I need some 'schoolin' on WiFi/4G basics!

10 years ago

I have absolutely no knowledge of these things, I admit!

I know that WiFi is something you can access, say, at a cafe to be able to get on the Internet, but my laptop stays at home so I never do this (I have Internet browsing ability at work).

I have a prehistoric flip-phone, not so "smart" but it pretty much does what I need it to do without getting me distracted by other things. So while I've heard the "4G" phrase and similar bandied about, I don't pay much attention to it. (I do have wireless in the house, tho, for my laptop and Roku streaming video; I just don't give it much thought unless I need to restart it when I get bumped off for some reason.)

But now that Amazon has brought out 2 new Kindles, one with 4G, I'm wondering what they all mean and how they improve your interaction with the device (boy, now isn't THAT a P.R. term!). For one thing, what would be the factors in deciding to choose the 4G over the WiFi version (assuming you want more than a basic 'reader')?

What is it about the 4G Kindle that makes it cost $500? I mean, that's pretty much the starting point for an iPad, right? (Even tho I realize they're not comparable in terms of what they allow you to do, that's still the price point at which Apple starts to attract new customers.)

(Yes, I know I can go to Best Buy to see for myself, which I have done. I just want the lowdown on the technicals.)

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Comments (4)

nelles_gw
10 years ago
I'm going to be looking for these answers, too, as I think I may want one of the new Kindle Fires for Christmas.

Ellen
iowagirl2006
10 years ago
4G isn't available everywhere. If you are in a more urban area, you might have it available - but for the rest of us - 3G is the best we can get. Some areas don't even have that.

You have wireless in your house - that is WiFi - Wirless Fidelity.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
yes if you have wireless in your home through a router which it sounds like you do then you have wifi that is all wifi is a wireless network connection no matter where it happens to be located.

4G is a term associated with cellular networks it is supposed to be the fastest protocol at the moment but it is not available every where so you may ask for 4G and pay for 4G but you may not get 4G you will get what ever band is available in the area you are in and in some areas if there is no coverage by that cellular network then you may not have any connection.
you will have to have a cellular data plan to be able to use the 4G ability on the tablet, that will be a monthly fee with some cellular provider. I am not concerned with having that type of connection on my tablets I use mainly wifi connections.
I do have a smartphone which does do all the tricks and does have a 4G plan including data so I can use my phone to access the internet where there are wifi networks available free or I can use the cellular data plan and access it through the cell towers if I am in a zone that has coverage.
You will pay for that data on the cellular networks if you go over your allowed amount and it can really add up fast.

So you just have to decide if you think you will use the 4G connection and if it is worth it to have to purchase a monthly plan to cover usage.

I have no idea why it will cost $500 when the google nexus is so much cheaper and is a decent tablet. If it is going to be a 10 inch instead of the 7-8 inch that will be part of it.

any cell company has a map you can look at that supposedly shows the coverage areas for the various bands like 4G 3 G etc.
ILoveRed
10 years ago
Do you want to play Words With Friends or post to GardenWeb in the car going down the road or in your lake house where there is no internet?. If so, you will need the Kindle Fire with 4G. The WiFi Version will only give you Internet where there is an Internet connection.

You will also have to pay a monthly fee for your 4G plan to a carrier.

This is how my IPAD WiFi with 4G works. I assume it is the same with the Kindle Fire.

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I need some 'schoolin' on WiFi/4G basics!

Comments (4)

nelles_gw

iowagirl2006

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

ILoveRed

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