Personally, I really like the touch screen--even though I don't use it for handwriting/taking notes. I've used a Sony 505 and then a nook and now have a 650. I like being able to choose an option by just touching it on the screen. Also love the dictionary on the 650--looking up a word by just double tapping it is great. I find myself looking up words that I'm pretty sure I know the meaning of just because it's so easy. Sometimes I'm surprised at the meaning or other meanings a word can have.
The touch screen is really useful for books with lots of links too. I have a copy of the New International Version of the Bible which has links for each book, then for each chapter, then each verse. Navigating these links on my 505 was almost impossible. I'd have to hit the forward or back buttons numerous times to get where I'd want to go. With the 650, it's just a quick tap on the screen.
Now that I've had my 650 for a few days I'd have a hard time giving it up.
dordale
