Thanks for all the great responses.
Lots to think about.
In my list of options, I mentioned that it would be nice to have a browser and mp3 support but it really isn't necessary.
If I have to reconstruct my list of priorities it would be:
#1 Reading experience: I just turned 40, I'm going to have to upgrade my glasses, possibly with a reading prescription, so my vision isn't getting any better. I also study Chinese which is really bad for your eyesight. I need an e-reader that is easy-on-the-eyes. I keep reading about 'flashing' with the Nook and other weird issues. One e-reader that I thought would be cool because of its very open features, the jet-book, uses an LCD screen which isn't perhaps as easy on the eyes as E-Ink. So, I'd like E-ink, lots of font enlargement options and nothing that is going to cause eye strain.
#2 Formats: I know that I can use Calibre to re-format anything into just about anything but I really like the idea of being able to read EPUB since lots of libraries use this format. From what I know, this is one of the most popular 'open formats' so I kind of like the idea of supporting a device that uses this.
#3 Pricing: Kindle, Kobo and the Nook (non-colour) are all around the same price range. The sony products are nice (solid feel) but are just too expensive for what you get IMO. Also, and surprisingly, they are not well supported here in Taiwan. In fact, really no e-readers are well supported in Taiwan. I just went to the largest book store in Taipei on the weekend -ESLITE- and are no e-readers anywhere. I imagine this is largely because there isn't anything that renders Chinese Characters that well at the moment and most publishers are not releasing e-books in Chinese just yet. As for what e-readers in Taiwan I do see, most of them are Kindles. I've been told that Kindle can represent Chinese characters but I have not seen it do so yet. Also, Amazon now ships directly to Taiwan whereas, a year or so ago, they didn't.
#4 Utility: The reader should be lightweight and portable and all that. If it doesn't have a replaceable battery, well, that's just the way it is. I LOATH the idea of owning a product where you cannot replace the battery which has kept me away from the Iphone and Ipad but with a price point of $150 what can I expect.
It seems like perhaps the KOBO is the way to go.
Its readily available in Canada and if it pooches out, I can send it to my folks and they can have it repaired.
I'm intregued by some new Nooks using a Linux OS whereby new aps may be developed but in the end, but if memory serves, the company that was developing the open, linux driven e-reader a few years ago went bankrupt. Besides, I really don't need so many aps, I'll be too busy reading
