Sorry to hear that.
I wonder if there is a way to use pin connectors like the following
http://cse-distributors.co.uk/cabmgmt/insulterm.htm
(please look at the pin connector) instead of soldering.
With the Kindle, there are many applications that will be incredibly useful on the Story given the higher resolution display. One is to use the e-ink display as a screen for the PC - VNC.
Because the Kindle is 800x600, it is not so good. But with 1024x768, you can really do a lot.
Thanks,
James