As far as I’m aware, this is the first time the Kindle will be available from a local retailer. Both versions of the graphite Kindle 3 are now up for pre-order: the 3G for $219, and Wi-Fi for $159 (shipping is free). That compares pretty well compared to getting it shipped from Amazon directly. Update: Also available Woolworths supermarkets.
For Australians, Amazon.com lists the 3G model for $189, and the Wi-Fi only version for $139. If you have a US address (or drop box), you can also go a little cheaper than that. But factor in shipping to Australia, GST and hassle, and you’re probably best to buy locally. And if you enter in WEEKEND30 on Dick Smith’s site before 11:59PM this Sunday, you’ll save $30.
Dick Smith also confirms that the 3G model’s roaming will indeed be free, letting you download books you buy on the fly.
Before your credit card starts burning a hole in your pocket — make sure you read Gizmood’s review of the latest Kobo Touch E-Reader. It’s also got a 6-inch screen, and in many ways, out guns the Kindle 3. Oh, and don’t forget that Amazon might have a little something something up its sleeve for later this year to battle the iPad.
jase
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:25 AMthink there might be a typo…you said 150 for the wifi only but the list price is 159 ;-)
Cam
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:30 AMI am guessing this is for the online stores only and won’t make an appearance in the physical stores?
The current selection of eReaders at Big W is extremely poor to the point of being laughable.
Jordan
Monday, August 8, 2011 at 4:43 PMNot sure about Woolies or Big W, but large and medium Dick Smith stores are set to be ranged for them.
cayal
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:34 AMBought a kindle about 3 weeks ago. Best thing I’ve ever bought I reckon. Well worth it.
John
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:39 AMDoes the $30 discount apply, even though the Kindle doesn’t ship until late August?
Jay M
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 12:24 PMThere is no hassle with shipping from Amazon: – I bought mine on Fri and it got delivered on Tue next week. I am still puzzled about that and the only guess I have is that they keep a local stock in Aus. And you dont get slapped with GST for the goods under $1K
So if you want to save yourself a few $ get it from Amazon.
Migster
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 12:40 PMThe dick smith site says the $30 discount is for orders over $200 and also excludes kindle
cayal
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 12:50 PMWould anyone seriously get a 3G version? Is there really a reason for it?
Cameron
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 1:06 PMAccess Wikipedia on the go, you’ve got yourself The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy!
Emma
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 1:37 PMThe 3g access is free in 100 countries and it has a rudimentary web browser, that’s why I opted for the 3g version.
Steve
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:24 PMEmail (when you don’t have any other device available) or emergency browsing (wouldn’t recommend it though, the Kindle’s browser is a truly awful experience).
Some people use 3G to download new books on the go, but I can’t imagine it being very useful as most people have at least a few unread books stored on the device.
Dave
Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 7:11 AMSure would! Sure is!
Recently went on a 7 week trip and bought/downloaded free books along the way.
My mum spends a lot of time away holidaying, both in Australia and overseas (nearing retirement) so she uses it plenty too.
Another friend’s home internet is a 3G modem plugged into their laptop, so no ‘wifi’ to speak of.
Sure, its not necessary for everyone, but its great for some.
Dolphy
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 1:13 PMI bought one last week and it cost me $197 (Inc postage), if want to save a few $ get it from Amazon.
Steve
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 11:26 PMThe exchange rate is close enough for it to not really matter. Even a daily drop in Aussie dollar can flip it the other way.
But of course, getting it direct from Amazon will arrive well before the 29th retail launch.
Beredan
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 2:03 PMhow come the picture says wifi kindle twice, shouldnt 1 be said as the wifi and the other as 3g
PsyKoMunKy
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 5:11 PMI’m having too much fun with my Nook Color to care about Kindle or Kobo…
TSH
Monday, August 8, 2011 at 11:46 AM<3 my Kindle.
laurina
Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 11:58 PMHi all,
I am keen to purchase I a kindle but I am wondering if amazon has a Aus online store? I can’t seem to find one. If not, would this mean I have to purchase ebooks from the US using my Aus credit card and therefore pay international bank fees?
Also, I am going to the US in two week and would like to purchase my kindle there. Does this mean that I can also use the 3g in Aus, or do I need to order a special Aus version of kindle to use the 3g option.
Thanks so much
Michael Lisitsa
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 9:45 PMRe Laurina, Amazon does it’s own currency conversion and allows u to pay in aussie dollars, so don’t worry about credit card fees.
I’d recommend buying it at dicksmith. This simplifies warranty issues by having hundreds of physical locations u can go to with any complaints and not just a postal address where who knows what will happen to ur device on the way and who knows how much it’ll cost?
Darryl
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 8:08 AMLooked at the difference between the Kindle and the Nook and decided that the Nook was a far better option as it is not as restrictive as the Kindle. Nook can take a SD card and happily deals with more ebook formats. EPUB and PDF are supposed to be an issue with the Kindle. D0 your own research “kindle and epub and pdf”.
I had a look and can’t seem to find if the Kindle 3G available here will give you access to the Amazon bookshop?
Last time I tried to access the Amazon bookshop it knocked me back. Real US address, accessed via a proxy web site located in the US, all was good till it saw I had an aussie credit card…bugger.
Dustyn
Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 12:16 PMI kind of want to wait for the Kindle Fire… anyone else?
Isaac
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 11:49 PMKindle fire is the one to get for me too, can’t wait
in fact, if ipad3 has an option to use e-ink pearl, that’d kill kindles completely
Jai
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 12:36 PMYeah! Bring on the Kindle Fire! I’ve been looking around at getting a couple of these for me and my wife. There’s a helpful article at http://www.ereaderaustralia.com.au/kindle-fire-australia which kind of explains how to get one in Australia now – but it also says that not all services may be available in Australia yet?
Does anyone actually have one here in Australia that can shed more light?
JT