Oh, Alphapheemail, how devastating!
I'm sending a virtual hug and lots and lots of chocolate (dark, of course) your way.
I think I would have cried, too. Since it was an auction, I may have even asked that they announce the loss and ask for help from the audience.
Did you have it out at some point and someone may have seen it? Or maybe the case size made someone think that it was a netbook?
I think I am going to tie mine to my purse when I take it anywhere, especially after the two recent losses on here.
There is an offer going on about getting a Sony credit card and then the ereader for $150 plus the refurbished unit idea. Let us know what happens.