Just wanted to add to the Kindle discussion: it is not totally text-only. I've purchased/uploaded a couple of books that included the original illustrations. Plus, I've browsed through a book on a friend's Kindle that included photographs. They are in monochrome and are not at high-resolution, but they are clearly visible.
Also, one of the lesser-known features is that it includes a web browser that can access the internet just about anywhere through its connection to the Sprint G3 network. It's not the easiest to use but it works in a pinch. I've been able to access this here site (though I've yet been able to post.) There is no monthly charge for the use of this internet service, either.
The battery take very little time to charge fully and lasts a good long time (though it helps to turn off the network connection when it's not in use.) The unit itself is very light--probably lighter than most paperback books. And the view screen is amazingly readable in just about any light. I've used it on the beach in full sunlight--the print appears extremely clear.
If I have one complaint, it's the extra "Next Page" button on the left hand side--it's located right where it would be the perfect place to hold my thumb and the button gets hit a lot unintentionally. They really need to get rid of it.
From what I've been reading, the next model will have a backlight, handle color, and will feature some kind of built-in e-mail reader, so at this point I guess I would wait for that one.
And finally, I love books--real books--too. I still love to go into book store and browse, I still love to hold and read books in my hand. But I only have space for so many and there's a lot of books that I want to read that I don't see the need to own physically. With the Kindle I can still indulge on picking up a book or two that I may not get around to reading right away and not have to worry about squeezing into my already tight library. This toy hasn't replaced books in my life at all. It's an extension of my reading life.
