Basically, I don't take my success with the Kindle as a strike against the physical nature of books. Rather, I find the best use of this device as a sampling mechanism for new reading (via WhisperNet and the Kindle Store), and to add a sense of permanence to media that otherwise would have none.

I do think a Kindle has object-ness. I also think that books and e-readers can exist side-by-side.

I'm still of limited means at the moment (or maybe I am stuck in the mindset), but judging from most peoples' opinions of Kindles (the reports are as glowing as those from iPhone owners), I think that might be my next big purchase.

Or I probably could ask for such a device for the anniversary of my birth (an event I forget about frequently, which could be bad, as I need to renew my driver's license).