I didn't purchase mine tonight. Going to sleep on it. I have until Sunday to pick it up before they make it available to someone else.
The first thing I noticed is the screen is NOT grey! I hope it's not a demo fluke as it's just amazing that they pulled this off. I always thought grey background was something we all had to live with. I don't know how B&N did it, but others need to follow suit. After viewing this screen, there's no way I could settle for any device with a grey background. It's all about reading on eink, and this actually simulates physical book reading nicely.
The device is much more attractive in person as many have stated. It does not look strange once you pick it up. In fact, you don't even pay attention to the cosmetics of it once you start reading. The device does disappear because you're not distracted by the casing.
I found the hardware buttons on the left and right side easy to press. You do have to make an effort to press them. You can't just brush against them. To me, that's a positive.
The user interface is exactly as the NOOKcolor.
I didn't notice any ghosting after playing with it for 20 minutes.
Moving between the different menus is fluid. The on screen keyboard is very responsive. Much better than the Sony.
There are some Kindle and Sony owners turning their nose up at this device. All I can say is, your opinion will change after a hands on. It may not be the device for you, for whatever reason, but what B&N have done is worthy of admiration.
My only negative is the screen is recessed. I would have preferred it be flushed with the bezel. Page turning by tapping causes your finger to brush against the inside of the bezel.
I'm certain I'll get one. Now that I played with one I have a better sense of what type of cover I want. The initial one I picked out before the hands on is out of the question now. I don't even think I want a cover now. Perhaps just a sleeve. It feels wonderful in the hand; no need for a cover to make it more book-like.