[Debi]

Hi
I'm Debi from the coalfields of Virginia and I really want an e-book reader. A friend recently bought a Nook and let me look at it which has made the itch much worse. The screen at the bottom was very distracting whether it was on or off. The 6 inch screen was nice but I would probably need something larger. Since I probably won't be able to touch one before buying I'd like to lean on you guys for as much help as I can get.

Situation:
I am legally blind, so as you can imagine screen size, contrast, fonts and font sizes are my main concerns. So far I'm looking at the Sony 900, the Irex 800SC and maybe the Ipad, though I have to admit I'm not a big fan.
I've been reading here and elsewhere about formats and converting files which sounds like it may be a necessity for me. I am unfamiliar with all of this but am willing to experiment and learn.
My reading will be purely for pleasure - recent and current fiction. No newspapers or magazines. I'll stick with my 24 inch monitor or magnifying glass for such things. Just to be able to curl up comfortably with a book without juggling a book in one hand and a magnifying glass in the other would be wonderful. Large print books - when they are available in that format - are great but are ofter so heavy that reading becomes less about the story and more about holding the book. Audiobooks have become my format of necessity recently but just can't replace holding a book in your hands.

I've looked at the charts which give info like number of font sizes but little about what that actually means. How big is xl or even medium and what fonts can I choose from? Is the xl the same in one format as another? On the computer I tend to default to Ariel. As an example, I am sitting about a foot from the 24 inch monitor and what I am typing appears as Ariel 18 does in a word document with my resolution at 1024 X 768. I would probably like something a bit larger to be able to hold the book further from my face.

I've read some discussion about Adobe InDesign. I have an older version of this program (Creative Suite 3) but have never used it. Would it be something I might be able to use?

Price IS a consideration but not at the top of the list. I would prefer to buy for the long term - or as long term as the ever changing electronics industry will allow.

Suggestions and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I've probably forgotten a few questions so if you think it might be relevant, please educate me.

Thanks