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sarahk

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#85592 21-Jun-2011 22:26
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My Mum looks wistfully at my iPad while having no idea why pressing so hard makes the icons wobble, no recollection of changing the skin in one of my games or resetting some of the high scores. An iPad isn't going to happen.

A kobo or a kindle might... only she doesn't have access to a computer. Technically I could give her wifi when I get my new android phone with virtual hotspot but it would have to be able to cope with NO computer hook up at all. I could, occasionally take it home I guess - but that would be a last resort.

So... kindle and kobo users: is it realistic to try to run one without a computer?

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nakedmolerat
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  #484045 21-Jun-2011 23:14
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kindle 3G?



dontpanic42
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  #484066 22-Jun-2011 00:06
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It's completely feasible to run a Kindle 3G without a computer. All you would need is a USB port to charge it every month(ish) or so.

One of these - http://dicksmith.co.nz/product/M9946/digitor-mains-charger-for-usb-enabled-mp3-players - would be your best bet.

You would just need to set her up with an Amazon account from a computer or your iPad first off (or use your Amazon account if you have one, which you do or will because you will need one to buy a Kindle), and she could then buy books on the Kindle device itself after initial set-up.
Be aware that you will need to have a valid credit card attached to the Amazon account as it needs to charge that card when you purchase books off the Kindle itself.

And remember, if you do buy a Kindle, make sure to use the geekzone Kindle links http://www.geekzone.co.nz/kindle.asp to support geekzone.

Sorry, I'm pushing the Kindle there a bit, mainly because I have one. Not trying to be biased. I'm sure the Kobo would be just fine too, but I wouldn't know.

HTH Smile


sarahk

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  #484089 22-Jun-2011 01:08
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Thanks - it does.

She'd never connect the 3G so unless it was simply a matter of holding its resale value the plain wifi would probably do. The price is pretty good. Good to know it doesn't do dumb things like the iPad that occassionally refuses to update without iTunes. Tolerable for me but not for her.



itxtme
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  #484104 22-Jun-2011 06:38
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sarahk: Thanks - it does.

She'd never connect the 3G so unless it was simply a matter of holding its resale value the plain wifi would probably do. The price is pretty good. Good to know it doesn't do dumb things like the iPad that occassionally refuses to update without iTunes. Tolerable for me but not for her.


Used my android Wifi to connect my kindle a few times, would def reccomend it over the Kobo!

freitasm
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  #484130 22-Jun-2011 08:13
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The 3G version is a lot more convenient. Your mum can purchase books directly from the device and receive them in seconds. WiFI is good but she would have to go through entering passwords when accessing protected access points. The 3G version is basically up and go.

The 3G delivery and purchase of books is free. there is no contracts, it comes with a built-in Amazon SIM card. It works around the world.





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LookingUp
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  #484162 22-Jun-2011 09:09
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freitasm: The 3G version is a lot more convenient. Your mum can purchase books directly from the device and receive them in seconds. WiFI is good but she would have to go through entering passwords when accessing protected access points. The 3G version is basically up and go.

The 3G delivery and purchase of books is free. there is no contracts, it comes with a built-in Amazon SIM card. It works around the world.



+1 = Kindle 3G is pretty much idiot proof and good to go as-is.  Other than the additional purchase price, there are NO extra costs for having the 3G connection, it comes pre-configured, and works straight out of the box.




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freitasm
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  #484168 22-Jun-2011 09:13
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It is a misconception that Kindle 3G means you have to have a plan. This is not the case. The Kindle 3G comes with a connection ready, no contracts. You never deal with any telco...




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sarahk

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  #484211 22-Jun-2011 10:07
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freitasm: It is a misconception that Kindle 3G means you have to have a plan. This is not the case. The Kindle 3G comes with a connection ready, no contracts. You never deal with any telco...
That's pretty spectacular - it will be interesting to see what other gadgets follow suit.

trig42
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  #484242 22-Jun-2011 10:43
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Gotta agree on the Kindle 3G. I have a DX (which is just a 3G but with a bigger screen) and buying books is instant. The 3G does drain the battery a bit quicker, but is easy to turn on and off.

I have not purchased books straight from the Kindle, so not sure how easy that is, wouldn't be massively difficult I would have thought.

The other thing with the Kindles is that you get a Kindle email address, which if you have other ebooks (in MOBI format) not purchased directly from Amazon or PDFs, you can email them to that Kindle email address and they instantly appear in your library.

LookingUp
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  #484246 22-Jun-2011 10:46
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trig42: ...I have not purchased books straight from the Kindle, so not sure how easy that is, wouldn't be massively difficult I would have thought. ...


If you know what you want it's possibly even easier than buying via a PC.  Type in the name of the book or the author, select, and it's done. 

The only thing that's slightly painful is trying to find your wishlist if you have one set up.




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