[momonique]

Hey, I was thinking of asking for a kindle for my birthday in a month and i wanted to ask opinions on which kindle would be best for me?

I'm 16, and would be using the kindle most days. The cheaper the better!  I would prefer it to have 3G but it's not a necessity.

Do you know cheap can you get kindles for on ebay?

And are the newer, more expensive versions worth the extra money?

Thank you!

 

[history_lover]

If you're okay without 3G and don't mind special offers you can get the most inexpensive Kindle for only $69 from Amazon (or any store front that sells Kindles like Best Buy) instead of ebay. Personally, I would feel more comfortable with that - I'm not big on ebay and I think it's a bit more risky. Even if you don't want special offers, you can get it for $89, still a pretty good deal. It is the most basic Kindle though - no touch screen, no audio, no light and of course it's eInk. I assume you're looking for eInk and not a table-like Kindle Fire?

 

[momonique]

Hi! Thank you for replying, I'm not sure if i want eInk or not, What would you suggest? 

 

[Ann in Arlington]

Welcome momonique.

I think you need to decide what you want it for. If mainly reading, then most people find eInk to be preferable. It's more like reading from paper and the devices don't have the capability of adding apps and other distractions. You would still be able to adjust the print size and type (somewhat) and look up words in the dictionary, etc. Assuming you have fairly ready access to a wifi network, there's no real need for 3G, so the cheapest kindle from Amazon $69 would do you just fine.

That one comes with brief advertizements on the lock screen. Sometimes you'll get good offers but mostly their just ads. Still they're 'only' ads. Nothing objectionable and nothing will pop up while you're reading or anything like that.

IF you want a reader but it needs to be able to double as a tablet computer, you need to be looking at one of the Fire models. They will be significantly more expensive. They're also, arguably, not as good if you just want a reader because you can have apps and other distractions. That said, if you need to be able to go to the internet, say for school or something, it would serve you much better. Except for the most expensive version, they will be WiFi only.

Go to any Kindle page on Amazon (follow the links above) and you'll see a full comparison of the prices of all their models, both eInk and backlit HD.

EInk devices start at $69; the most expensive is $199 -- That's the touch screen Kindle "Paperwhite" without ads and with free 3G (for book downloads and wikipedia only; no general web access except on WiFi). They're readers only, though with more or less features depending on your preferences: physical keyboard or no, touch screen or no, ads or no, 3G access or WiFi only.

The Fires start at $159 -- that's the most basic model: minimal memory, standard screen -- and go up to $499 -- that's the larger HD screen model with 4G capability and 64GB memory. Note that the 4G access is an additional $50 for the first year. Basically they're android based tablets but with Amazon flavoring.

 

[booklover888]

Hey, I was thinking of asking for a kindle for my birthday in a month and i wanted to ask opinions on which kindle would be best for me?

I'm 16, and would be using the kindle most days. The cheaper the better! I would prefer it to have 3G but it's not a necessity.

Do you know cheap can you get kindles for on ebay?

And are the newer, more expensive versions worth the extra money?

Thank you!

I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite wifi model. Yes it is worth the money, and no I don't recommend getting it from ebay. If $119 is more than you can afford, get the $69 black one. The 3G is for most people an unnecessary expense.

 

[history_lover]

Hi! Thank you for replying, I'm not sure if i want eInk or not, What would you suggest?

As Ann says, it depends what you want it for. If you just want an ereader, eInk provides a better reading experience, in my opinion. If you want a more multi-functional device, like a tablet, eInk is not for you. While tablets do support ereader apps, some people find the backlit screen hard on the eyes after reading for too long. Plus, the larger tablets are heavier to hold. It really comes down to personal preference. I have an eInk Kindle for reading and an iPad for games, web browsing, etc. I do not read on the iPad. To me, they serve completely different purposes but many people do read on tablet-like devices such as the Kindle Fire. You will have to decide which will be the better reading experience for you.

If you just want something to read with and something inexpensive, I recommend the $69/89 Kindle, unless you feel you won't like the navigation without a touchscreen in which case I recommend the Paperwhite for $119/139. There is no 3G but personally, I don't think it's necessary if you're trying to save money. You can't use it to browse the web anyway so I don't think the limited 3G access you get is worth the extra $60. Maybe if it was only $20 extra... but $60? Nah, not unless money is not really an object, which you've said it is.

If you want a tablet-like device, I would recommend the $159/179 Kindle Fire - I don't know much about the Fire family but since you are trying to keep the cost as low as possible, it would probably be your best option.

 

[Ann in Arlington]

I'm going to second and third the comments about ebay: I just don't recommend it. You could end up with something that doesn't work and you may have minimal recourse. If it's still under warranty Amazon will likely help you, but there have been reports of people selling, let's say "illegitimately acquired" devices that way. More so on Craig's List, admittedly. The thing is, if a kindle is reported lost or stolen to Amazon they will set it so it can't be registered to an account and if you buy it, they won't do a thing for you.

That said, there are certainly honest sellers there -- just be careful. For me, even a fairly full featured kindle is cheap enough that it's worth it to get a FULL 1 year warranty by buying direct from Amazon. (or Best Buy or one of the other physical stores that sell them.)

You might also check the Buy, Sell, Trade, or Borrow forum here. You might find someone who's upgraded and is looking to recoup some of the cost by selling an older model. While transactions are at your own risk, if it's a member who's been around a while, you can at least be pretty sure they're not selling a stolen device but one that has been well loved.

 

[The Hooded Claw]

Assuming you want this for reading, and not a tablet that has more iPhone-like capabilities, and since you are 16, and budget seems to be an issue, I'd recommend the basic $69 Kindle, bought from Amazon or a local retailer.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HCCNJU/ref=sa_menu_kdptq3

 

[JimC1946]

As a general use/media tablet: Kindle Fire HD 7"

If you're mostly reading with it: Kindle Paperwhite

I have both, and I love them. Neither of mine have 3G.

 

[corporalclegg1741]

Monique, I don't want to sound like a wise guy, but, I would ask for an IPad mini for your birthday....

it come's loaded with Apple's E-book or if you're an Amazon person you an download Kindle app for free and read books...

I have a Kindle and an IPad mini and I read books thru the Kindle app on the IPad because its easier to navigate with than the Kindle...

 

[Ann in Arlington]

Monique, I don't want to sound like a wise guy, but, I would ask for an IPad mini for your birthday....

it come's loaded with Apple's E-book or if you're an Amazon person you an download Kindle app for free and read books...

I have a Kindle and an IPad mini and I read books thru the Kindle app on the IPad because its easier to navigate with than the Kindle...

Except she indicated that price was definitely an issue and she mostly wants to read. . . . . the iPad Mini is a fine device, but I don't think it's the best one given what I can tell about her criteria.

 

[balaspa]

I think the Kindle with Special Offers would be a good place to start.  Provided you have regular access to WiFi, you should be OK.