Thanks a lot for all your responses and warm welcome!
Based on the responses, waiting it out is probably a good option.... (although I am truly dying to get my hands on one of these devices)... crossing my fingers that my patience will hold on and pay out....
I will continue to read the threads in this forum. I'm so glad I found this site!
Btw, I am currently located in Canada... which is why I am looking at eReaders that will work in Canada. I have a friend that lives in the US where I can ship my purchase if I go the Nook route... but concerned that the device is not a good choice at the moment...