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shootandfish1's avatar
Nov 18, 2013

Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Advise- 4g LTE or Wi-Fi Only

Hey folks, I'm on informational overload and need to some help.

DW, an avid reader, needs a new Kindle. We are not tech savy, but after some research, quickly saw advantages to the newly released Kindle Fire HDX's.

The primary use will be for reading (Not interested in another brand of E-reader), and what we have learned so far is that the Kindle Fire HDX is also a preferred tablet for many.

Since we only have 1 lap-top between us, I want to maximize the potential of the Kindle as a tablet, and feel that getting the more costly 64 GB is a 'no-brainer'.

Deciding if getting the 4g LTE capability is a more difficult decision. Cost is $100 more, $479 vs $579, about 20% more. I don't want to cheap out, but wonder if the 4g LTE is worthwhile. One has to pick AT&T or Verizon when the Kindle is ordered.

DW is on the road alot, usually by herself. Trips range from 200 mi. overnighters to longer, extended stays. While most motels have Wifi, I want to make sure that she has internet connection while driving. I can see where the tablet would get used more than the iphone when on the road due to the bigger screen for her's (and mine) older eyes.

DW has an iphone 5s and tethering is an option for a WiFi only device. And tethering (and extra data) can be activated/de-activated as needed.

The $100 saved could be applied to a more economical 20GB Millencom Hot Spot data plan. I'm not sure if a Millencom plan can be activated/deactivated as needed as the AT&T plan can be.

Talking to AT&T today, I learned about the Mobile Share plans. This makes a good argument for getting a 4g LTE device. The Kindle could be used without tethering or a MyFi. Data would be shared between DW's phone, my phone, her Kindle, and, well, maybe, my Kindle. A big plus is that if a iphone is damaged or stolen, one still has a connection. I really wish that unused data could be saved and accumulate.

For 2 iphones and 2 tablets, share data plan costs would be $180 per month for 6 GB (and unlimited talk and text). Lessor plans are available, but the savings are not there, 300 MB for $140 or 1 GB for $150.

After writing this long-winded post-sorry, I am leaning towards the 4g LTE capable Kindle Fire HDX (and making the wife wait til Dec. 10) as this provides the most options. Tether for the immediate future, maybe switch to a 'shared' plan prior to a longer trip.

Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

Fred

16 Replies

  • ^^^Ditto.^^^

    Almost everybody I know in real life who truly are avid readers vastly prefer the e-ink devices, for all the reasons listed above.
  • I know this doesn't address your question, but I'll throw it out anyway - From someone that reads a lot, I started reading on a tablet (Galaxy Tab) and ended up buying a Kindle. Here's why:
    1. The battery didn't last very long on the tablet. I had to re-charge it daily, sometimes more. The kindle goes for weeks.
    2. Weight - the tablet was heavier than the kindle.
    3. Most importantly for me was the e-ink display. After reading the tablet for a few hours, my eyes would get a little strained and reading outside was a bit difficult - had to get situated just right so it wouldn't wash out in the sun. The kindle can be read easily in direct sunlight.

    If you are a serious reader, get a Kindle (or other e-reader) with the e-ink display. If you want to read occasionally, surf the web or check email, get a tablet.
  • I have an original iPad, but the question you pose would apply to any tablet that can be purchased with or without cellular capability.

    With the orig iPad, you don't get complete GPS functionality unless you have the cellular capable version. Here's a link that explains this:
    Clicky

    Even though my iPad has built-in cellular capability, I normally only use it in WiFi mode with my phone's hot spot as the internet connection. This gives me full gps function. Kindle may handle their GPS implementation differently, so do some research so you can make an informed decision.

    I've turned on the iPad's internal cellular access a few times when phone hot-spot access wasn't practical and I was soooo glad to have it.

    Millenicom allows you to turn their data plan on and off, but they charge you each time you reactivate it. Be sure to read the fine print.

    I would definitely get the 4G LTE model.

    Hope this was useful
  • My kindles are for reading (mostly) and I never finish a book and need to get another one when driving. I can download one before I go to the beach also. If you have a smart phone save your money WIFI is good enough.
  • I have a Kindle HD 64GB on AT&T Mobile Share 6gb data. The cellular and WiFi capability is great to have. We use WiFI when available but otherwise use cellular data. This dual ability makes the Kindle useful most anywhere. We never hit our 6 GB plan usage even with two iPhones 5. You could use your phones as wifi hotspots for a non cellular Kindles but the auto-connect (WiFi first then cellular) is convenient.
  • I love my LTE on my new iPad. Monthly cost only $10 more per month on my ATT 5S plan.

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