Those of you who follow my blog will know how much I've lusted after the new Amazon Kindle Touch, and also shared in my frustration at Amazon's refusal to ship it outside the US.  Anyway, today I caved and took a short trip across the US border to Best Buy in Plattsburgh to purchase one.

From my experience with the WiFi only Kobo, I did in the end decide to purchase the base model WiFi only with special offers for $99.  I had a few tense moments when a Nook was produced that had been set aside for me and the saleswoman couldn't find the Kindle Touches…  I was very relieved to finally have it in my hand.

As it is technically not available in Canada I was a little anxious about registering, especially as it took me three attempts with the virtual keyboard.  However, it all seemed to go through and I am now happily downloading my content to my Kindle Touch.

Size wise the Kindle Touch is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Kindle Keyboard – not surprising as it doesn't have a keyboard!  Comparing the screens to the Kindle Keyboard and Kobo, the two Kindles seem virtually identical, whereas the Kobo is noticeably darker with poorer contrast.  The virtual keyboard seems fairly responsive – I felt the Kobo was a little more responsive, but I couldn't swear to it.  In any case, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate around.  I prefer the Kobo's user UI – books have such pretty covers, it would be nice to see them rather than just straight lists of text with book names.  At least they have FINALLY got rid of those nasty screensavers with the creepy dead authors.  I have the Kindle with Special Offers, which means my screensaver is adverts.  I really don't mind.

Of course, I've only played with it for a few hours.  I will update the blog with more feedback as I get it.