[Polaris]

Hi folks,

I'm considering getting my first ebook reader, and trying to decide what to get. I'm a graduate student, so I read lots and lots and lots of pdfs, and I tend to write all over them. I think an iLiad would meet my needs the best, despite the cost. Anything else would probably just be a really expensive toy (I'd enjoy being able to read books on it, but part of my goal is to save paper, and I'd still end up printing out all my school reading unless I can load pdfs easily and write on them). I'd probably get the book version, since I have no particular need for yet another wifi-enabled device. So...I have a few questions.

1) I've heard that the iLiad is really slow. Is this true? Is the v2 faster? How hard is it to load pdfs and how long does it take (most of mine have some charts/tables, but no really complex graphics).

2) How functional is the Wacom technology? Will it feel more or less like normal writing, or will it drive me crazy?

3) How much memory can I add to it? Can I use a flash drive?

4) I've heard rumors that iRex's customer service and that sometimes the manufacturing is shoddy and the iLiads break and are hard to replace? Along the same lines, I've heard the screens are super fragile. Is this true?

5) I probably won't be getting one for a bit yet. Does anyone know of any new readers coming out soon that I should hold out for?

I know some of this information is available elsewhere, but I'd really like answers from actual iLiad owners/users.

Thanks so much!!!!