Only the more expensive models had 3G. I had thought that I would use the 3G service, but I think I used it once during the first week I bought it to try it out. It really is almost useless for an ebook reader unless you're stuck somewhere without wifi and want to buy a book. Those situations are pretty rare these days.
> The point isn't that the keyboard is bad, the point is that the keyboard is excruciatingly bad.
You're talking about a device with a D-pad, and no touch screen. That's how keyboards work on such devices. It being bad isn't unexpected or noteworthy.
EDIT: got confused between "Kindle" and "Kindle Touch". To me it is obvious that "Kindle" has no touch screen and that keyboard input must be via the D-pad. Consequently I assumed the complaint re:keyboard not being touch would apply to a product that actually had a touchscreen.
In short: I agree with my parent comment. neither unexpected or noteworthy.
Totally agree and most of these are not surprises as they were discussed in the presentation about the Kindle.
I think the lack of power adapter is a good thing since it uses the same micro-usb that has been standardised for phones so I already own a power adapter. In fact I could even do without another usb cable.
Also the Kindle Fire being sold at a loss is only based on analyst estimates and last time I checked about this it was only a $10 difference. So doesn't seem to take into account any discounts Amazon could negotiate with suppliers for large volumes.
I think there’s a communication misalignment going on. There are two questions:
1. What can we reasonably expect from this device, and;
2. What expectations are Amazon setting with their communication?
You seem to be speaking to the first point. Yes, it’s a book reader, so a keyboard is not essential. Yes, everyone has USB. You can even install USB power outlets in your home and office, so the actual adaptor is not essential. And so forth.
I think the author is speaking to the second point. If Amazon advertises it as a “Touch” device and it doesn’t behave anything like every other device advertised as a “touch” device, this is surprising.
If Amazon doesn’t ship a power adaptor like every other device, this is surprising. I personally won’t be up late worrying about it, but I’d probably be surprised if I bought a Kindle and discovered there was no adaptor included.
Then again, I have lots of adaptors around my home and office, and Amazon probably know that.
Not wrong, mind you. Sometimes a manufacturer breaks with the past: Macbook Airs cannot plays DVDs. I suggest thinking of the first five points as a critique of Amazon’s marketing, and the second five points as praise for the Kindle product.
> If Amazon advertises it as a “Touch” device and it doesn’t behave anything like every other device advertised as a “touch” device, this is surprising.
The "Kindle Touch" has a touch keyboard the "Kindle"(no touch) has the d-pad controlled keyboard. Nowhere have I seen the non-touch Kindle being advertised as a "touch" device. That being said I had the same confusion after readin the article (perhaps because I never expected someone to complain about a missing "touch" feature on a non-"touch" device.
Point by point:
> 1. There’s No 3G Web Browsing (except on Kindle Fire)+
It's a book reader.
> 2. Power Adapters Not Included
It comes with a usb cable. I think everyone can charge a usb device nowadays. If you can't, then the official power adaptor is ten bucks.
> 3. One Miserable Keyboard
It's a book reader.
Still, if you really want a keyboard, they sell that too.
> 4. Your Personal Documents are now Stored at Amazon.com
They always went through Amazon's servers anyway. You can delete them.
> 5. Amazon Prime not Included
Why would this be included?