I wonder if the new Kindle will allow pictures to be viewed? If Krause and Whitman offered Kindle versions of their books, that might be the most revolutionary thing for collectors since the photographic plate. Imagine having all of your key reference books on a lightweight tablet 1/3 inch thick to take out at a dealer's table at a coin show?

I use Primasoft as my database software to record my collection, pictures of everything I own and, most importantly, my notes on every coin I own. If I could access that database on a lightweight, easy to turn on Kindle, how wonderful would life be? I take my laptop to shows with me and even though it is a laptop, it still adds 5 pounds to what I have to carry around. Since I collect medals, can you imagine how heavy my briefcase gets after a morning at a good coin show?

I purchased one for my wife in early April and we have fought over it ever since. It is one of the coolest gadgets I've ever seen. We have the second generation, which is a slim, trim, elegant reader packed with power. Battery life is LONG, the screen is very easy on the eyes, downloading books is a breeze, and the wireless network is free.

I commented to my wife that it would be great if one could use the Internet over this device and she promptly advised me that there is an experimental Web application already on the Kindle. I envision a Kindle-like machine that combines a color screen, electronic reader, computer, wireless Internet, email, and phone into one hand-held device.

I know, I know...Apple's iPhone already does that, but it's too small. I've heard that Apple is working on a "tablet" that will satisfy most or all of the demands of the dream machine but, in the meantime, we'll thank the Kindle for making recreational reading fun again.