Vish, thanks for the info. that is really good to hear, kinda scared of rooting the device, but i have some time... perhaps by then you all will have "worked the bugs out" and you can help me not break the e-reader (did i mention i managed to lock down the journalism dept's computer system by mistake forcing the admin rights on accident? i am NOT a safe person around electronics
) oh, and yes, you could help me in German
Ace and Therisa, thank you so much for your valuable input as to the bookcover case issue. i really am scared about the screens, as i have heard very very bad tales--enough so, that i am NOT having my T1 shipped to me from the USA (you should have seen the mangled mess the box with my other presents was when it made it to me--nothing damaged inside, but not so sure about the screen in that situation). that gives me time to find the right case.
Therisa, i too, was considering the 350 and had i found it at a great price (t1 for $89 no sales tax new is pretty darn unbeatable--with the return timeframe, i am good as gold by the time i am in the USA to pick it up).
i cannot believe the help you all are giving me. i am soo excited--didn't think it would be THAT big a deal. my mom said she has become as excited about this present as anything she has ever given me because she knows it is the perfect (late Christmas) present.