Just saw this thread. Welcome to MR, Mike!
I'd have to say that the work for these quantum physics guys and gals must be fascinating, although probably not fascinating in the way a layman might think. Just to work in quantum physics, they probably are also amazing mathematicians as well.
Wood is quite right (and has a mind like a steel trap that never misses anything, doesn't he!?). I do have a Math Ph.D. in Algebraic K-Theory. And an ABD in Economics after that as well. It is frustrating, though, isn't it? I was ABD with an Economics Ph.D., plus 50% done with my dissertation, and had to leave school with an M.S. instead due to a family emergency. Never had a chance to return or work as a researcher. It worked out, though, and after all that I end up with, of all things, ... a job in IT! But I love working with computers so it worked out for me. I'm probably one of the few people crazy enough to work with computers all day and yet still rush back to my home PC after work!
As far as reading math texts, I have long desired to do it, but I've just had other topics that have been more interesting (like Warped Passages by Lisa Randall, which is an awesome book, and her talks and interviews are fascinating as well!) Mostly, in terms of tech reading, I read computer materials. And, despite my love of e-books, I generally prefer to read on paper when I can. I even print out sections of online manuals for that purpose. But at least with the advent of paperless manuals, I have the option of loading up my tablet with materials to read. When I was in school, way back when, I learned to study off paper, so that may be the reason for my preference. But paper still seems easier to handle and is slightly easier on my eyes.
I've also found that, thanks to folks like Kovid, while you can read technical texts on the Sony Reader if you have decent eyesight (for example, I am reading Warped Passages there), I really prefer to read technical books on a tablet pc. As mentioned previously, e-ink seems to work great for something you read beginning to end, but navigation is a bit slow and clumsy for books that you jump around in. A laptop would be great if you don't get eyestrain from it, but the form factor is not the best. Believe it or not, there is a HUGE difference between looking up at a screen on a laptop versus the flat form of a tablet on a desk or lap. I can't read a book on a desktop display or laptop, but with a tablet it's great. The only issues are heat (depending on the tablet model), battery life (which is getting better all the time, but some cheaper models only get a couple of hours), visibility in outdoor sunlight (newer screens are often pretty decent for this now) and weight (they are generally pretty heavy still, especially when a convertible form with keyboard instead of a slate form factor).
But the best solution might be on the way. I'm really looking forward to the rise of cheaper UMPCs/MIDs with longer battery life and nice screens. I think that sort of device will be perfect for technical reading, and priced more reasonably than a $2000 tablet pc.
Andy (recycledelectron) - you'll have to let us know how it goes for you with a UMPC if you go that way. When you choose, watch out for battery life and memory/processor speed. But if you know the limitations, it sounds like a perfect choice. And when the next generation lower-power faster mobile processors come out, things will really get interesting whether the market goes Windows or Linux!
BTW, off topic, do any of you folks know how the Hadron collider is progressing? I'd sure love to know when results of experiments might start coming in. I hope the popular press covers the progress of those upcoming experiments. It's a race for fame now between Fermilab and Hadron for potential discovery of the Higgs Boson, isn't it? So maybe the Fermilab folks wouldn't mind a little more time before Hadron goes online...