I've checked about all the ereaders out these days, and I have to say I like the iRex iLiad the best. It has these pros as you all well now:
-runs linux (#1 pro. I hate Windows Mobile, or Windows in general, really. The less I have to deal with it, the better.... if only I could find a car GPS unit that's linux based now...)
-because it's linux based, it has greater software capabilities/expandability than other readers
-biggest screen with 16 shades instead of 4
-use of touchscreen/notebook
-wireless
-capacity (8gb compact flash cards cost $45! only - libraries of stuff)
Cons/Wishlist for 3rd generation
-Battery life. I've read in another thread that we should compare the battery life of the iliad against Notebooks instead of other ereaders. I think that's an unfair comparison. 95% of the time, I would be using this thing as an ereader as I have a faster, color notebook to do actual computing on. I hate charging things every day as is, this should a once a week if not once a month occurence. They need to find a way of having this thing turn off or go into instant-on/instant-off hibernation as soon as a page is turned.
-Speed. Page turning could be a little faster like instaneous.
-Screen. This is out of iRex's hands and more of the epaper manufacturer, but an 8.5"x11" screen would be nice. Color epaper would be nice too
We all know technology moves on, that in 5 - 10 years much better ereaders will be here and for more commodity prices (cheaper!), and epaper for that matter. But I want one now! I would buy an iRex today if only the battery life issue was solved -- I hate charging devices absolutely.
But I have to say I can't help but think Apple is working on an ereader. Maybe not released anytime soon but in a couple of years, but it would be a perfect fit to their iTunes website where they can sell yet another medium. Yes, I know Jobs poo-pooed reading in general, but he has a history of crapping on something before turning around and releasing his own. I can't help but look at the iPhone and think of the great convergence of devices -- with the apps now, the iPhone is a basically a PDA without ever having mentioned the Newton legacy. Will it take form on a Notebook with two screens or something funky like that, or be standalone? I don't know.
But the iLiad is the closest thing to a perfect device right now, hope they get the battery life thing nailed down, then I'm buying. I could always upgrade in 5 years to whatever is offered then (the ereader market seems to be moving at a snail's pace the last 5 years though compared to other technology areas
).