since bounced back to 4. Most of the complaints seem to be about the wonkiness of the touch stuff, and if I had another shot I'd grab the keyboard one, because the search/UI stuff seemed like it did benefit a lot from a keyboard...but I also think that the keyboard might only be available with the older screen tech (?). It's also still rated 4 1/2 stars, with 35,000 reviews.

[ISiddiqui]

The Kindle Keyboard has the same screen tech - the Pearl e-ink.

[George]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Knock on wood.. I haven't had any real issues with my Fire. Sometimes a touch doesn't register, but it's never during a game only when clicking on an app or sometimes while I'm trying to click an internet link.

I would assume an os update is in the works to fix any release day issues?

I believe an update has been released.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-gad...ce-update/5362

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by George

I believe an update has been released.

Kindle Fire gets a performance update | ZDNet

Thanks, I already notice better touch sensitivity.

[RainMaker]

So I played around with the Kindle Fire I bought for my brother at Christmas. I really like the device. Was worried it would be too small but it actually is almost a perfect size. And I didn't mind the weight either, it made it feel sturdy.

Not sure I would recommend this to readers, but I do think it's a nice iPad alternative for those who don't need the extras (camera, GPS, etc). Browser isn't as fast and the touchscreen isn't as intuitive, but it's not that far off.

My only gripe would be the lack of apps right now. Didn't feel like a lot of the major companies had them yet. If that changes though, I think it's a steal at $200 for anyone who wants a tablet but doesn't think they'll use it a ton.

[thesloppy]

After complaining about my Touch a bunch in this thread, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I managed to clear up the big issues I was having, after some research. Apparently adding big batches of content to the Touch blows its little mind, and you have to add stuff in small batches (~10 at a time, and no more than 25 a day) to allow it to index properly. I had to delete everything, reset to factory defaults, and re-add all my content in tiny batches, but it works much better now, and I'm 99% less likely to smash it against a wall.

[thesloppy]

Just cuz.

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by brassmonkey32

Why download all contents to the device? Just pick one from the archive and when done reading that book delete back to archive and pick another one from the archive to download.

It it's wifi only, and you don't have wifi at your house, you may have to get it while around a hotspot.............

Just a guess.

[stevew]

The new Kindle Fire 8.9 was announced.

Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G - Latest Wireless Technology with 4G LTE

It's an 8.9" tablet with 4G(and one without) for 499.

Groundbreaking 4G LTE Package
Kindle Fire HD 8.9" offers the most affordable 4G tablet data package. Amazon's 12 month 4G data package includes 250 MB a month of blazing fast 4G data, 20 GB of additional Cloud Drive storage, and $10 Amazon Appstore promotional credit, all for a one-time payment of only $49.99, no monthly payments required. If you need more data, additional 3 GB and 5 GB data plans are also available for purchase. You can sign up for a data plan right from your device.

The internet package on that is freaking amazing, if you don't need a ton of data.

Also the Kindle Fire HD 7" is coming out for $199. The existing unit drops to $159.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

[ISiddiqui]

The Paperwhite be far more impressive. Every tech site is practically drooling over it. Incredible e-ink resolution, a light that barely gets in the way, and 8 weeks of battery life WITH the light on... wow!

Kindle Paperwhite - Touch Screen Ereader with Built-In Light

[jeff061]

7" is still more interesting. I'm not sure I'm sold on a Kindle at the $500 price mark. Even the 7" may take a backseat to the Nexus.

All that said, I still have no interest in owning a tablet of any form .

[jeff061]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

The Paperwhite be far more impressive. Every tech site is practically drooling over it. Incredible e-ink resolution, a light that barely gets in the way, and 8 weeks of battery life WITH the light on... wow!

Kindle Paperwhite - Touch Screen Ereader with Built-In Light

This is more interesting to me. Potential replacement for me or my Mom.

[Logan]

That's pretty cool. I've been meaning to get a light for my older model Kindle, since I prefer to do my reading before bed and I don't want to annoy my fiancee with a bedside light. All those clip on types seemed to be clumsy and annoying. Might be time to upgrade.

[cschex]

Perfect timing for me, since I recently cracked the screen on my Kindle Keyboard (totally my fault). I've been holding off since I knew Amazon would release a new version for the holiday season and figured it would have a built in light since the new Nook does....and always, Amazon undercuts the Nook price by $20. It's like clockwork at this point

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by jeff061

This is more interesting to me. Potential replacement for me or my Mom.

You've must not think very highly of yourself or your mom.

[Groundhog]

Wow, Paperwhite looks excellent. I have no need to upgrade from my Kindle Keyboard at the moment, but happy to see Kindle tech pushing forward.

