Kindle Web Browsing: How It Works and How You Can Get Web Access on the Kindle for Free Kindle Web Browsing: How It Works and How You Can Get Web Access on the Kindle for Free

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You might already know that the Kindle 3G comes with free Internet, but do you know how the Kindle web browsing works? Find out more about the Kindle's web browsing abilities and how to get free Internet when you buy the 3G-enabled Kindle.

The Amazon Kindle 3G + Wifi comes with a lot of features, but perhaps one of its most notable upgrades from previous versions is the Kindle web browsing feature. This is what takes the Kindle 3G from your average e-book reader to a multi-tasking companion - all without a monthly contract.

The Webkit

The Amazon Kindle uses the Webkit browser for browsing. Kindle web browsing basically works just like any other browser, except get this - it's all in black and white.
Now that might sound archaic, but it's not. There are several reasons why black and white makes for great Kindle web browsing:

1. Lightning fast loading speeds: No waiting ages for the pages you want to finally load.
2. Easier reading: The Kindle already is native to the whole black and white thing, so the display looks very natural in this color. Kind of gives you the feeling of reading an upscale newspaper.

3. No compatibility issues: You won't constantly get messages saying the page cannot be displayed because of the device you're using.

Kindle Web Browsing for Free

You might have heard that the Amazon Kindle 3G allows free web browsing. If so, you've heard correctly. With the Kindle 3G + Wifi model, you get free browsing on your Kindle anywhere in the world - or at least anywhere near a GSM network. Here's how it works: Amazon gives you free 3G Wifi using AT&T's worldwide GSM network. Thus, wherever you have an AT&T signal, you'll also get free Wifi. Additionally, if you are near a Wifi hotspot, like at Starbuck's or something, you can hook into their free Wifi as well so you don't have to worry about a good signal from an AT&T tower. Plus, you never need a contract, since you're not actually paying for service. Amazon pays for the service, so that's how they offer it.

The only time Amazon would charge you is if you were to download materials on the 3G network - and not on the Wifi-only network. If you downloaded new subscriptions or new e-books for your Kindle, then you would get charged, but it would only be a small fee, and it wouldn't at all affect the "freeness" of your free Kindle web browsing.

How Reliable is Kindle Web Browsing?

Browsing for the Kindle is just as reliable as it would be on an iPhone or an Apple iPad. Only, instead of paying $500-$800 plus a monthly service contract, you're paying less than $200 for a lifetime of free Internet plus an e-book reader.
Kindle web browsing on the Wifi network is as reliable as whatever Wifi network you're on. If you're on a home Wifi network that has a little traffic, it might be more reliable than at a Starbuck's with more traffic. But everything pretty much depends on the network you're using, not on the Kindle itself.

by Cameron Connery