If you thought you would be able to happily surf the web on your new Kindle Touch 3G device, you might be a little disappointed to learn that Amazon is no longer offering open 3G web access through its new Kindle Touch 3G reader.
When the new Kindle Touch 3G was launched last week, there was a little confusion over the wording used to explain the web surfing features of the new device, which said “experimental web browsing is available via Wi-Fi.”
Clarification from Amazon
After a lot of speculation on the Kindle forums, Amazon has now clarified the situation, explaining:
“We apologize for the confusion. Our new Kindle Touch 3G enables you to connect to the Kindle Store, download books and periodicals, and access Wikipedia – all over 3G or Wi-Fi. Experimental web browsing (outside of Wikipedia) on Kindle Touch 3G is only available over Wi-Fi,”
“Our Kindle Keyboard 3G will continue to offer experimental web browsing over 3G or Wi-Fi.”
This clarification means that while you can still access essential services like the Kindle Store and Wikipedia over 3G, any other web browsing will require a Wi-Fi connection. This change might be a deal-breaker for some users who were hoping to use the Kindle Touch 3G for more extensive web browsing on the go.
Implications for Users
The restriction on 3G web browsing could have several implications for users. For instance, those who frequently travel and rely on 3G connectivity to access various websites might find this limitation inconvenient. On the other hand, users who primarily use their Kindle for reading and accessing the Kindle Store or Wikipedia might not be significantly affected.
Amazon’s decision to limit 3G web browsing could be seen as a move to manage data usage and costs. By restricting 3G access to essential services, Amazon can control the amount of data consumed by users, potentially reducing operational costs. This approach also aligns with the primary purpose of the Kindle device, which is to serve as an e-reader rather than a full-fledged web browsing tool.
For users who require more extensive web browsing capabilities, the Kindle Keyboard 3G remains an option. This older model continues to offer experimental web browsing over both 3G and Wi-Fi, providing more flexibility for users who need to access a broader range of websites while on the move.
Alternative Solutions
For those who find the 3G limitation on the Kindle Touch 3G restrictive, there are alternative solutions to consider. One option is to use a mobile hotspot device or a smartphone with hotspot capabilities to create a Wi-Fi network. This way, users can connect their Kindle Touch 3G to the internet via Wi-Fi, even when they are away from traditional Wi-Fi networks.
Another alternative is to explore other e-reader devices that offer more robust web browsing features. While the Kindle series is highly popular, there are other e-readers on the market that might better meet the needs of users who require more comprehensive web access.
In conclusion, while the Kindle Touch 3G offers several valuable features, including access to the Kindle Store and Wikipedia over 3G, its limitation on broader web browsing via 3G might be a drawback for some users. Understanding these limitations and exploring alternative solutions can help users make informed decisions about their e-reader choices.
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