Except for the lit part, everything you said about your iTouch is also true of the Kindle. It doesn't light up b/c they want to replicate the book experience, and books aren't backlit. I actually find it easier on the eyes than looking at a computer screen.

I went out w/ a friend today and was using my kindle when she walked up to me. She immediately started bemoaning how this would ruin socialization. "Now we can't see what people are reading and talk to them about it!" I pointed out she could just ask, but she didn't like that idea. I don't care. I've got 1500 spots for books and fanfic is finally portable. Long live the eReader!