You’re finally ready to leave paperback books behind and make the leap into the digital pages of e-readers.
You’ve done your research and even DECIDED to buy an Amazon Kindle. But before you place a shiny new e-reader on the shelf next to your dusty copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” here are a few things to consider.
1. Kindles offer a variety of features
The name Kindle has Become synonymous with e-readers, but ITS manufacturer, Amazon, you have a host of e-readers in the Kindle lineup That the retailer Refers to as a family of digital readers. So wanting to Kindle does not completely narrow down your Intended purchase.
The lineup Begins with the entry-level Kindle, Which is a basic, no-frills e-reader with a starting price of $ 79.99. Then come three more-advanced models: the Paperwhite, the Voyage and the Oasis. The Paperwhite, Which starts at $ 119.99, built-in light Brings and a higher screen resolution to the table. The Voyage, Which starts at $ 199.99, enter more lights and a lighter weight device. Finally, the Oasis, Which starts at $ 289.99, includes a charging cover and has a battery life lasts That months.
You’ll need to weigh the features That are Most Important to You With the price you ‘ re willing to pay. Devoted bookworms May Find That a built-in light and a longer battery life can make the reading experience more pleasant, while casual readers can get by with Less
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2. You can choose 3G Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + connections
Once you select a model, you’ll reach another fork in the road. Buyers can opt for Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + 3G connectivity for Their Kindle device. The exception is the standard Kindle, Which is sold only in a Wi-Fi version.
Choosing a model with free 3G connectivity can give you some access Even When the device is out of Wi-Fi range. This option May be beneficial to Especially Those Who intend to travel With Their e-reader. However, convenience comes at a price. The Wi-Fi + 3G version of each Kindle model costs $ 70 more than the Wi-Fi-only option. That, for example, would raise the price of the Paperwhite from $ 119.99 to $ 189.99.
Check Amazon’s coverage map to see Where 3G connectivity is available for the Kindle. Note That the retailer’s 3G service Allows you to access only the sites Wikipedia Amazon.com or via the e-reader’s web browser experimental. For unrestricted web access, you will need Wi-Fi.
3. ‘Special offers’ is code for ads
Kindle e-readers Also eats Standard with Something That Amazon Refers to as “special offers” – a term That really is code for ads
. According to Amazon, “If your Kindle Fire tablet or e-reader includes Special Offers, you’ll receive Sponsored Screensavers and special offers for Kindle books from Amazon Directly on your device.” Special offers are displayed as a screensaver When your device is in sleep mode.
If you opt for the normal configuration of a Kindle, These special offers will be Automatically included. For an ad-free experience, you’ll Have to pay $ 20 more while making a purchase and select the “without special offers” designation. . So for the basic model, That would raise the price from $ 79.99 to $ 99.99
“MORE: Kindle Voyage vs. Kindle Paperwhite
4. They’re not the same as tablets
If you’re expecting your Kindle e-reader to be exactly like a tablet, think again. Kindles are designed for the kind of digital reading That mimics the real thing. They can be held in one hand, offer sharp text contrast for easy visibility, and allow users to pick up on the last page They read even after a break.
But if reading is one of many needs in a new digital accessory, something like the iPad Consider Pro tablet, Which offers an iBooks app for digital reading in Addition to all the traditional iPad features. Amazon sells Past Its Own line of Fire tablets.
5. There are plenty of ways to accessorize
The buying process does not stop with a Kindle. In fact, Amazon has an e-reader Entire accessories department. This includes chargers, covers, cases and screen protectors. An anti-glare screen protector for the seventh- and eighth-generation Kindle, for instance, costs $ 12.99.
The Kindle is the only model Oasis That Comes With Its Own charging cover (a case That doubles as a source of power). For other models, a protective case must be bought separately. For the model Voyage, a typical Amazon protective cover will cost $ 44.99.
May be an Amazon Kindles creation, but accessories for the e-readers are sold by other retailers, too. We’ve spotted affordable Kindle cases and car chargers at Best Buy and Staples.
Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter:. @courtneynerd
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