(posted from a computer) After putting the Kindle 2 next to the original Kindle I can say * the screens are not the same but as far as I care they are * the Kindle 2 turns pages faster * most other functions including shopping and downloading are about the same Unique about the Kindle 2 * the side buttons press from the inside, not the outside This makes it harder to accidentally press them, but also requires a slightly different action to use them, depending on your hand position. You can't press the buttons with you hand behind the Kindle. * the 5-way requires a less-relaxed thumb position than the scroll wheel