Amazon Kindle in India: Safely buy or gift

Where to buy?

Though it sounds obvious, the easiest, no hassle & safest method is to buy from  Amazon.com. 

Why can’t I buy Amazon Kindle in India from others?

There are so many who claim to sell Kindle in India, but they play the middleman by buying from Amazon US only and get a cut! It’s always easier to buy directly from the manufacturer. I am concerned about the warranty & support that I will get from Amazon if I buy through them, so I went to them directly.

Can I save on shipping & import costs for Kindle in India?
Technically & Legally No! And hence I don't trust sharing my credit card details to the guys who claim savings here...


Cost for Kindle in India

Model	USD Cost to ship to India	Approximate Total cost in INR (eg: 1 USD = 44 INR)
Kindle 3 WiFi	$139 + $20.98 + 44.95 = $204.93	Rs.9020
Kindle 3 Wifi+3G	$189 + $20.98 + $59 = $268.98	Rs.12105
Kindle 3 DX	$379 + $20.98 + $112.38 = $512.36	Rs.23060

Note: Total cost = Product cost + Shipping cost [$20.98] + Import duty
Disclaimer: Conversion rate is taken as 44INR per 1 USD & this is bound to change daily. We are not responsible for the wrong cost or any change.


The extra costs are about $20.98 for shipping & $44.95 as import charges [calculated for Kindle WiFi], since you are getting it from US. But overall you make up for it when it comes to the cool device & buying books!

What is the average cost of a book?

You get access to thousands of free books and many books are in the $2.99 range too. You can carry thousands of books in your hand, wherever you go! I just love that feeling. For list of free Classic Best-selling books, click here.

Which Kindle model to choose?

That is very simple!

1.        Kindle WiFi is good enough if you can plan for and download all books before you travel. [Recommended Model & Value for money]
2.       Kindle 3G is needed if you travel a lot
3.        Kindle DX is good, if you are looking at bigger screen size

	Kindle Wi-Fi	Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	Kindle DX
Display Size	6" diagonal	6" diagonal	9.7" diagonal
Display Type	E Ink Pearl	E Ink Pearl	E Ink Pearl
Size	7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335"	7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335"	10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38"
Weight	8.5 ounces	8.7 ounces	18.9 ounces
Storage	3,500 Books	3,500 books	3,500 books
Battery Life (Wireless Off)	1 month	1 month	2-3 weeks
Battery Life (Wireless On)	3 weeks	10 days	7 days
Books in 60 Seconds
Free 3G Wireless
Global Wireless Coverage		100 countries and territories	100 countries and territories
Wi-Fi
Native PDF Support
Whispersync
Worry-Free Archive
Text-to-Speech
Portrait & Landscape View
Price	$139.00	$189.00	$379.00
	See details	See details	See details

    [Table Source: Amazon.com]    

What about comparison with Nook, Nook color & other iPads/tablets?

• Nook color is $249, and Kindle is just $139. Check comparison review.
• Nook Black/white is $149 and Kindle is cheaper still. Check comparison review.
• Android based tablets are other options. They are not really built for book reading, esp. strain on eyes by backlit light etc. However they can be used so many other things. Read about comparison here.

Just read one book with the Kindle, and you will know what I am talking about :). It's just awesome!  

Payment

You can pay using your standard Credit cards and Amazon.com’s trust value helps here. I don’t like typing my credit card number in other sites. If you have Amazon Gift cards, they also can be used.

Can I buy from Amazon China, Japan or UK – Is it cheaper?

They all redirect you to Amazon.com in the US only.


How do I charge the Kindle?
Use a U.S. to India power plug converter for charging through AC power. Or you can charge the Kindle using your laptop/PC, using the USB cable.

How to buy?

Step 1: Go to the Kindle page on Amazon.com

         [Click this to open Amazon.com in a new tab and follow the instructions below]

Step2: Choose the Kindle model you want to buy and click on its link

        

             

Step 3: On the product page, choose India

           

Note: The country specific information will open. Feel free to read and close it when done.

Step 4: Add to cart

          

          

Note the “Ship to: India” on top

Step 5: Buy any accessories or Proceed to checkout

            

Step 6: If you are a new customer, quickly create an Id for yourself [You will need this for downloading kindle books too]

            

Step 7: Enter shipping address

             

Step 8: Pay using your standard Credit Card

           

Step 9: You are done! Congrats…. Wait for the Kindle and surprise yourself & your love ones!

• Buy now from Amazon: click here
• Read more to decide: click here

-          BaSaL