LOL. Well, I couldn't afford a kindle, either, and I like the backlight, myself. Doesn't bother my eyes at all. I would not turn down a kindle if someone gave it to me (was not so impressed with the Nook--a friend has one and I didn't manifest a desire for it). So the itouch for me is perfect--tiny, yeah, but perfect for my running-around life.

The other day stuck in traffic it was so nice to whip that puppy out and read while sitting there, moving a few feet, sit, move a few feet...

No one has ever asked me about a book I was holding in my hand, not that I can think of. Generally when people are sitting there reading they don't want to be disturbed! And I won't stop reading regular books, either. But this is just a delight to have. :)