Books will NEVER be replaced unless all of a sudden we run out of book making stuff, which won't be happening any time soon.

Frequent readers will appreciate how nice it is to just read from a book; it isn't the same as reading from a screen. My 2 cents.

Ben James, Manchester, UK

I have a serious book and travel habit and whilst I agree that nothing compares to opening a new book, the kindle will be exceptionally handy for long haul flights and reading on the beach when I don't want to lug books around. I also have a large book collection at home that I'm encouraging people to use whilst I'm not in the country as I can't bear for them to sit there gathering dust! Obviously the kindle has its disadvantages but given my circumstances I would love one in my Christmas stocking!

Natalie, George Town, Grand Cayman

Imagine reading books from a monitor! The joy of holding and reading a book can never be simulated by a computer You can curl up with abook. Can you do that with a PC. Never. Books are forever and the musty smell of an old book. Whatever the anitique book shops do. sell old pc's
Ramakrishna

H.N>Ramakrishna, Bangalore, India

Books will never be replaced, because they can outlast civilisations, be buried and discovered and read again. Even books in lost languages can, in many cases, be deciphered and read again. Electronic devices depend on the internet with all its electrical infrastructure.

Miland Joshi, Birmingham,

Is this the end of silly questions ?

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

I'm absolutely desparate for a decent ebook reader, and decent ebooks to read on it. With a reading habit like mine (3 novels a day), book storage is a real problem. I love giving books away (and hate throwing them away) but the second-hand book sellers round here have started to cringe when I come in with yet another boxful, and I haven't found any localk charities to take them.

So if the Kindle works and they have the new novels to go on it, I shall probably be a very early adopter.

Pen, Southern Spain,

I've looked at the Kindle and it reminds me of a friend of mine who can read minds, but only the minds of very boring people. The Kindle's three disadvantages: overpriced, over-hyped, and over here.

Sam Thornton, Burwell, Nebraska, USA

I am someone who just cannot read anything on a screen for very long. I like the feel of the book in my hand and the feel and smell of the paper. This reader probably won't phase out books, not for a long time, especially not hardbacks.

I don't understand how this thing can be seen as more environmentally friendly than a book. It will need to run on electricity for a start and then it will contain precious minerals (more than likely coltan will be used) that excavating not only destroys forests but also the habitats of some of the world's most endangered animals.

C Hunt, Glasgow, UK,

@ Allan:

Do you think that Darwin wrote the Origin of Species with the intention of making money?

The majority of decent authors write because they feel that a story needs to be told; if this device discourages hacks who start with an advance and churn out dross to fulfill it ("chick-lit" writers take note) then I'm all for it!

Matt, Bristol,

One may hope that the software will not be proprietary to the extent of requiring a unique format for the e-book, unless conversion software is included to enable any pdf or doc file to be converted to be loaded to the device.

dr venables preller, Warminster, UK