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(IMO) Amazon didn't choose EDGE because the data rate would make downloading a book painful, and Amazon envisioned that downloading data via the modem would be something that happens alot... especially if customers are buying lots of books! They also didn't go with WiFi because it is a local (not area-wide) service. The cellular network is everywhere.
(IMO) Amazon chose EVDO because they got a great deal with the carrier. I think that GSM and 3G are the way of the future, but 3G really isn't in America yet. Again, IMO, the reason Amazon was happy with EVDO is because they wanted to try the Kindle in the US, where the standard of living is high enough to make a $400 ereader affordable to a huge audience.
And, IMO, Amazon will offer future versions of the Kindle with either interchangeable radio modems (3G, EVDO, etc.) or built with different modems... taking 3rd party data comm modules, e.g., WiFi, EVDO, 3G, perhaps using a CF or SDIO slot and with driver support either built-in or downloadable via USB (initial setup would need to be at a 'net-connected computer).
Also, I don't see battery life on the Kindle as a big deal. It will last several days of several hours' reading without a charge, or a day or so of online browsing. Bring the charger with you. Certainly a charger is a lot more portable than a laptop (to download content).
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