Well, as the Kindle is at the top of my might buy-one-eventually list here are the changes that would make me seriously consider buying one:
- improved contrast ratio (deal breaker for my eyes),
- ability to read in low light (second deal breaker for a $400 single function device),
- larger display,
- some form of touch screen,
- ability to do crossword puzzles,
- hand written notes,
- lose the keyboard!! Maybe in favor of a pop-up onscreen keyboard or make the stoopid thing slide out of the way,
- built-in stand for hands free use,
- lanyard post which can double as a security lock attachment,
- lose the white bezel. I find white very distracting,
- library management with reading list management,
- adjustable auto page turning/scrolling
- MAKE CONNECTIVITY MODULAR -- if I want HSDPA then let me buy and pay for the connectivity. If I want Wifi instead let me buy and plug in a wifi module. The only reason I can see why Amazon insists on a single MBB option is they plan on PUSHING ad content to the device. Since the connectivity is free you will either put up or not use it
- More storage space. Support up to the current max. 32gb SDHC cards.
- Minimum of a 5-year support agreement. Not unreasonable considering the "company store" nature of the Kindle.
For $400 the thing should have many of these and other suggested items already. Especially since the ONLY DRM content it reads can be purchased from Amazon.
Without supporting more formats (DRM or otherwise) buying this device is like being forced to shop at "the company store". If Amazon cannot handle competition...screw 'em, the Kindle will not be even close to the best reader device option by the this fall.
So Amazon is going to have to do a lot to convince me to buy what amounts to a DVD player that only plays Amazon DVDs.