I'm considering caving and finally purchasing an e-reader. While I don't like how technology is replacing pretty much everything, and turning luxuries into supposed necessities, I do think I'd benefit from an e-reader or tablet. For one thing, there are tons of free books out there (and illegal means to get new books...). I know I'd likely read more often and I'd certainly read more on the bus and when I'm traveling, as I often have to forgo packing books for space limits.
Just wondering what all you techy folk think about the current offerings out there. A simple e-reader like a Kindle is less than $100, but I have my eye on the HD Kindle Fire for $199. I definitely don't want to spend more than that. I feel guilty enough entertaining this idea when it should be the season of giving to others. Definitely don't want an Ipad. Hell, I still don't have a smart phone and by getting a tablet I can probably delay that even longer.
I'm not too concerned about space, I still have my laptop (albeit crappy) and a USB external port for internal hard drives. I'm doing some basic research now, but am a bit ignorant. From what I understand, as long as a tablet has Wi-Fi I don't have to pay a subscription fee, although for 3G or 4G service (i.e. connect anywhere) there is probably a monthly fee? Anyone know how this pertains to a Kindle? It'd be nice to get online anywhere, but I have wireless at the house and there are public hot spots all over. I also read some about some Flash issues on Kindle, but that could just be for the technologically challenged. Since Netflix is a competitor to Amazon, I don't think there's a netflix app - could I watch netflix/hulu via internet browser?
If anyone can make some recc's or review which product they use and how they feel about it, I'd be grateful. Thanks kiddos.