I am looking to buy a kindle as a gift for someone who can't access any WiFi but has Internet connection to their laptop. Is it possible to buy kindle books and download them to the laptop as opposed to sending them wirelessly to the kindle? Would appreciate any help. Thanks

Get the 3G version and you can download books almost anywhere.

That's also possible, but it removes the best Kindle feature, IMO, the wireless book delivery. I'd say get the 3G, too. Although it looks like there's quite a price difference now between the new wi-fi only £89.00 and 3G Keyboard £149.00

This cheap model is OK if you do not plan to frequently purchase books directly from it. It has an on-screen keyboard you have to navigate using the 5-way controller and it gets annoying pretty quickly. It can't play MP3 files (not that I ever used it more than to try out if it works) and it won't read the (enabled) books either.

To answer your question - yes it's perfectly possible.

Although my OH and I have 3G Kindles I've only once used the 3G function.

I download books on to my laptop, organise them using Calibre and deliver them to the relevant Kindle (OH and I have very different reading tastes).

WiFi is all around these days - we even were able to access it in game reserves in the Kruger.

seconded, well, thirded I think

What's an enabled book?

I'm also considering the new Kindle for my Xmas list. Could someone tell me about its access to the internet.

Does it have only a few sites you can go to? Or can you type in any internet address?

At home (or away) do you simply enter the appropriate router password?

Is there any charge for access? In the UK? Abroad?

Thanks in advance.

As the post related to MP3s I'm guessing they meant text to speech enabled books. The new Kindle has no speaker or headphone socket.


You type an address in. The sites can't use Flash, video etc. and obviously they will be in black & white. If you're looking at stuff like BBC News, Facebook, Google, Wikipedia you'll be fine. If possible use mobile versions of websites - they're faster to use - a bit like m.digitalspy.co.uk.


Yes, when you first connect. It will save the passwords though so you don't have to enter them again & again.


No charge.

It would seem I'm in the minority recommending a WiFi only Kindle.

I see that you can now buy the keyboard WiFi Kindle for £80.

I take it that's different to an MP3 file? I've got an MP3 player with a couple of plays on, as well as music, so the lack of speakers, etc. doesn't bother me.


Sounds good to me, lots of times in strange places Google Maps would be useful, as would travel news.. Is there any equivalent of 'Favourites'?



Of course, just like a laptop.



When I think about it, it's obvious really, because you're accessing the net through a network.

The Kindle (with keyboard) can play MP3s - music ones, spoken word ones - just like your MP3 player, although the MP3 player is listed as an "experimental" feature. Personally I haven't used it myself as like you I have an MP3 player and I'd rather use my ebook reader as, well, an ebook reader.


Yes - you can store bookmarks to your favourite sites.

Note that there's no charge for 3G internet access worldwide either, other than the extra initial cost of the Kindle itself. Handy if you don't have wifi available...

Don't get too excited about Kindle's browser. It too is experimental, i.e. slow and fiddly. Better than nothing though.
I'd avoid the mobile versions of websites: IMDb mobile is awful.

I recommended the mobile versions as they are more cut-down than the "full" versions so tend not to feature e.g. Flash, animations, pop-ups... all of which cause problems or just don't work on the Kindle.

I was thinking more of the situation where I was visiting a relative who didn't have the internet (they do exist) and wanted a street map or a bus timetable.

Thanks for all the repiles; the Kindle's definitely going on my Xmas list.

I'm with you - I looked long and hard at it, and decided the 3G wasn't worth it - the WiFi one does everything I need.


It's still £149 on Amazon, and even the second-hand ones (refurbished) are £120 - where do you get £80 from?.

It's £149 for the 3G variant.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-Wirel...8932203&sr=8-3

Refurbished - my son bought one - it's indistinguishable from new.

I have a 3G but once i had built up a collection of unread books i have never used it. Better off saving the money and using it to buy some books.




Another vote for the Wi-Fi .