Hi all! Sorry that my first post will be a "Help what should I buy?!" post, but I could really use some expert advice.
I would like an eReader and as I suspect most people find, am struggling to settle on one. I started out wanting a Kindle, but am a little concerned about the Amazon restrictions and also the fact I'm in Australia.
After a little more reading, my ideal eReader would feature as much file support as possible (BeBook's list of supported files really appeals to me), and the option to purchase from as many different places as possible (is Kindle really restricted to Amazon? I would like to avoid that kind of restriction). Ease of use is endlessly important (I seriously hate bothering to put anything on my iPhone because I find iTunes so tedious to use - would love a drag 'n' drop function).
In terms of use, I want to buy a lot of books that feature graphs, images, colour charts, advertising examples, and so on. This is the biggest reason I'm reluctant to just stick with my iPhone (small screen etc). As well as using it for the usual reading of novels, etc.
On the more optional side, I liked that some models of Bebook allow you to browse the internet. It's not all that necessary, and again, an iPad would win here except for horrible iTunes.
I'm still leaning towards a BeBook but after several hours of reading, there's so much info on restrictions, so many opinions, etc that I'm feeling a wee bit lost.
I see that the Kobo Reader from Angus & Robertson is only $179.00 right now, but I'm a bit concerned because Border and A&R have gone into receivership. Does anyone know how limiting the Kobo is to those particular groups of stores? From reading their website, it doesn't SEEM to be, but I really don't want to get caught with a device locked to a store that may mysteriously vanish over night (I know that sounds slightly paranoid, but there it is).
Apart from that, the usual concerns are relevant (crisp, clear screen, battery life, etc.)
Sorry for such a mess of a post; any help anyone can offer would be ridiculously, greatly appreciated! Thankyou so much all.
Edit: Forgot to add, would like a device where I could easily upgrade if possible. E.g. if I buy Device X, and later upgrade to Device Y (from a different brand or something), would like to not lose all my books or have to re-purchase.