Still waiting for that answer on how there is anything to do except mining.

Ok, since none of the 'fanboys' have answered this yet, I thought I'd go and find out myself. It's kind of long, but you asked for it. I didn't feel like editing it to make it shorter. This is what I found:

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"To begin with, players can trade goods between systems or conduct other money making activities, such as mining asteroids, gathering scientific data on unmanned systems or even cleaning up space debris. Gains made from such activity can be used to upgrade the ship with weapons and equipment, and also to develop the character by training him in various skills.

"When the player has mastered the basics of the game, amassed some money and equipment and advanced his/her character through basic skills, the possibilities become almost endless. Players who wish to explore peaceful paths can continue to upgrade their ships to bigger and better-defended cargo vessels, purchase advanced mining or research equipment, and continue to develop their character by specializing in their preferred skills. Others will choose to explore more dangerous path, such as piracy, smuggling or bounty hunting. There will even be ways of making money through such activities as spying on other players and reporting illegal activity.

"Groups of players will be able to build and manage space stations, start up major mining operations on planets and asteroids, manufacture goods and equipment and, no less importantly, fight other groups of players for their bases and resources."
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The last paragraph sounds pretty cool. If I had more spare time to play, I'd probably buy EVE. I know it's buggy now (I was also on the beta), but I'm sure they will get most of that fixed eventually.