Kindle questions...

[Clementine_3]

OK, so I'm thinking of getting my son a Kindle for Christmas and would like some input
He is a wildlife biologist and travels a lot so it's hard to tote a ton of books around. I know he really couldn't use it for field guides but he would like to read books on the go.
I'm not sure about what to get him though...wi-fi only is what I'm leaning towards. He has his laptop with him, although right now no internet (nor at his previous location) but he also has his trusty Moto Droid so does have 3g connectivity pretty much wherever he goes. Now, here's where I'm getting lost...he could download books with his phone no problem but how would he get them to the Kindle with no wi-fi? I know he could tether (don't tell) his laptop but that would not help w/the Kindle. I know that all three would sync with each other. Would he just have to wait 'til he went into town and sync then? I actually think I just answered my own question as I typed it all out. lol.
OK so, Kindle...the good, bad and the ugly please

[jbean7916]

I am no expert on the Kindle but I do have the Kindle app for my phone and i LOVE it!! Here's a link that might help you out. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200375630

Looks like if he can tether (shhhhh) his phone he can download his book to the laptop and use a USB cable to transfer the books over!!

[Clementine_3]

Thanks for the link!
I (clearly) haven't looked into it much yet and USB file tranfers are so obvious I didn't think of it. DOH! Problem solved and no tethering needed.
Now I just have to decide if it's the way to go. Amazon has a huge selection but not all files are compatible. Not sure that will be an issue for him or not.

[waltah!]

He could download a wifi hotspot app for his Droid if he hasn't already. The Kindle should connect just as it would on any other wifi spot.

[Clementine_3]

Thanks.
I'm not sure what he has or doesn't.
And...the newly opened Google books does not support Kindle. Grrrr.

[spygirl]

We're actually getting one for my grandmother this year for Christmas. I think we're going to end up getting the $190.00 one that has the free 3g connectivity. She lives out in the middle of no where, but our 3g phones work well at her house.

Hubby (he's a huge tech geek) really, really likes Kindle. He's a huge user interface guy (its what he does for a living) and is quite pleased with its UI.

But be careful... We have the Kindle app on our Ipad and I have spent sssooo much money on books! Its easy and all it takes is one click. I'm so glad the hubby's credit card is connected to the Amazon account!

[Clementine_3]

I ordered the Kindle 3G.
After comparing and reading/researching I kept coming back to a Kindle. I think the 3G just makes sense for him too...he should be able to use it anywhere with no hassle.
Now I just hope he likes it...

[dembonez]

can't you do the same with the ipad now tho too?

[anatess]

I have the Kindle on the iPad too. I've had it for almost a year and I have yet to buy a single book! I got TONS of books loaded on the Kindle - all free stuff. I'm still not finished reading half of them.

[Clementine_3]

can't you do the same with the ipad now tho too?

Yes, but...
Kindle is a reader, that's what it does and it (apparently) does it quite well. It has e-ink and a glare-less screen, as close to a book experience as possible, which is what I was looking for. If he is going to be reading for hours it should be as 'book like' as, well, a book.
I did look at tablets but eliminated them quickly for a variety of reasons, mostly the glare and display. Size was a factor too, Kindle seems more portable for him. He has a laptop and a smartphone and I honestly don't think he would use or want a tablet.
Besides, I am not an Apple phan (nor is he)...if an iPad was the only thing out there that fit the bill then he would go without.