Wife has a Kindle. I've ordered/read several books on it and it's pretty neat. I can see it being extremely useful for someone who travels a lot.

I'm thinking of buying the Barnes and Nobel Nook. Seems to have a few more features than the Kindle. Also, you can go into any BN bookstore and hook up there to download/preview, etc... I think the selection is much larger, too.

I've downloaded the free Kindle software to my laptop, too. There are tons of free Kindle books and you could carry a laptop almost as easily as a Kindle...or instead of carrying a laptop and a Kindle. I think the Nook has the capability to share, too. Also, I think both versions allow you to "borrow" library books free.

There's something to be said for holding a real book in your hands but there are lots of other advantages to the e-readers.