[carpii]

Hi,

Im in the market for an ebook reader. I do wonder whether the current crop of ebook readers are really that good, because no matter which model I look at, they all have some niggle about them which is a bit of a disappointment.

My requirements...

Im on linux, so Windows-only sync software (with no alternatives) is a no go.
Ideally Id like to sync via wireless, since Ive already got too many USB cables hanging out my PC. I think the wireless pretty much rules Sony out.

This might not be a bad thing. Ive been loyal to Sony for a long time, but I wonder why, because their software is usually dreadful and Ive also read that unofficial PDF's put onto the Sony result in really small fonts.

Im a developer, so if it means using a bunch of tools I can use to automate conversions and syncing, then no problems. But I do want the ability to be able to read arbitrary PDF's, and Gutenberg TXT's without too much hassle.
Im not too concerned about DRM, since I doubt Ill buy many commercial ebooks anyway. I mostly want it for reference texts, and maybe some non commercial PDF's. I can live without dictionaries, jotting notes and mp3 support.

Price is not an issue. If theres a device that will suit me, Ill buy it, end of.
I think based on my requirements, Im really left with just a few choices....

2nd Gen Ilead reader (this is the one Im thinking of at the moment)
Astak Mentor (due 2009, is the only other one I can see that does wireless)
Sony (live with the fact it cant do wireless, in the hope its *vastly* better than Iliead).

Any suggestions please?
Im basically looking for reasons why I shouldnt get an Iliad, so if youve any comments about things I might not like about it, those would be very welcome.

Thanks
Carpii