Does anyone know if the free 3G where Amazon is advertising about for the Kindle is also free in Switzerland? Anyone happen to know? Or should I just buy that newly announced Wi-Fi only DX for $139 instead?

As I read it, it seems it's free to download books, but you pay for periodicals if you download them through 3G.

Would you be a "US customer"? I guess that's one question you need to answer...

Yes it is free in Switzerland (For Amazon, Wikipedia). Remaining amazon charges a nominal fee anywhere in the world. I have been using Kindle 2 for few months now. Traveled with it about 4000 Kms. Worth a buy if you read books.

If you dont travel much and would not mind the additional pain of downloading the ebooks from your PC to the Kindle go for the wifi only version. But browsing amazon books and reading reviews on the go is one hell of a feature/timepass for me.

Enjoy Reading.
Aanjhan

Aanjhan - that is just too funny. I received my Kindle 2 about a month ago and I love it. I've downloaded several books directly to my computer and then transferred to the Kindle in order to avoid the extra "international charge." This is quick and easy. What I wasn't aware of is that you can really browse for books. Thanks!

On the other hand, I still have my library card from Colorado and was psyched to learn that they have a huge assortment of ebooks available online for "free." After spending about 45 minutes creating a list of books I would like to read, I learned that Kindle is not supported. The ereader from Borders and Sony is supported. I am considering buying also the Borders version in order to take advantage of the free books.

Yes, I also just discovered the Kindle doesn't support the .epub format but the Nook does. Bit of a bummer. I don't think Nooks get shipped to Switzerland

Digitec is supposed to get 'm soon, look for article nr 192812 on their online store

You guys do realize that you can convert epub to PDF or even to the amazon proprietary format, right? Why waste the money in another product just to read a couple of free books? Green IT has no chance in lowering the global footprint for carbon emissions if the end user keeps buying every chinese manufactured plastic toy with microchip just to run the non-standard new format of the month

I was the one looking into buying a second unit in order to take advantage of the free ebooks (also for my husband and two boys). I've read at least 10 books in the last 6 weeks at about $10 a pop. We like to read as a family and the second ereader would help facilitate that.

Now that I've explained my motivation, could you help me understand how to convert the files? According to the library, they offer DRM-protected Adobe EPUB & PDF eBooks. When I downloaded a book it had an .acsm file extension. I guess I can just search the internet for the answer but since you brought it up it would be great if you could help me out.

Thanks!

What's the best/cheapest way to buy a new Kindle? Buying from Amazon looks much cheaper than from Digitec... any tricks? Although I think nobody should never buy from Amazon US, because then you would have the US Customer extra charge right? Please guidance...

It was discussed here. I got my Kindle 3G delivered from the US for CHF 238 (all taxes included), which is the cheapest you will get it. And I can confirm that the web browser is free to use here in Switzerland and also in France, UK and Germany (countries I've tested it in so far). Not sure how Digitec can justify selling it for CHF 299 when anyone from Switzerland can order direct from Amazon.com.

Don't forget that 90% of the Swiss population isn't able to order from an English-speaking website...


Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

I got my Kindle 3 Wifi for 170 CHFwith all fees and taxes and i'm enjoy with it from US Amazon store, because I prefer to buy authentic and new things and devices, not refurbished and not used and not from somewhere else. Why? If Amazon is authentic seller for Kindle and offers one of the best prices and you can relax and be sure that you receive your device fast. I received it after 2 days. Kindle is great device for reading. 3G can make you sense only if you download books very often or like read fresh newspapers otherwise 3G is only another one not really necessary option. You can download books from computer as many as you want and it would be enough for longer time. I download more than 150 and it's definitely enough to enjoy reading when I travel around or going to work. About formats, that Kindle doesn't support .epub. It's no a big deal, because there is software, named Calibre, which is freeware and you can download and convert whenever you want on your Kindle. It's so easy to use it.

I got mine imported from amazon US store six months back. But nowadays its available at digitec as well. So, would be cheaper to buy from digitec as you won't have to pay import duty & shiptment cost.

And remember that 3G is only free in your home country, you have to pay an extra charge(I am not sure how much) if you use it anywhere else

I'd suggest buying it with 3G - v useful - you can download and shop on the store while travelling, which I find pretty cool.

What may have changed from 6 months ago is that Amazon have since announced that the Kindle is available internationally. To faciliate this, they ask you to order from the Amazon.com store and in the final check-out price they add international delivery + taxes and duty (which the shipping agent e.g. DHL, UPS pays on your behalf). If you read the Amazon FAQs they state that if the taxes and duty turns out to be less than what they quote, they will refund the difference... if its more they absorb the cost.

When you complete your order it actually states that the order was fulfilled by Amazon Export Sales, Inc. which is a seperate legal entity. Now given that Amazon are guaranteeing you a price of CHF 238 delivered, why would you pay Digitec an extra CHF 62?

With respect to the 3G usage, again if they're shipping to you here in Europe it makes sense that this is your home 3G network

I bought my 3G wifi kindle from Amazon 2 weeks ago. It was here in 3 days, and I paid no charges beyond the US$189 price tag. Downloading books has been a dream, and I have been able to get some classics for US$2. I think I'm having a love affair with Kindle. I've already bought it a cover.

I just got my Kindle today, and thought that I would share some details for use in Switzerland.

Firstly, for reading books it has amazing contrast, really easy to read. Easy to set up and register (in my case to Amazon.co.uk where I had already registered with a UK credit card).

I ordered a couple of books, both downloaded over wireless (in this case a FREE 3G connection) in a couple of minutes.

Now for internet (under the "experimental" menu) I had expected access only to the Amazon store. However I can check my mails and browse other websites - for FREE. Its not a great browsing experience, however if you want to check the news or your mails on the move its worth paying the 40 pounds extra.

I hope that this helps the expats out there who might want to get one.

FYI, I had it posted on from friends in the UK, but the "international" or non-US kindle should be the same anywhere!

Loving it!

Cheers,

G

I am looking into getting a kindle as is my mother in France and our understanding was as non UK residents we should get it from amazon.com as co.uk will not send here (or there lol) but then your kindle is registered with a.com and so your access to books is limited to the a.com offerings and not a.co.uk so americentric. is this true or can you download (buy) from anywhere and is there a problem with where you're living (ip address etc)

don't really understand

caz who would love a kindle for Christmas as currently read at least two books a week

Just bought 2 kindles for Christmas pressies - sad but you know they will run out in November and then you will all be gnashing your teeth!

thanks for all this input ..keep in coming Wengen for Christmas will be a reading marathon!

showing off but let it snow snow snow!

just ordered a latest-gen 3G one myself - for an early Christmas present to myself :-)
Unfortunately, they don't have them in stock. Delivery time is 1-2 weeks

Peter

For Caz, my Amazon account is registered in the UK, the Kindle was purchased from there. I have no problems buying books here in CH. I think that if you get from from Amazon.fr, then as long as you have a UK credit card, then you can buy from the UK store. If you buy a US kindle, I understand that you get extra charges for global (i.e. outside US) delivery....