The Sony Librie runs off AAA's (as well as a nice wall brick) and there are several programs that let you convert PDF's for reading on it. It is small and light and fits in a cargo pocket. However, Sony used a pearlescent plastic for the case that chips out and falls apart ala Fahrenheit 451.
Both the Librie and the iLiad can be put inside ziploc bags to help better protect them from the environment. The stylus on the iLiad works quite well through a ziploc.
The iLiad is hoping for 2 second page turns, the Librie delivers them.
If you need to buy something now, that works off batteries, has all its features implemented, the Librie is really the solution. But be aware that its plastic case is a real liability. Keep duct tape handy and use it more rapidly than I did when the chipping out begins.
