Crazy -- that coupled with being able to download/buy/read tons of books = awesome. The old one looked kind of thick and clunky, like retired librarian / IBM PC jr. style. The new one is a lot sleeker.
This is also the first example of a 100% self contained networked device that I've seen that works wonders. It piggybacks on the cell network but requires no additional wireless contract. I hope the AT&T and T-Mobiles of the world realize they are sitting on an absolute goldmine of the future, since they will own the pipes to ubiquitous computing. Here's hoping they don't kill the goose that will lay them golden eggs by implementing draconian and regressive pricing structures on always-on always-connected zero-setup devices.
Apple, Amazon, and other huge firms have great clout to negotiate with the telecom behemoths, but I think there's a lot of interesting stuff happening in up and coming device startups that would benefit massively from an on-tap always-on network. The key feature is no setup. Like the fax machine, there is massive value in digital appliances that just work when you press the power button. No sync, no setup, no downloads, no pairing. I think we're on the cusp of another revolution. Now if only it were easier for device makers to plug in with no fuss... now there's a free startup idea for you. =)