4 Kindle devices are Amazon's way of making their best-selling product a little more affordable. So what if the economy still hasn't improved yet? That doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of a little enjoyment. And with a 4 Kindle, you can get a little piece of entertainment with all the perks - for a very low price.
In order to really appreciate the low cost of this particular Kindle device, you should probably know the prices of the other two Kindle choices. The most popular choice prior to the 4 model was the 9 Kindle. This device comes WiFi-enhanced, so you could browse the internet and download ebooks using your home wireless network.
The second most popular choice is the 9 Kindle. This version is 3G-enabled, giving you wireless internet access wherever you go. Playing with the kids at the beach? Take a break and link up to your 3G access for some fun browsing time. The best part about the 3G feature is that the 9 price covered unlimited use of cell tower wireless. The only upcharge came when you decided to download big files or products that added a charge for use.
So why is this Kindle so much less expensive? Surely there's a catch to the 4 Kindle, isn't there? No, actually, there isn't. And how do I know? Because I own one.
There is absolutely no difference between the 9 Kindle and the 4 Kindle as far as functionality and features go. Here's what both of the devices have to offer customers:
WiFi enabled internet connection: Connect to your home wireless network on the Amazon Kindle, in either the 4 or 9 device versions. Use the keypad below the screen to punch in the key code to your wireless network. It will remember the key code for next time, so there's no need to have it memorized.
Screen with no glare: Actually all of the Kindle devices have a paper display. A paper display, instead of the display that you get with a phone, keeps you from getting any glare whatsoever when you're in light or sunshine. On the downside, you'll need a light on to read it at night, as it doesn't have that luminescent glow that your phone has. Amazon also sells Kindle lighted covers for this very purpose.
Physical keyboard: If you're not too keen on those skinny little touch buttons on the screen of your phone, you'll be happy to know that the 4 Kindle comes with a physical button keyboard that is detached from the screen. Although it's still not idea for quick typing, it's a lot better for people who often make typos on a slick screen.
Lightweight feel: I cannot describe how light the 4 Kindle feels when you pick it up. It's actually lighter than a book, and definitely quite a bit thinner. There's no comparison between the Kindle and the iPad. The Kindle is definitely much lighter and easier to pack for a road trip.
The Main Difference Between the 4 Kindle and the 9 Kindle
There's one big difference between the two types of Kindles that are otherwise identical. It's the fact that the 4 Kindle is technically the "Kindle with Offers" that Amazon lists as one of their bestsellers.
So here's the dealio with the 4 Kindle with Offers. Whenever you turn the device "off," your screen doesn't actually turn off. The Kindle will draw up a batch of offers to rotate across the screen whenever it's in sleep position.
Thankfully, you won't see this in the dark if you want to put it to sleep before bed. You can't see the screen in the dark, so you won't see the offers. They show up in the same paper format that your ebooks show up in, so it's a matte paper screen, essentially.
I've noticed that some of the offers give you really good deals, too! You'll get exclusive deals only offered to Kindle with Offers owners, like a huge percentage off of electronics at Best Buy, or gift cards from Amazon.com.
So actually, while getting a 4 Kindle with Offers might sound like you're getting a totally commercial product that's going to annoy the heck out of you, you're not. You'll actually save money in more ways than one when you get a 4 Kindle.
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