Amazon Kindle (Touch vs Standard, Sales, etc)

[Strell]

So not really a video game deal, but I'd like to get some advice if anyone has it.

I drew my parents for the family secret Santa, and my dad loves to read. I'd like to pick him up a Kindle and was looking for some advice.

1) Does anyone know when they might normally go on sale? I'm aware I probably missed out on some Black Friday/Cyber Weekend deals, but at the same time I imagine Amazon will be pimping these pretty hard over the holidays. If anyone might have an idea on possible dates of sales, please let me know.

2) Does anyone have any experience on the Touch versions against the standard models? It's not much more to get a Touch version, and I imagine that one would be easier to navigate around. My dad isn't the most technically capable person, so I'd like to get something that's fairly intuitive so he could feel fairly self-sufficient with it.

3) I know the ad-supported models tend to have deals that might be worthwhile, and I know I've seen some video game specific ones reported. Are the ads really intrusive, and do they require a really strong internet connection? My parents' house doesn't have the greatest connection to the 'net, and I don't want to give him a crippled unit if it requires something more always-on (i.e., like Steam).

Anyway, if anyone could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks guys!

 

[Sir_Fragalot]

You want the touch. The touch adds in a touch screen which is about 10x less hassle then using the little d-pad to input text. Plus the touch gets double memory, double battery life and the ability to do audiobooks, text to speech and mp3's.

You only get ads on the kindle when it's in standby mode. You don't need a strong internet connection, any one wifi connection will do.

As for deals, I wouldn't expect any because the Kindle sells like hotcakes and Amazon doesn't need to discount it.

Technically this can be a video game deal. The kindle does have games on it. Although it's like crosswords and I think it even has picross.

 

[Strell]

Wow. I think that answers all of my questions. I appreciate it Sir_Fragalot!

Everyone else can feel free to weigh in of course.

 

[WakYasuk]

Yeah, I would also really recommend the touch version because I currently have the regular one and its ing pain to type and search.

The ads aren't annoying at all since they aren't there when you are using it.

As for deals..I don't think there will be any. During black friday, I only saw a couple stores that had a gift card with it. Everyone else had it at full msrp.

 

[dv8mad]

Not to be contrary, but just my experience;

I have the regular one and would hate to have the touch version. I have a tablet PC and it's great for using the web, reading comics and such, but if it's purely for reading as my Kindle is, then regular is best.

Having to use two hands to turn pages on the touch is annoying. I can stand on the train, hold my bag and still turn pages on the regular Kindle by simply pressing my thumb a bit harder in the exact spot it typically rests.

Also, typing... Well, I never do it. as I said, it's just a book reader for me and I go page by page and don't add notes or search for things.

Finally, battery life, I leave mine in standby when not reading and I charge it about every two weeks or so. The regular version is no slouch if you ask me!

So yeah, I can see some benefits of the touch if it is going to be used for other purposes, but as a book replacement, the regular is fantastic!

 

[62t]

Why don't you head to Target/Best Buy/ or whatever store that sell Kindle and try them out yourself? It is going to be a matter of personal preference which one you like better. I tried both and prefer the non touch screen version. I also rarely type with the kindle.