I'm actually finding my MSI Wind netbook quite curlable, so I couldn't imagine having any problems with a dedicated reader. Running FBReader fullscreen and portrait with brightness way down, it delivers a comfortable and book-like experience which is actually less distracting than a book in terms of page turning and keeping the page flat (can't really avoid it
) and pointed at my face. It's great for propping on my chest and reading in bed, and as I keep it turned on in sleep mode all the time, I can whip it out on the train and be reading just as quickly as a bookmarked paperback, and drop it back in my bag just as easily.
The size and weight probably wouldn't be comfortable for a smaller person, but the screen is no problem and for an average size/strength male, the form factor is just fine.