Hidden Cost of e-readers???

There's no hidden charge if you're connecting to the net via Wi-fi - that is, via your home or office wireless network, or in a Starbucks or something that offers free wi-fi. Elsewhere, you would need some kind of wireless subscription, yes, like a 3G network.

I don't believe the Nook Color does 3G, only Wi-fi. Not sure if the Amazon Fire will either. Your bog-standard Kindle connects to Whispernet (Amazon's 3G network) so it seems like the Fire would, though because you could be doing a lot more data-intensive surfing on it than on an e-ink reader they might not offer it for free.

thothguard51 said:

I should add, I already have a wireless service, The Cricket wireless modem that I use with my desk top and lap top, but I am wondering if these devices support that and if I even need it?

Thanks in advance...

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Oh, that'll do nicely. A Nook will connect to that just as easily as your home network.

The fire will connect to wifi but no 3G.

Also wispernet refers to the wireless delivery option which can work over 3G or wifi (the crickett you already have). All the kindles have that. I agree it's just not cost effective for Amazon to put free 3G on the Fire with all it can do. Would be nice though!

I wouldn't plan on using your Kindle for regular internet browsing. Loading web pages takes absolutely forever. It can handle ebooks fine, websites not so much.

ScarlettLeopard said:

Also wispernet refers to the wireless delivery option which can work over 3G or wifi (the crickett you already have). All the kindles have that. I agree it's just not cost effective for Amazon to put free 3G on the Fire with all it can do. Would be nice though!

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Ah, yeah, Whispernet is not a separate network as such.