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As one contemplating buying an iLiad or Cybook, I think the original question is a good one. I do like technical things. I do read from my Palm TX. I don't read ebooks on my computer but do read blogs and other web info.
I do not think ebooks have arrived. I think current devices will fade away as happened with the last generation of ebook readers. But I do not think ebooks and readers will go away. Eventually the price of the reader will be low enough that it will be a convenient and cost effective way to distribute text books and reference works.
Whether it is a good idea for you to buy at this time really depends on whether you have the money and interest to buy the gear and deal with the hassles of getting the books you want on the reader and then doing the reading on the device. I don't think the mythical "typical" consumer would find it worth the money or effort. Regardless, there will be an adequate market along the way to continue to develop the eReaders and ebooks.
I am still trying to figure this value-equation for myself. The ebooks offered on this site are probably enough to get me to buy either device if I was convinced I would turn off the TV and computer long enough to read through the books I would download.
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