I picked up a Kindle 2 a few days after launch and it's currently my favorite gadget. My wife can't stand the emotionless voice, but I use the text to speech feature on my hour long commute. It basically comes with a free wireless (sprint I believe) connection and I can check my email when I'm on the road without the monthly data plan fee. It's a horribly basic browser, but it works for simple surfing. Books are cheaper and easy to get. Too easy in one instance as screen lag and an impatient click made me the proud owner of Terry Pratchett's Night Watch. They can be returned. I have not played much with PDF books, but as the link below details, charts and graphs will not be your friend. It will read and display txt files that you upload via USB like you would a flash drive. http://ireaderreview.com/2009/02/09/kindle-2-pdf-faq-pdf-kindle-20-conversion-questions/ You will want to get a cover if you plan to carry it around with you. Amazon's basic cover has been well reviewed, but I got an oberon cover for my birthday. It was pricey, but I am fond of it. http://www.oberondesign.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=918 Let me know if you are going to show for any of the softball games and I'll bring it for you to look at.