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

The Paperwhite be far more impressive. Every tech site is practically drooling over it. Incredible e-ink resolution, a light that barely gets in the way, and 8 weeks of battery life WITH the light on... wow!

Kindle Paperwhite - Touch Screen Ereader with Built-In Light

Yeah, I just bought (well, about 2 months ago) the low-end Kindle so I would have it for my traveling this summer (French Guiana, London/UK, Seattle...). Their new offerings make my Kindle Fire (original) and the Kindle I just bought look downright wimpy. I might splurge on the Paperwhite version. Will wait for some reviews.

/tk

[PurdueBrad]

I'm yet to take a plunge in the tablet market but I believe the 8.9" Kindle Fire HD with 4G is going to draw me in. I love my Kindle and will still likely use it for all reading but the Kindle Fire will just be great to have and my son can likely get some use out of it on long car rides.

[RainMaker]

Is there any reason to take the Kindle Fire over the Nexus tablet? The Nexus runs a newer version of Android, doesn't have the Amazon skin with ads, and seems to have better specs in a lot of areas. Only thing I see that the Kindle Fire seems to have is an HDMI out which I guess is a big plus if you're going to stream to your TV.

Here are the specs I found:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409362,00.asp

I'm planning on grabbing one for my brother as a birthday gift. Just sort of confused which to go with. The one thing about the old Kindle Fire that irked me was their stupid skin. Just hated the UI of it.

[Easy Mac]

It's $100 cheaper.

[RainMaker]

Aren't they both $199?

[Lathum]

I have a Kindle fire, and while it is great for reading I would never want to use it as a tablet, way to clunky.

[MizzouRah]

I like my Kindle fire quite a bit, but if I had to choose between the two, I would buy the Nexus 7.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by jeff061

7" is still more interesting. I'm not sure I'm sold on a Kindle at the $500 price mark. Even the 7" may take a backseat to the Nexus.

All that said, I still have no interest in owning a tablet of any form .

Does the Nexus come with 4g without a monthly subscription? - thats one of the BIG draws for me and why I'm considering getting one of the new Kindles myself ...

[jeff061]

Don't think so, from what I can tell you'd only get the Fire for that data plan. But for me personally the data cap makes it a non-starter, interesting nonetheless.

[PraetorianX]

If I didn't have my iPad, I think I'd go with one of the 4g Fire's.

The data cap probably wouldn't be much of an issue unless you're wanting to watch movies or shows away from a wifi connection.

I would likely only use the 4g for web browsing and such when away from a wifi connection anyway, so it's not such a big deal.

I guess it just depends on how you would want to use it.

[saldana]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

The Paperwhite be far more impressive. Every tech site is practically drooling over it. Incredible e-ink resolution, a light that barely gets in the way, and 8 weeks of battery life WITH the light on... wow!

Kindle Paperwhite - Touch Screen Ereader with Built-In Light

so based on the stuff that they have on the product website, the battery is 28 hours with the light on, and according to them, the 3G doesnt need a subscription of anykind, it is just part of the device and is automatically paid for by amazon

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by saldana

so based on the stuff that they have on the product website, the battery is 28 hours with the light on, and according to them, the 3G doesnt need a subscription of anykind, it is just part of the device and is automatically paid for by amazon

I'm ordering the paper white. But I'm getting wif. The reason is, for me, I get a lot of library books on mine. With 3G you have to physically load them on, with wifi, they will come through the wifi. Practically everywhere I go, has wifi now, so no need for 3G for me.

[jeff061]

Originally Posted by saldana

so based on the stuff that they have on the product website, the battery is 28 hours with the light on, and according to them, the 3G doesnt need a subscription of anykind, it is just part of the device and is automatically paid for by amazon

3G has never needed any subscription on the eReader Kindles. Thinking is the type of data the Kindlke uses is almost zero. You are not doing color web browsing, email or music/videos.

[PraetorianX]

Originally Posted by saldana

so based on the stuff that they have on the product website, the battery is 28 hours with the light on, and according to them, the 3G doesnt need a subscription of anykind, it is just part of the device and is automatically paid for by amazon

3G Kindle doesn't require any data plan or anything, no. You can use it to download books anywhere you can get a signal. Can't do much else with the device though.

As for the battery, yes, 28 continuous hours with the light on. Depending on how much you use it you'll probably only need to charge it once a week at the most (and of course you can adjust the light for when you don't need it).

My 3rd gen Kindle 3G I only need to charge maybe once a month.

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

I'm ordering the paper white. But I'm getting wif. The reason is, for me, I get a lot of library books on mine. With 3G you have to physically load them on, with wifi, they will come through the wifi. Practically everywhere I go, has wifi now, so no need for 3G for me.

