[phenomshel]

I am actually looking for an alternative to a netbook. I want a tablet form device, but don't want to pay for a full tablet PC (those things are expensive!) A multifunction device like this running WinCE would more than fulfill my needs - and might even surpass them handily.
I want it mainly as an ebook device that can display pdf's decently, word docs, rtf, and every other format besides those for amazon and sony that are locked down. WinCE accomplishes this if it's got the right processor for the software. There are versions of both MS Reader and Mobipocket for Win CE (again, depending on processor, of course). LCD vs. e-ink isn't really an issue, though for reading in bed, I'm thinking I'd actually prefer LCD. I don't read outdoors much, and even when I do, I'm in the shade.
This or the alpha-700 are looking like good alternatives. Chris says wait til the first of the year (income tax refund time) and see how the dust settles, and I think that's a good idea. By that time we should have U.S. distributors for most of the devices that have just been released now, and we should have some clearer answers on what will run WinCE and what won't.
My biggest concerns are what it's like to hold it while reading, and having to come up with some sort of protective case for it. One device I looked at (I think it was the Jointech) is shown in a cover that looks identical to the one on my EZ Reader, which would be ideal.
The problems that profnachos had with his Smart Q7 also greatly concern me, and that's another reason for me to wait and see how any manufacturing difficulties shake out.
Even though I'm originally from Texas, bigger is not always better - but the Alpha 700 is looking good for the full size pdf possibilities. I checked with my husband's tape measure and I believe it would still fit in the slightly oversized purse I carry.