Free: The Internet From Amazon

The so called "Experimental" Web browser on Kindle has been the reason I selected this particular eReader, not even thinking of any other. Of course the content selection from Amazon is very rich and chances are even without the Internet I would select Kindle anyway. But still I view the Browser feature as very important, even a breakthrough, as at the moment it is a class of its own, with no competition.

Yes, I know, many will raise their eyebrows now. Why?

Because browsing the Web on Kindle is free. Wherever you go. Worldwide. On any GSM or 3G network.

Yes, I know, many will raise their eyebrows again. What?

Exactly what your hear. No contract. No fees. Go and use it. Especially when you travel abroad. Of course the Kindle browser is not a speed demon, and it is monochrome and has no tabs and this and that... But from my experience it runs things like GMail (the simple HTML version) very well. And often email and one or two sites is all you need to stay in touch. As you are reading this, I am away in Peru, on month - long holidays. I left almost all my electronic gear at home. I have taken only a phone and the Kindle with me. Kindle, because it is small and light and has books to read on long flights and long distance buses. And because it has a long lasting battery. And because I can use it to stay in touch in a hassle - free way.

Amazon is rumored to be working on a tablet. Just another player on the extremely crowded market, you think? I think they will surprise us. I think they will have (at least an option of) the Whispernet (i.e. Amazon's worldwide virtual data network) available. Let us wait and see...