Welcome to Mobileread, Jane and dissonantcog!
Jane, I feel your pain when it comes to not getting that discount! MoetheCat is correct, though, when you are buying technology, you have to figure the price will drop as soon as you buy it!
Check out the free ebooks the you can download here at MR and don't be shy about asking questions. We have wonderfully helpful members who are happy to give advice!
dissonantcog, why don't you start your own Intro thread so that we can welcome you properly?!
Happy Reading!