I bought my Kindle before I found this board and knew about different formats, e-libraries and sites like fictionwise and bob. I just compared Sony bookstore pricing/availability to Amazon's and it seemed like a no-brainer.
I have no regrets (did I say I love my Kindle?
) but given what I know now, I am not sure the decision would've been as clearcut. I may have gone with the Sony 505 knowing they have a LightWedge cover as I don't use Whispernet as much as I thought I would (but love that its there when I want it). Again, my biggest concern is whether Amazon is going to go in the direction of consumer-wants or keeping them more locked in as they grow market.
I agree I can share books with my mom and that is the big reason I bought her a Kindle...but she isn't in a hurry for one (and in fact, when I tried to explain it over the phone, didn't get it) and thus wondering if I should wait as opposed to having two (fairly) early adopters.
I probably will just give it to her and see if she loves it as much as I do...and if so, I guess the rest doesn't matter and it will be worth it no matter the investment.