They can run Android.
I rooted my Glowlight with NookManager and installed:
- CoolReader
- GoldenDict Dictionary
- Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, etc)
- Opera
- A real File Manager
- GoodReads
- Kindle App
- DropSync (use Dropbox to load books and stuff)
- Several other small apps/utilities
The only thing it doesn't do is sync my current book and position with other devices, but I've never really used that feature. I like the physical page turn buttons too.
Also, I think they updated the Glowlight screen at some point. They look nearly identical to the regular Touch and they seem plenty durable.