[redbees]

graycyn,
Yes, you are required to enter a password when making a purchase from the Sony store using the 3G or wifi connection on the 950.

Regarding Square Trade warranties, for a new ereader (not refurb), you may buy the warranty up to 30 days after the purchase (of the reader) is completed. I chose their warranty because if you make a claim, you are paid money for your unusable device, rather than receiving a refurbished replacement, as is often the case with extended warranties issued through the manufacturer. I bought a 2 year warranty, reasoning that if the reader malfunctioned close to the 2 year mark, another generation might have appeared, and I'd possibly prefer to buy a next gen reader rather than getting a refurbished unit. Of course, this was before I became aware of just how difficult it can be to find a Sony reader. Also, I have since read good things about how rigorously refurbished electronics are tested, so perhaps my avoidance of refurbs was unwarranted.