I would suggest going over to youtube to get much better help and intro videos
see:
Very basic Using Kindle 2 Guide
Amazon Kindle 2 Software Tour
Advanced Amazon Kindle 2 reading tips
Search "Using Kindle 2" or a more specific phrase on youtube for easy learning.
Enjoy!
PS: I don't like DRM either so I don't buy from amazon but even without that shopping feature, the Kindle is a very very good device.
You can still register without linking with a credit card. To completely separate it, create a new account on amazon and don't provide a credit card. That way you get all the benefits like access to free content on amazon, using the store to read comments about a book, software updates, support and may be an occasional purchase etc.
You could, Gift your child a gift voucher of a small amount and let her buy a few books/mags/news to make up her own mind about it without exposing your credit card to abuse.
Good luck. Hope we can turn you traitor and make u join the kindle camp
