Very interesting thread and some great discussion here.
New around these parts but am an active member at a similar enthusiast forum for mp3 alternatives to the Apple monster - it is quite interesting to read threads like this, discussing convergence devices with the focus here of course on ereaders.
I too have always been a huge proponent of single specialized tools/gear/software versus Swiss Army type stuff. Every day I carry a cell phone, a Blackberry, one of several mp3 players and now, my new Kindle3. A bit of a hassle? Sure. But one I am personally willing to put up with for a variety of reasons, similar to what people have listed already. But even I must admit: the concept of convergence is compelling, even to me.
Still, I do consider myself an enthusiast in certain areas, which is only one reason I continue to carry multiple devices around. Another is this: no one in my personal circle of close friends has a music collection as perfectly tagged with cover art as I do.
Yes, this takes me some time initially, but most importantly, it is time I feel is well spent, especially considering the results I achieve.
Like dedicated mp3 players/PMPs, I do feel [hope!] that dedicated ebook readers will be around for a good long time to come - tablets don't quite cut it for me either, though there is no denying their sex appeal. And I also am quite confident that there will always be a very dedicated group of enthusiasts that will continue to purchase and support [creating demand] stuff like Kindles, Sony readers, Nooks, etc...
But that's just me
