UPDATE: Kindle Basic ($79) vs Kindle Touch ($99)

[artvandalay]

Update 1/4/12: So I purchased the $79 Kindle, and I love it! I went to Best Buy and looked at both models. The Touch version was acting really sporadic when I played with it. I realize it was the demo and had most likely taken alot of abuse by people testing it, but I wasn't crazy about it. Maybe I am spoiled with my iphone being so fluid, I noticed a little lag when I wanted to flip to the next screen. I liked the quick, snappy page turns of the basic Kindle.

Thanks for everyone's input. If I were a big note taker or extensively used the Kindle to search for titles the Touch might be the better option, but I found the regular Kindle just right for me. I have downloaded a few things from my computer, so I haven't used the Kindle for anything other than reading.

Now I need to find a nice case! I am looking at this:

http://www.amazon.com/Marware-Eco-Fl...5695126&sr=8-1

or this (which is much cheaper)

http://www.amazon.com/JKase-Executiv...sr=1-1-catcorr

I like that both have a band on the back so you can stick your fingers in for a better hold. I have to admit just holding the Kindle alone is very comfortable and I am not sure I will like reading while the Kindle is in the case. I do want something to protect it while it is in my purse, though. I guess I will try it with the case on and see how I like using it.



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Which do you prefer and why? I have been reading reviews for both and they both get great reviews.... I guess it's a personal preference thing?

I don't want the one with the physical keyboard because I want the smaller size.

[lhafer]

It's worth it to spend the extra $20 for the Touch. With the basic, while it's a fine ereader, it becomes a PITA to search or type ANYTHING because you have a joystick-like button that you have to type one letter at a time scrolling across the letters to find your letter. It's just annoying. So you want to find a book title, or write a quick note, whatever...it just takes a VERY long time to do it. While that function may not be used a lot (I don't write notes, etc, but do search for book titles), when it is used, it's just very nice to be able to do it quickly.

[ahisma]

We went with the basic for DD. I have the keyboard and like it just fine, but don't really need the keyboard. I bought it before the touch and basic came out.

We considered the touch, but a friend with one talked us out of it. She felt that it was underresponsive when she wanted it to do something, but over responsive with accidental touches.

That said, we usually buy / rent books on the laptop and don't use the Kindle as an interface for that. If we were buying / searching through the Kindle I probably woudl have bumped her up to the keyboard.

[turtle12]

Originally Posted by lhafer

It's worth it to spend the extra $20 for the Touch. With the basic, while it's a fine ereader, it becomes a PITA to search or type ANYTHING because you have a joystick-like button that you have to type one letter at a time scrolling across the letters to find your letter. It's just annoying. So you want to find a book title, or write a quick note, whatever...it just takes a VERY long time to do it. While that function may not be used a lot (I don't write notes, etc, but do search for book titles), when it is used, it's just very nice to be able to do it quickly.

agree with this! also in the world of iphones/pods, the concept of touching is much more intuitive...and the joystick just feels a little bit old fashioned. i hardly used it, but it was annoying to set up the wi-fi with the joystick. i also didn't want to password protect it, because then i'd have to use the joystick all the time (wanted to avoid it as much as possible). after a few days, i decided to try the touch instead.

[tny915]

I have a basic Kindle and am very happy with it. Although it's inconvenient to type with the joystick, I rarely do searches or need to type, and I love that I don't accidentally turn pages when I touch the screen.

ETA: I search for and buy Kindle books from my laptop and sync to the Kindle, rather than buy books directly on the Kindle. Aside from setting up the Kindle, I've hardly ever used the joystick keyboard.

[artvandalay]

Those with the Touch - do you ever accidentally turn pages?

[lhafer]

Originally Posted by artvandalay

Those with the Touch - do you ever accidentally turn pages?

So far I haven't really had that issue, and I've had mine since the beginning of December and use it daily.

[egoldber]

Older DD and I both got the basic Kindle and I have no issues at all with it. I really never use the keyboard. I load books via my computer.

[anonomom]

Originally Posted by artvandalay

Those with the Touch - do you ever accidentally turn pages?

I have had mine for a whole 24 hous already, and yes, I have accidentally turned the page a few times. By and large, though, I am very happy with the touch. It's so light and easy to use while I am nursing the baby. MUCH better than the iPad for reading.

[dowlinal]

I got a regular one for X-mas, but I need to return it and I'm going to replace it with the touch instead. I am so used to using a touch screen from my phone that I can't get used to the joystick. I find anything using the keyboard to just take forever and browsing for books is annoying.