Or you could, say, I don't know, use the Kindle 3G's wifi? I've never had a problem downloading library books using it.

[jeff061]

3G does cost $60 more, which is 50% the cost of the unit itself. My Kindle isn't 3G, I don't really need it.

[saldana]

thanks for the suggestions about the 3G...i have never bought one of these before and am really thinking about this...does anyone know if you can just go to best buy and get one or do you have to order it from Amazon...they are saying they arent shipping them until the week of 10/8 (even though the release date is 10/1), and i would really like to have it for my week long trip to Europe (on the 8th)

[cougarfreak]

Originally Posted by PraetorianX

3G Kindle doesn't require any data plan or anything, no. You can use it to download books anywhere you can get a signal. Can't do much else with the device though.

As for the battery, yes, 28 continuous hours with the light on. Depending on how much you use it you'll probably only need to charge it once a week at the most (and of course you can adjust the light for when you don't need it).

My 3rd gen Kindle 3G I only need to charge maybe once a month.



Or you could, say, I don't know, use the Kindle 3G's wifi? I've never had a problem downloading library books using it.

So, the Paper White 3G comes with wifi as well? My K2 has 3G, but no wifi. And it, you know, won't let me use the 3G to get the library books. You have to use the wifi for that.

[ISiddiqui]

Ever since the K3 they added wi-fi, IIRC. Wi-fi is on every device, but some have 3G as well.

[PraetorianX]

Originally Posted by saldana

thanks for the suggestions about the 3G...i have never bought one of these before and am really thinking about this...does anyone know if you can just go to best buy and get one or do you have to order it from Amazon...they are saying they arent shipping them until the week of 10/8 (even though the release date is 10/1), and i would really like to have it for my week long trip to Europe (on the 8th)

I don't know if they'll have them in stores or not. I pre-ordered my Paperwhite and my estimated delivery date is Oct. 11th.


As for if you want 3G or just regular wifi, it depends on how and when you use it really. There is no other difference between the two of them that I know of, except I think 3G is like maybe half an ounce heavier.

So the question really is if you think you'll actually get $60 worth of use out of the 3G. You can't really do any web browsing on the Kindle, so it'd likely only be for downloading books/mags. If you travel a lot or are often in (and likely to use your Kindle in) places that don't have free wireless and/or you don't have a wireless network in your home then 3G might a good option.

Otherwise, if you'll likely always have a nearby wifi hotspot, then save the $60 for books.

[Landshark44]

dumb question about the Kindle....

I purchased one for my wife for christmas, and put a book on it for her. (New Alex Cross)....

The book downloaded right away and is available to be "read", but i was never asked for any credit card info....

How did I pay for it?

[ISiddiqui]

From the account you used to buy the Kindle. It's linked to that account including the credit card you have on file with it.

You can change who it is registered to online, if you'd like.

[jeff061]

Is your credit card info stored on Amazon.com?

[Landshark44]

Originally Posted by jeff061

Is your credit card info stored on Amazon.com?

yes, i think it is....

but i didn't see anything under "order history". maybe it just didn't post, yet...

[Landshark44]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

From the account you used to buy the Kindle. It's linked to that account including the credit card you have on file with it.

You can change who it is registered to online, if you'd like.

So, credit card i used to buy the Kindle is charged every time i make a purchase...?

[jeff061]

Credit card that is on file for the account the Kindle is registered to. Which it either automatically ties in with yours or maybe gives you the option to specify your wife during the ordering process, I forget.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by Landshark44

So, credit card i used to buy the Kindle is charged every time i make a purchase...?

It's been awhile, but I think that is the case. When they ship it to you they pre-register it for that account. I THINK when you order it you could have it gifted or something for somebody else, but I'm not sure.

It shouldn't be too hard to change that, though. If not on the kindle it is probably somewhere in the Amazon.com account settings

[Landshark44]

yeah, weird. i purchased it today at best buy...

when i set it up, i didn't register it (wasn't asked to). and when i go to amazon, there is no record of the kindle or the purchase (book)...

curious to see how I'm billed. i'm sure it'll all clear up, i was just wondering. thanks, guys...

[tarcone]

Good info. We bought our daughters a fire from amazon. I could see them buying a bunch of stuff thinking they got it free. And our credit card bill crazy.

[jeff061]

Ah, not sure how the Best Buy process works.

[gstelmack]

On Amazon, you set up "1-click" settings for purchasing, and Kindle buying uses those.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Good info. We bought our daughters a fire from amazon. I could see them buying a bunch of stuff thinking they got it free. And our credit card bill crazy.

You can set up parental controls to prevent this.