I <3 my Kindle with a blazing passion! I can't really help too much with most of your list, since I exclusively read novels on it, but for that, it's fabulous. (And if that's all it ever did, I'd still think it were a worthwhile investment) I love the highlighting/note taking ability. (It takes a little getting used to the keyboard, but being able to export highlighted portions and the notes makes up for it)

If you get one, I hope you love it even an tiny bit as much as I adore mine! :)