I also have both. I like reading at outdoor cafes, the beach, pool etc and can't on my Ipad.

Yes, you will be able to download the papers you normally would while in Paris.

Please note there is an additional $4.99/week charge to download newspaper subscriptions when overseas, regardless of whether it's done via 3G or Wifi. In fact, 3G doesn't even seem to work in Asia - I get an edge signal if not connected via wifi.

Whereabouts in Asia? I've had no problems with 3G on the international Kindle 3 in HK, Singapore and Tokyo. And I haven't had a surcharge for subscriptions - perhaps that's just for the US version?

I have the US version, which I 'believe' [newbie here] is 3G Sprint [no longer AT&T]. In Taiwan I got edge signal only. In Bkk now and will try tonight to see what transpires. I will edit this post after other stops to KL, Jkt, and HK.

The surcharge is for the US version - as soon as I turned on wifi/3g in Taiwan, got a detail message from amazon re roaming fees. Plus I spoke with Amazon customer service before leaving - during this trip I cancelled my NY Times subscription and using their Times Reader instead.

Thailand's 3G is notoriously behind the times:
Thailand 'falls behind' poorer neighbours on 3G

When I was there last month my Kindle accessed Edge only. I received one of my New Yorker issues plus a notification that further international subscription downloads would require that I authorize the additional $4.99/week charge.

LOL :D

I'm at Centrepoint Hotel, next to Four Seasons, on 30+ floor. Usually the local mobile network is notoriously poor in the hotel, even with local AIS service. Must be some dead spots?

Turned on kindle, no 3G or edge. Needed to log onto free hotspot to get a signal....I'll try again from airport tomorrow morning.

I was able to access Edge and send a few emails even in a rather rural area of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), although it took a couple of minutes before the Kindle showed that it had snagged a signal.

Thanks, tried again last night and get Edge. But no 3G

Greetings all.

Great thread as I am trying to decide between purchasing an iPad or a Kindle. Can someone help out with a question?

I am leaning toward the Kindle due to less $, easier to read in outdoor situations, longer battery life, etc.

Just how painful is the browser on the Kindle? If I wanted to check / reply to simple web based emails (hotmail), is it able to handle this fairly well? I can't seem to find a good review / description of just how basic this browser is....

I stopped taking my laptop on vacation trips as it was just too much bother. The iPad is appealing for internet use without the bulk, but not sure it is worth the hundreds more $ over the Kindle. Any advice?

The consensus here (and my opinion) is that if you just want to read books, the Kindle is the winner. If you want web browsing too, get an iPad.

+1

Assume the Kindle is for reading, period. You'd be hard pressed to write an email on the device, if it could even render the page correctly in the first place. As a reading device only, I think it surpasses the iPad. But then for hundreds more you're getting color, music, movies, web, tons of apps, etc. More of a real computer.

It's OK but not great for sending simple emails. The Kindle is first and foremost an ebook reader. Any other function is gravy. Its Edge connection came in handy for sending email from the Thailand hinterland, but I much prefer using my netbook or even my iPod Touch for email.

thanks for the 3 quick opinions. Sounds like the Kindle is the way to go as I want to primarily use it for reading at the beach (in Thailand as well...small world).

I will just have to break myself of the internet habit while on holiday....now that I think about it...probably better that way.:D

Thanks again.

I have both but I prefer kindle. I love it.