Robertb, I tried to search in this thread but I couldn't find a definite yes to the fact that the Astak Mentor devices displayed at CES will come with a touch-screen option, and if yes, the touch screen allowes one to make a side sketch/draw not linked to a certain page in the book.
What I'd ideally need is something like this, a recall pattern drawing (by hand) developed as I read a chapter or the entire book:
http://www.assertionerror.com/2007/1...call-patterns/
I'm not even sure if the iRex iLiad supports drawing/note-taking not tied to a certain page number, maybe an owner can confirm.