This is it exactly -- it all depends on the TSA agent at the time. I have the large Kindle ( Kindle DX) and had no problem with the first several trips, but in Montgomery Ala, was told it must be treated like a computer etc. Now, simply to avoid lengthening my time with these people, I take it out of its sleeve and put it in the same bin as everything else -- my coat, my liquids bag, etc. Since then -- no problems ,and what is important to me -- no re-runs of luggage to check (again!) what they already know it is, no hand searches, etc. BTW - the agent in Montgomery said it is the size of the electronic device that is the issue for them -- so perhaps the small Kindle wouldn't have raised the threshold. How true that explanation was, however, is debatable, I know.