After reading this thread I can see the value of a Kindle but highly doubt I will ever own one. I like the "feel" of a real book too much. I own hundreds and love having them around. I always have a book with me because you never know when you're going to get stuck and need to occupy your time for a bit.
As for the "carbon footprint" of real books, I belong to paperbackswap.com and goodreads.com and can 'trade' books with people from all over.