Kindle & Internet Access

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HarlenW

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Mar 30, 2007
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25699
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Amazon's Kindle book reader has a free 3G Internet access feature. It seems to me this could be a good way to access marine information such as weather reports while on the water. Has anyone tried this and, if so, how well does it work?

I would be especially interested in anyone who has used it in the Canadian waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks.
 
I have one of the "older ones", but checking the site does not make it clear that it can be used for "surfing. Only for downloading content through Amazon, such as newspapers, magazines or books. It looks like the newer units will use WiFi when available, but I am not sure ( nor does it state ) that you can "surf". My unit does use Whispernet, but only for making/downloading purchases...
 
Bill,

I have a first generation Kindle as well. Under the experimental features there is a web browser that will allow you to browse. Between the speed of the processor, the input system (1 dimensional scrolly wheel) and the eInk screen it's a pretty brutal web browsing experience. I think it's a fair ways behind my blackberry which also has a pretty brutal experience. I'd say that while it's possible it's not very well suited.

Ben
 
I would imagine the eInk display would be, hmmm, frustrating. ( ie: eInk must do a full redraw in "inverse" to "reset" the page before drawing the next page ). Might work for email, but I would quickly lose interest with something such as this site.
 
I have had the original kindle for years. 'wispernet' browser is very basic. When the 'wifi' is turned on the battery drains very quickly. The browser is only good for text, graphics are rendered poorly, thus radar images aren't useful. Still I have used it for basic text browsing in a pinch. However they do block many sites, especially those that compete with their for fee subscriptions services. For those and other complex sites I have found that
skweezer.com is good for mobile devices.
 
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