Just to clarify, I
do have a US credit card I can use (though from what you said it sounds like it doesn't matter).
Mcrmama, just wondering - have you noticed any ebooks yet that are available in the US but not here?
The Sony 650 does look nice, and it's one that I was considering; the only negative points would be that it's a bit more pricy than something like the Nook and it's 3G only (which wasn't my preference).
Taya, it's good to hear that your Nook worked fine.
I do wish it had the pearl e-ink, but it looks like nothing will be exactly what I want and I may consider getting one anyway.
I'd still love to hear from anyone else who has any advice based on my original post.