Kelly--I carry my reader with light wedge in my purse everywhere. I do have it in a separate compartment inside the purse though (big purse). Haven't had any problems yet (knock on wood)! I do often get my reader out at Barnes and Noble or Borders. My husband and I love going to book stores, and I'm usually ready to go before he is. I just find a comfortable seat somewhere and get out my reader.
I've only had a couple people ask me about it though. And aside from my husband and his PRS700, I've only seen one other person with an e-reader. That was when I was vacationing in Cabo. There was a lady reading on a Kindle poolside.
dordale