I definitely see the strengths of the Kindle and if I didn't already have my PDA phone with data connection I think the Kindle would be the clear winner for me, but since I do already have internet with me at all times...
I've just ordered the Sony PRS-505. Yes I finally stopped flip-flopping around and pulled the trigger. Yes I know I've just given a big chunk of change to the evil Sony empire, but the device really feels like the right fit for me.
Here's the irony: I bought the 505 through Amazon.com
That was the best pricing I could find. $269 USD through an Amazon partner, plus paid a little extra for the expedited shipping. The final bill was $286.50 shipped. That's just good times right there.
Thanks to everyone who offered advice and different perspectives here. For anyone interested in ebook hardware this is truly an indispensable resource. I will definitely be sticking around here... at least until people get sick of me.
~Shadowplay~
p.s. - I've been doing the TOR "Watch the Skies" bit since it's inception, even though I didn't have nor originally intend to get a dedicated reader. That means I've got 13 modern books of the type I tend to read (scifi/fantasy) all ready to load, not to mention all the free classic books available. I'll be plenty busy for a while before I even have to buy an ebook!