Kindle Tips: Benefits of a Kindle while Traveling + Google Voice Text Transcripts

FREQUENT FLYERS DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES OF A KINDLE WHILE TRAVELING ABROAD

At the milepoint forums "where frequent flyers meet," I saw a discussion started by a member who linked to A Kindle World's table of free 3G Kindle access internationally -- the updated version of that table is here. (Link: bit.ly/kwpweb )

Be aware that the experimental web browser (used on Kindles since 2007), on an e-Ink screen e-reader, is very slow on sites with many images to download, and as with smartphones, people should choose, when they can, a mobile-device version of the web page.

For that reason, I made a free, downloadable file of links (Link: bit.ly/kmobiweb ) to faster-loading, text-focused pages.  It's opened in the same way as any other Kindle book, and the hyperlinks work from the page you're reading (you'll be asked about turning Wireless 'On' to connect).
  Wireless activity does tax the battery more than mere reading.

  Included are recommended links to GMail and Facebook that are more reliable on the Kindle than the usual ones.

Member cmj542 at the milepoint forums posted a great tip I've not seen before.

' In addition, you can set up your cell phone to forward to Google Voice and check Google Voice via your Kindle internet browser.  With Google voice, you can get the text transcripts of any voicemail sent to you.  And you can have people text you at your Google Voice number and text back from Google voice.  So, you can keep track of your calls and texts without incurring any crazy international fees. '

  A really creative use of the Kindle 3G, that one.  Regular readers of this blog space know about the ongoing Amazon Kindle forum discussion about Unique uses of the Kindle.

  This is a capability found, on e-readers, only with the Kindle, which you can get with 3G (no monthly data charges) for $139 these days if taking the Kindle with "Special Offers" -- which has a combination of  1) screensavers that display non-moving ads, seen only when you're not reading, and  2) special offers like the ones from Living Social or GroupOn, but which are for the Amazon store.  There's also a small ad in the bottom row of the Home screen.  This saves $50 from the regular $189 3G Kindle (UK: K3).

  Read the rest of cmj542's take on the Kindle, including his experience with the 'Special Offers' model, as well as what other forum members at milepoint say about their own experiences.

Loved this tip and decided to forward it right away.  Hope others enjoy it too.


Kindle 3's   (UK: Kindle 3's)   K3 Special ($114)   K3-3G Special ($139)   DX Graphite

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Check often: Temporarily-free late-listed non-classics or recently published ones
  Guide to finding Free Kindle books and Sources.  Top 100 free bestsellers.  Liked-books under $1
UK-Only: recently published non-classics, bestsellers, or £5 Max ones
    Also, UK customers should see the UK store's Top 100 free bestsellers.