I'm sure that would be useful for a lot of hikers, but unless the Kindle works with satellite reception it won't help me a bit.

I learned a long time back that most of the places I hike in Oregon a cell phone is somewhat less useful than a brick, because at least I could use the brick to pound a tent stake. Often the coverage doesn't start until I've driven 10 miles away from the trailhead and I'm finally near a paved road. Of course, these same remote trails are the BEST, so I'm not complaining!