Kindle in Costa Rica - Will it work?

The short answer... YES, but there are a few caveats.

Recently, Google searches for the words "Kindle Costa Rica" puts our blog, Mi Chunche, in the top 10 results. Since we get so many of these "hits", I thought I would dedicate this post to a detailed explanation of how the various versions of Kindle actually work in Costa Rica.

Kindle Wi-Fi
Amazon's 3rd generation Kindle introduced Wi-Fi. This gives it the ability to connect to a wireless network, such as a home wireless or Wi-Fi Hot Spots. Once configured to connect to the wireless network, ebooks can be downloaded directly to the Kindle. While connected, Amazon's Whispersync automatically syncs your place across any other devices you have, so you can pick up where you left off. This version does not have a 3G cellular connection. You can download ebooks directly to the Kindle Wi-Fi device while in Costa Rica as long as the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Kindle 3G & Wi-Fi
Another version of Amazon's 3rd generation Kindle supports both Wi-Fi and 3G cellular connection via Whispernet. The Wi-Fi on this device works exactly as described above. The 3G cellular connection, Whispernet, uses Sprint. Since Sprint is not a GSM network, the Kindle can't roam on I.C.E.'s (Costa Rica’s government-run, phone, internet and cable network), thus no direct internet connection. You can download ebooks directly to the Kindle 3G & Wi-Fi device while in Costa Rica as long as the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Kindle 1st & 2nd Generation and Kindle DX
The earlier versions of Amazon's Kindles only support a 3G cellular connection via Whispernet. The 3G cellular connection, Whispernet, uses Sprint. Since Sprint is not a GSM network, the Kindle can't roam on I.C.E.'s (Costa Rica’s government-run, phone, internet and cable network), thus no direct internet connection. You cannot download ebooks directly to the earlier versions of the Kindle devices while in Costa Rica. However, if you have a computer, with an internet connection, you can still download any of your Kindle content archived on Amazon.com to the computer and transfer it via USB to your Kindle.

In summary, if you don't have a wireless connection, you will have to download ebooks to a computer and transfer them to the Kindle with via a USB cable connection.

I have a Kindle 2 and John has the Kindle 3G Wi-Fi. He downloads directly from Amazon through our wireless network. I have to download ebooks to the PC first, and then transfer them to my Kindle 2, but it is painless. We love our Kindles! If you're thinking about bringing a Kindle to Costa Rica, do it. You won't regret it.

Please read the comment section for further information.
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Talavera Ceramics Update

Back in January we ordered Talavera ceramic sinks and accessories for the house we will be building in Atenas this year. The ceramic artist in Hidalgo, Mexico, just finished our custom order and sent a couple of photos of the finished products.

The Cenefa pattern will be in our master bath.

The Calla Lily pattern is for the guest bath.

Can't wait to see everything installed...
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Countdown to Retirement: 100 Days to go!

Hard to believe John will finally retire in just 100 days. I received my first Social Security Retirement Benefit payment last month. I haven't worked (except around the house) in more than 2 years, but now I'm officially retired and getting paid for it. John submitted his application for Social Security Benefits today and it should become effective in July.

This past month we finished fixing up the inside of the house. Wallpaper has been pealed off the walls, sheet rock has been repaired, ceiling damage has been fixed from the water pipe break we had last summer, and all the rooms have a fresh coat of paint. This afternoon John replaced all the old door knobs on all the bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. Now, if I can just get him to fix the spot light over the kitchen sink, we'll be done indoors. The inside of the house really looks great and I think a potential buyer will be pleased with all the nice touches we have added.

This week, work will start on the outside. We have some minor stuff to fix outside, then everything will be power washed. We removed a 50' pine tree from the front yard that had finally succumbed to disease and now we will get started on some landscaping to improve the curb appeal.

In the middle of all of this, we are also trying to cull through stuff, packing what we can and setting aside what will be going to the kids. Then, there is all the stuff that will either to donated or trashed. It amazing how much stuff you can get rid of, stuff we really don't need, when you make up your mind to downsize.
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