[TheJohnNewton]

The number one thing that is needed for an effective ebook reader is a very readable screen of at least a medium size, say the Kindle or Sony's current size. Currently screens with this capability do not work well for multi-function devices (slow refresh, no color) but some day they probably will. When that day comes then a multifunction device would be possible that covers ebooks and more general computing needs.

For really small devices such as a cell phone or mp3 player the screen is simply too small to make an effective ereader for content of any length or people with aging eye sight.

In addition to a multi-function device for reading ebooks I could see a market for a dedicated ereader whose main goal is low price. Ebooks will only really take the lions share of the book market when the reader purchase is not an issue. While a multi-function device will work for many it's probably going to remain at least moderatly expensive. A cheap targeted ereading device will let even the casaul reader in on the ebook experience. Until then you'll still have a big market for the dirt cheap paperback.

As far as making the the book buying experience easy, Amazon already has that down. If there were just one industry standard ebook format then much of the current hassle of buying ebooks would simply go away. And if the books are readily available at a resaonable price the need for DRM will also go away. I don't think many will bother with the hassle, legal, and moral issues of the dark net if the legitimate path is made easy.