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The iPad is the best for all kinds of PDFs. I can read anything on the iPad. Extraordinary performance and speed with technical PDFs. The disadvantages of the iPad are its weight and the LCD screen (for those who prefer eInk). Another disadvantage of the iPad is that it does so many things that it will take some of your attention off reading for sure. Another great choice is the Entourage eDGe. With the dual display combination, LCD and eInk, you can read any PDF book either in both eInk and color. My technical PDFs display great on the eDGe. The disadvantages of the eDGe are its weight (it is heavy and clumsy) and the price tag (over $500 US).
Having that stated, no 6" display will adequately display technical PDFs for academics. You need a larger display for them. The Kindle DX Graphite is not a bad choice but it cannot be compared to the iPad or eDGe. Simply no comparison. At $380 US, it is still too much for what it is. You can get a netbook for much less than that which is "infinitely" more powerful.
Like you, I am interested in a basic eInk reader for PDF (has to be at least as large as the Kindle DX) to be used primarily for technical books and articles in PDFs. I am fine with both the iPad and eDGe for now but I would like something lighter and easier to carry that I can take anywhere. Nothing like what I want is available yet. Therefore, I have my money on hold until the new devices come out later this year or early next year. In my opinion, $180 - $200 US is a reasonable price for a dedicated eInk reader (9" or larger) and $100 - $150 is a reasonable price for a 6" - 7" dedicated eInk reader. I believe the prices will get there after the new devices come out. I think the best decision now is wait and not spend the money on the existing readers such as the Kindle DX for academic reading.
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