[smallhagrid]

A year ago I did extensive checking around and concluded that THEN the widest format supporting, independent, affordable reader was the Jetbook.
Considering all the others were more expensive when I got it the fact that it really only did TXT files well was acceptable, though it's PDF "support" was a big disappointment.

The 2 WORST things about the Jetbook are a toss-up:
Ectaco's abysmal, miserable "support" - or their hugely overblown claims of it's battery runtime.
(The claimed 20+ hours turns out to usually be UNDER 5 hours.)

For a time I've been tempted to just get a Jetbook Lite (via Newegg), but while I've been considering my options the market has...EXPLODED !!!

Also - I am quite enchanted with the idea of an Android tablet device as an ebook reader (and little else).

What I seek:
-A bigger screened reader that mostly has great support for TXTs and PDFs.
-Price: under $150
-Ability to use external power sources - AC and/or battery.
-Good reliability and durability
-A replacement warranty for when it kraps out.
-Universal type connections so cabling is easy.
-NOT tied to a vendor or site in ANY manner for content.
-NOT tied to ANY form of DRM.
-(And if it can use externals via USB 2 USB ports would be fabulous !)

Thus far:
I was attracted to some models at DealExtreme - but just out of curiosity called Squaretrade to ask about buys at DX +/- their service and that is an absolute NO GO. Nixed DX.

There's LOTS of decent looking choices at fleabay (which is 100% OK with the Squaretrade folks...) but LOTS of controversy over Android versions, upgradeability, access to the 'market', battery life, touchscreen quality - and on and on and on...

My usual test for any fleabay seller is to hit them with questions and watch the quality and speed of their response(s), if any - I also use great care with Asian sellers and in watching items sold vs. feedback.

The top runner, model-wise and price-wise so far is an 8" 'Apad' EKEN M003, for $125 + 10sh offered by an unresponsive Asian seller (ooops.).

After extensive checking around I am even considering the M001 model because of all the work done to improve it by so many people.

I consider either one a minimal risk buy because it is easy enough to get one via fleabay with a warranty so it is a loss-free buy.

The gist of my inquiry:
Amongst all the current bazillions of readers - tablets - handhelds is there an OS or a gem which meets my qualifications that I may have missed ?

Wireless/internet/video/audio are NOT things that matter to me in this quest.

A last condition - even if it were under $150-> NO APPLE.

Thanks !

mark