Kindle, ipad, laptop, ... wifi?

[MaryAnn]

I'm going to be computer-less for a while due to living situation. I'd like to still get online for email and buying stuff, plus it would be nice to be able to read books.

Some people tell me get an iPad, others say no get a smart phone and a Kindle. Others tell me just get a laptop anyway and some kind of wifi service.

So if I get a Kindle or iPad, do I have to have separate wifi service that I pay for (assuming I use these at home, and don't drive out to some public wifi place?) Is Kindle different from iPad in that sense, like, if I buy a Kindle, can I access Amazon, find a book I want, buy it, and have it downloaded without having to pay for a separate wifi service? What about iPad?

How are they different? You see I am a Kompleat Novice here. I do computers reasonably well but this newfangled stuff boggles me still. What you get and what it costs you, plus, very important, how easy it is to use, are all important.

MA

[PMeuph]

Both the iPad and the kindle have different models that can be used on wifi and/or *3g/4g.

If you opt for the wifi versions(usally cheaper), you will need a wifi connection at your house, or to hunt down some wifi hotspots.

The 3g version of the kindle allows you to connect to the amazon store and buy all the books you want for free.

With the 3g/4g ipad you will need to get a connection (from a cell phone provider).

*3g/4g is the same frequency that cell phones use, so getting an ipad with 3g is almost like getting an over-sized iphone. (but you might not need t take a 3 year contract)

On the ipad, you can do a lot more stuff. Type e-mails, check tubenet, the weather, online banking, read sheet music, read books etc...

The kindle, albeit a lot cheaper, allows you to do very little of that except for reading books/news. The screen quality of the kindle is great for reading books. Some people find the iPad tiring for their eyes after a while.

[snorlax]

Just watch out on 3G or 4G--it is very possible to hit the limit of your data plan downloads in a day or two on most such plans.
WiFi seems to be a better deal for books, movies, etc.

[bort]

Kindle Fire is very good, and a great deal... though I wouldn't recommend any tablet for surfing, typing, or day to day stuff. Too much of a pain in the ass (yes, even the iPad!).

[Rick F]

I've had an iPad for about four months. I opted for one with just Wi-Fi... no 3G. As I already had Wi-Fi in the house, it works fine once I set it up. It checks my emails (all clients) automatically with no intervention from me (actually faster than my PC). The built-in keyboard is ok, but you can hardly use "touch typing". I understand though you can get an external keyboard that you can plug in... fairly small that can fit in an external case.

Just my two cents.

Sent from iPad

[jonesmj]

Hi-
Get a Wi-Fi hookup, and then pick up an iPad--great deals on refurb iPad2 16gb Wi-Fi only from Apple---$349. Then if needed, pick up a wireless keyboard, like Apple's wireless keyboard--I think around $69. You'll be all set. Good luck.
Mark

[MartyNeilan]

If you were leaning towards the Kindle Fire, I would strongly suggest giving the Nook Tablet a close look instead.

[bort]

Or even wait a few months for the inevitable Kindle Fire 2.

[bearphonium]

We have had great luck buying refurb from Apple. That 16gig iPad sounds perfect. You can suck up free WiFi and not have to pay for a plan (that is what I do with my iPod touch, 3rd gen), you're just stuck using it at WiFi hot spots. Nice to "see" you again...

[Rick F]

I forgot to mention that our iPad2 was a re-furbed unit -- which saved us about $100. It still has the same warranty as a brand new unit. Apple says a "re-furbed" iPad has a new screen and new battery installed and completely checked out before re-packaging.

Sent from iPad

[bort]

To answer one of your original questions...

If you buy a Kindle with 3G (the older gray screen ones, not the new Kindle Fire), the 3G service is Free. You can shop and download books for free, with no contracts, no need for WiFi, or anything else.

But, it's ONLY for books and reading materials. You can't surf the web, email, etc.

[Bob Kolada]

Screw that expensive iPad crap- there's a lot of other tablets that run a lot cheaper and work just as well.


Unfortunately, data on the go (3G, 4G,...) in the US pretty much means getting locked into a 2 year contract where you'll end up paying more than outright, or buying one full price off contract and trying to find a decent prepaid data plan. There's lots of good prepaid smartphones and smartphone plans but few for tablets and laptops.