</lurk>I have a launch Kindle 2. I love the device for all of the same reasons that minouye listed. I never had any problems with it until this past weekend.

</lurk>I have a launch Kindle 2. I love the device for all of the same reasons that minouye listed. I never had any problems with it until this past weekend. I turned on the 3G and hit the 'sync/update' option. I knew that it was going to download and install the newer 2.5 update (which added the long-needed 'collections' feature which allows you to arbitrarily group your books). Well it bricked the device. I'm not sure how it happened. I was well outside (~6 months) the 1 yr warranty. I called them up and they overnighted a brand-new K2 at no cost. (At least it looks brand-new, it could be a really well-preserved refurb). That kind of experience is why I really like Amazon and the Kindle. I don't know if I have any reason to upgrade for myself, but at $140 I think this is getting into gift range for my Mom and the in-laws for Xmas. (just registered to tell this story... long-time lurker)