WiFi Kindle
 

Will a WiFi enabled Kindle work outside the US or do you need to run it through a VPN?

I see no reason why it wouldn't work outside the US, as the enforcement of buying books, etc. can be done through the Amazon account itself. That would seem like a more elegant solution than limiting based on IP address.

Just a guess of course since I haven't seen one yet :)

Everything I've seen about it says it works with public and private wifi networks, never excluding international ones so I would assume it will. It is interesting though they have not been pushing that as a feature.

Also, the wifi kindle apparently comes with access to AT&T hotspots, like starbucsk and 20K other locations. Makes it pretty easy to update.

I like the idea of digital ink on the kindle, but I think I'll stick with the ipad, and the kindle app.

I have both. After a long day staring at computer screens I will pull out my Kindle instead of using the iPad.

I ordered an iPad for delivery on Day 1. I haven't used my Kindle since and I that was not what I predicted.

I have both and I use them for completely different things. I just don't see how it's possible to use an iPad for serious reading - thousands of pages - without serious eye strain. I've read several dozen long novels on my Kindle.

For everything else, definitely the iPad is ideal.

I have a Kindle 2 on the old domestic (non-ATT) network which I love. I have hundreds of books and it is easy on the eyes, even on airplanes.

My wife wants one and I asked her to wait for the new ones, which were rumored (accurately) to be available in August.

I am going to give her my "2" and save money by buying the $139 wifi only model for myself. I am almost always on wifi and nothing on the kindle is "urgent" if I am not. I also get books from other sources and load them via USB so no network is necessary for that.

If I am able to order a new book on Amazon, I am obviously online and probably using wifi, so I can "get it in 60 seconds or less". The only other thing is to get software upgrades, but they are not that often and can wait for wifi access.

Does anyone see any problems with not having the 3G coverage and saving $50?

I will dust off my Kindle II and read something this weekend and will let you know.

I can't think of any either. I figure I can plan in advance and load any books prior to a trip or likely I will have a laptop anyway and can transfer to the wifi Kindle via USB.

ETA: I guess a problem could be if one subscribes to periodicals and can't retrieve the latest edition if no wifi available.

I think it depends on the person, there are people reading a kindle on the train on the way home, they will not be able to get the next book until they get someplace with wifi. If you don't need to get that book you need or that newspaper or whatever right then and there and are willing to wait for Wifi, then by all means save the money.

If you can't, then they offer the 3g those who need the second book within seconds after finishing the first one.

I would totally go wifi only, once those hit the refrub store they will probably be under $100.

I love my iPad but am thinking of getting the WiFi Kindle for reading in situations such as out on my patio or in a car where the iPad is nearly unseeable for someone my age.

Does this make sense?

Maybe a dumb question, but - if wifi only, there are many places where before you can do anything on the wifi connection, you need to either enter a name and code or at least agree to the terms and conditions. I am thinking specifically of Panera Bread, the local mall which has free wifi and many hotels that require you to accept their terms each day. Will the Kindle have the ability to display such a page and accept the terms etc? Anyone know how that would work?

They address that on their website:

New, Built-In Wi-Fi
Kindle automatically detects nearby Wi-Fi networks at school, home, or your favorite café. At a hotel or café that requires a password? Simply enter the password and connect to the network. Once you have added a Wi-Fi network, Kindle will automatically connect to that network the next time you’re near the hotspot. Kindle does not currently connect to enterprise or peer-to-peer networks.

Free Access at AT&T Hotspots
Enjoy free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots across the U.S. for shopping and downloading Kindle content — no AT&T registration, sign-in, or password required.