1. ok, so grayscale doesnt matter since I am going to be reading text mostly.
2. @pilotbob: Yes, price is a pretty important factor.
Especially keeping in mind that books are way cheaper here in India compared to the US etc since a lot of publishers print localised editions only for sale here. (agreements etc with local publishers.) If they priced it directly based on the exchange rate few would buy since they would be very expensive.
The only reason I am interested is that most of the stuff I like reading I already have in digital format, so its pretty much just a one time expense for me. + the allure of being able to carry all those books without the extra weight
3. The bebook/cybook seem to be for sale in Europe? Didnt see them on Amazon US site.
4. @andybaby: I saw the jetbook too, didnt like it. Only problem seems to be that its not an e-Ink display but an LCD. Now that I am going to buy one, it IS going to be a long term investment, so I want to get an e-Ink based one at least since they are supposed to be so much better. + if I use a PDF someday (rare I know) I think the 505 has reflow capability thats missing in the jetbook.
I have used LCDs before for reading. Both my cellphone (SE k508/750/790) and my PMP (Vision W (480X272)). But they are cumbersome to hold/navigate etc.
5. @Alisa: The dictionary/annotations, text support etc I can live without. I usually dont need to refer a dictionary etc. If I need it that bad, I can always load up a java based one on my cell or something
So it seems unless something really new comes up at CES, the 505 it seems to be.
Also, dunno whether a separate thread on this is required or not, but are the extra warranty plans etc any good?