Apple is putting its own DRM over the ePub for the iPad too. It never ends.

But I can also see the need to reassure authors and publishers. I wish they would find a less buyer-unfriendly way though.

Glad to read you here.

But wanted to add that re

“Also, I was vaguely aware that Kindle uses Digital Rights Management (DRM) to try to restrict access to it content, unlike Sony’s Reader which uses the open epub format. I am better informed now.”

The Sony readers use ePub WITH Adobe DRM over it.

While the ePub format itself is open, the Adobe DRM added to it closes it up, except to those who have purchased the book from another vender who also uses the licensed Adobe DRM method, although at the moment the Sony readers are unable to read the nook’s Adobe DRM’d versions for some reason.

– Andrys

The wireless thing is, to date, more convenience than necessity (esp. outside the US). It’s nice having free Wikipedia access (esp. in enhanced mode though finding that mode is not obvious at first); the dictionary is a plus; and an online bookstore a plus. Still, adding content via USB or linked to your PC Kindle version is dead simple.

It’s helpful to stay focused on what the Kindle is designed to do — provide an enjoyable reading experience for long-form text heavy “timeless” material in a trade-paper form factor. It’s not a substitute for a netbook / laptop; it’s role in life is not to surf the web or grab real-time info or chat with friends or update facebook while reading. And it’s not currently designed to “write extensive notes in the margins” as one might do in an academic environment.

What I’ve found such a big plus is being exposed to a wealth of (free) material long buried and out-of-print or hard to find / stumble upon. Alternately, the “first chapter sample” of Amazon makes exploring new works by living authors easier.

Finally, whether it is on a Kindle or some other device, Amazon itself is committed to a business built on content distribution unlike the makers of every other device option which are rooted in consumer electronics (Barnes and Noble’s Nook being an exception although currently it is not sold outside of the US). Amazon’s understanding of content, longer term, gives it the opportunity to provide the best solutions for the book reading public.