I ordered my Father a Kindle early in December for his Christmas present, and it finally go there a week ago. He'd never seen or heard anything about it, but my sister had, and she could help him get it started, being a thousand miles away from me, and all, as they are...
I packaged up an SD card with a bunch of (mobi) books, photos and musics, so he'd have something to do with it.
And he's reported that he can read again - yay for bigger type!
So thanks to those who offered good advice on card formats, etc.
-bjc