To provide some contrast - I've got a Kobo and am very happy with it (and I have an original, no wifi version - the new one is faster and has more features). After seeing mine and after doing a lot more research than I did, my co-worker also got a Kobo (original) and is happy with it (currently travelling around asia with it).
If it helps, here were my reasons for getting it, in no particular order:
- Kobo has an open-platform philosophy (
http://blog.kobobooks.com/2010/09/17...sbillofrights/) which I like;
- didn't want to have to deal with Amazon's geographic restrictions (i.e. some ebooks only available to US customers)
- I loathed the idea of a physical keyboard on my ereader. I wanted a device for reading, not typing and I wanted something compact.
- being able to borrow ebooks from my library - this is HUGE for me
- supporting a Canadian company
- the reader met all my needs: small, light, good battery life, etc. and I think it's cute.
It definitely helps to get your hands on one to play around with it. Good luck!