[Joe Minton]

I have both the iTouch 4G and Sony 650. I seldom use the 650 anymore. I need reading glasses (I'm 69 yrs old) with either device, so the smaller screen doesn't mean much. I did not buy the iTouch (for our purposes, the same as an iPhone) to read with, it just sorta happened.

I am in complete agreement with the above comments about its usefulness. I read at night with the colors reversed and sometimes do so in daylight as well. The letters are sharper and more clear on the 4G than my 650.

I can read all the ebook formats simply by selecting the proper bit of software, all of which are free. I use iBooks, Stanza (favorite), Google Books, Bluefire, etc. Apple has allowed all of its competitors access to its gadgets, even Amazon. No one else seems to be doing that and I applaud them for for it.

The Apple "Retina" display screen is remarkable; there seems to be no 'pixelation' effects at all. It is sharper and clearer than anything I have used. I can read for hours and not suffer eye strain. If Apple made a 7" version, I'd buy one.

On the other hand, the Sony PRS-650 has some clear advantages, at least for me. I can read it in direct sunlight, in fact: the brighter the better. It has a useful dictionary. I can highlight, annotate and make notes which are useful things when I choose to use it for proofing & editing some bit of writing. It can go without charging for a week of use while the iTouch seldom makes it past two days.

Since you're going to buy a new phone anyway, I strongly recommend the iPhone 4G and a small collection of free apts with which to read anything you'd like.

NOTE: Be sure to get a "4G" version with the new screen.