But my thinking on this has changed. The Kindle, because of its e-ink technology, provides an outstanding platform for reading. The eye strain I expected never materialized. I can literally read on the Kindle for hours at a time. And I don't have to worry about the battery--even with the heavy use I put it through, the battery will last for a couple of weeks without needing a charge, longer if I minimize the time I have it connected to wifi or the 3G network.
Because of this, I have transitioned almost all of my book-buying over to my Kindle. This now includes my reference and ministry books. The Kindle is a back-saver in this regard! On a device smaller and lighter than my Thinline ESV Bible, I have, right now:
4 different Bibles
2 different study Bibles (ESV Study Bible and the NET Study Bible)
1 Unabridged Matthew Henry's Commentary
1 commentary on Proverbs
2 commentaries on Ephesians (including Peter O'Brien's in the Pillar series)
2 Biblical studies books (God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment by Hamilton and Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright)
1 preaching book
a number of nonfiction books for general reading
1 novel (Stephen King's 11/22/63)
When I bought the Kindle I also bought a nice faux leather case for it, so it looks nice to hold and carry.
The Kindle has been invaluable for me from a ministry standpoint. I used to have to carry a backpack or briefcase full of books everywhere I went. Now, I take my slim, little Kindle that has everything I need. When I've gotten stuck someplace, I've been able to have my choice of things to read--alternating from the Bible, to a commentary, to a novel. And it's served as a computer on the go--so I can tap into my email or do a quick web search through the 3G or wifi connection.
I highly recommend a Kindle for use in ministry. It does not have to replace your current library nor does it have to replace your future purchase of physical books. But at a minimum, you can stuff it full of Bibles and some reference books. It becomes a portable library that you can have with you at all times, whether in your office, your office-away-from-the-office (aka, the coffee shop!), the hospital during visitations, at home, or on the go.