However, I want to pare down more significantly and keep only those hardcover and real treasures of a more "classic" nature on my bookshelves. I have no other space for storing the paperbacks that I know I will re-read but don't really want to display or take up precious bookcase space.

I have really resisted the "Kindle" type of electronic books I've heard about in passing because I really like the look of a book (even a paperback) and the feel and all that goes with reading paper.

I'm rethinking my position - for those who own the Kindle or similar hand held devices, what do you think of them? Are there specific brands or sizes that you prefer?

It kind of irritates me that I would have to spend 10 bucks on replacing paperbacks I already paid once for, especially since paperbacks of so many can be found much cheaper than the 10 bucks that I noticed is the current charge for the kindle product, but I suppose that goes with the territory.

I would really appreciate any input on the product and the ease of use, the easy availability of the novels that have been on the market already for several decades or more.
Really, any input both negative and positive would be appreciated - thanks very much.

I am in a very similar place right now. Due to the economy, my husband and I relocated across the US which meant brutally cleaning out my books. We hope to build a small house here which will leave no room for a large collection. Unlike you, I don't typically re-read many books so I have made the decision to purchase a Kindle. Now, just waiting for the finances to work out. Now that the decision is made, I can't wait.

I, too, would love to hear from anyone with an ereader.

When I was in the UK recently, I looked at the Sony E-Reader and now there is the Nook.

But the big question is: will I like it as much as books?

Some of the advantages:

From Amazon you can download the first chapter of books for free. These samples help me decide whether I would like the book before purchasing it.

As long as you live in an area with good Sprint coverage, you can purchase and download any Kindle book at any time in one minute or less from anywhere -- no need to have a computer involved.

It can be propped up while you are eating or doing something else that can be multi-tasked with reading.

It can be read easily in full sunlight, just like a book. It is not hard on the eyes like reading from a computer can be.

There are several choices of font for those who like larger or smaller print.

When you have finished reading the book you can delete it from the Kindle but download it again from your Amazon library whenever you want to see it again.

It is possible to download free books from various sources as well as purchasing book from Amazon. I have not done that but know others do.

I'm sure there are other advantages that I'm forgetting right now. I do still purchase books for various reasons -- reference books, garden books, knitting books, and books that aren't available on the Kindle. Sometimes I purchase books just because I want to.

My love for books goes back to babyhood, I think, and I'm as surprised as anyone that I can love the Kindle, too.

If you have any specific questions I will try to answer them.