[Elsi]

Originally Posted by tlc

Between the Sony's and the Kindle, I strongly prefer the 505. What other readers should I be considering? (And why?)

I own both. My preferred reader is the Kindle, but the Sony is an excellent device.

Originally Posted by tlc

I prefer something that supports a variety of free formats. I'll buy DRM formats too if they can be 'cracked' and moved to another device someday. I don't want to be locked into a device or format or vendor. (Given this, which online e-book stores should I look at.)

Errr... Neither of the DRM formats supported by the Sony have been cracked -- well, at least I've never seen the programs for them. Whereas the basic MobiPocket DRM used on the Kindle is easily removed. Some Kindle books come in the newer Topaz format that doesn't appear to have been cracked, but that's not widely used yet.

The two bookstores selling books without DRM are Fictionwise (look for their "mutiformat books") and Baen/Webscriptions. For all the other books, if you want a DRM that can be removed, you'll buy MobiPocket or LIT format and then shift the book to a format understood by Sony or Kindle.

Originally Posted by tlc

I prefer something that will work with different OSes. MAC and Linux support are a must. (Calibre, right?)

Calibre supports both the Sony and Kindle. If you want to buy books for the Sony from the Sony store, you have to run their software on a Windows OS or emulated Windows. If you're in the USA, you can put books onto the Kindle without a computer at all.

Originally Posted by tlc

Reading newspapers and blogs would be nice. (Calibre)

Calibre supports both Sony and Kindle.

Originally Posted by tlc

Textbooks aren't important.

Then either device should work fine for you.

Originally Posted by tlc

I mostly read in bed, but I don't see lack of a light as a big issue considering the battery trade off. I use a booklight with paper books, so I can with the reader too.

Though the lighted cover for the Sony is a really nice way to read with very little impact on a bedmate or roommate.

Originally Posted by tlc

I really like physical books. I wouldn't be considering a reader if we weren't going on a 2 month trip soon. I may sell the reader after the trip.

It's easy to get hooked on these things. They are sweet devices. But if you really don't think you'll keep a reader, then going for the least expensive one will probably be enough for you.

Originally Posted by tlc

Other than turns/charge and font selections, I don't know what features I should be looking for. Do they all handle searching and bookmarks?

I don't think the Sony supports searches. Certainly the 505 doesn't support highlighting or notes/comments. Those were additions to the 700. I use the highlighting and notes functions much more than the search -- and all my reading on the electronic devices is recreational reading.

Originally Posted by tlc

What other readers should I consider? Why?

Well, the Cybook is a good choice. Many of the same characteristics as the Kindle except for the Amazon store and the wireless feature. Also supports PDF like the Sony. The Hanlin/BeBook seems to have support for the largest number of file formats. The Wiki here at MobileRead has excellent information on various models of readers.