I have no 'need' for one. But I knew from the day Jobs unveiled the original that it was a billion dollar idea and desired one. Imo everyone will have one on their coffee table , kitchen counter and families with teenagers will have more than one.
It can be your daily newspaper, your monthly magazine, your tv guide and also a conversation piece at gatherings, parties. I've seen this first hand at Christmas, everyone wanted to play with one or watch the person trying it out.
I will use it for a ebook reader in a dark setting, where I WANT back lighting VS the Kindle without. And eventually will use its video chat feature with a Ipad I will teach my Mom to use when she is in FL.
So WifI 16gb with cover , eventually, probably this summer.