Preview: Amazon's cheapest ebook reader has come a long way down in price, and now sells for just $139 (direct). PCMag reviewed its 3G-adding sibling, so make sure to Amazon Kindle (3G + Wi-Fi) review for lots more on the Kindle. The Amazon Kindle (Wi-Fi) looks and feels exactly the same as the Kindle (3G + Wi-Fi), and there are but a few features that differ.
Most importantly, the $50 price drop means you lose 3G connectivity. To shop for and download books, or browse the Web, you'll need to be connected to Wi-Fi. That's not a huge deal for books, which get downloaded infrequently and only once, but would be more frustrating for the days you didn't connect, and your New York Times didn't download—with 3G, you could download it anywhere you have cell service, but finding Wi-Fi during your morning commute could be difficult. Lack of 3G also means you'll have to be in Wi-Fi range to be able to sync your place in a book, or sync your bookmarks, to continue reading on another device. With 3G, everything seems magically in sync, but have to be connected to Wi-Fi could lead to a bit of disconnect.
No 3G does bring a couple of minor advantages, though. The Kindle's battery, with wireless on, is rated to last about 10 days on the Wi-Fi and 3G Kindle, but rates at three weeks on the W-Fi only version. The Wi-Fi-only Kindle weighs 8.5 ounces, to the 8.7 of the 3G-including model.
For the periodical enthusiast, or the heavy book downloader, the Kindle with Wi-Fi and 3G is probably the best choice. But the Wi-Fi only version does everything else a Kindle can do, and that $139 price tag is awfully appealing. Read PCMag's full review of the Kindle, and decide which one's right for you.