Hey Mac, great post and good opinions/findings. I like the underdog thingy. Instead of an Ipod, I bought a Zune
BTW, I'm still happy with that. It's a great mp3 player IMO.
You're certainly right when it comes down to costs for reading. It really is the most expensive way to read books. So I think one has to be some kind of geek. But who cares.
I doubt that tablets will be "the devices" for all. I don't need flash and email on my reader. Instead, I love that my reader is not capable to do that. I mean it still resembles a book.
There may be the day where all gadgets will be combined as one little "do-it-all" toy, but I guess there are still enough people out there loving dedicated devices, just doing one thing right.
I think you guys just want an ereader. You could also use a netbook. Well, I could have used my laptop. Meanwhile I own my 2nd ereader, and comes time, I will be back in the market for a new toy which doesn't have flash. If I want to read, I want to read. Just not with the musty smell and a little more geekish
From what I read I still think the Iriver makes a great book. I loved the looks, too, but could only get it online (which is partly why I bought the Sony).
I would say, If you want an ebook, go out and get one. It's great. Really expensive, but great....