[Albyr]

First off, I want to thank all the MobileRead contributors. You've really helped me narrow down my ebook reader choices: I'm currently thinking about getting an iRex DR800S (the -SG isn't available in the UK).

I have a couple of questions, if you guys can help me out.

1.) a) I'm mainly looking at using my reader for reading screenplays, which are usually formatted as 8.5×11 Letter size PDFs. How will these look on the DR800's screen? If anyone here has a DR800 and some time, I'm willing to chuck you a few quid via PayPal if you'll try a few documents for me and take photographs.

1.) b) Alternately, what's the best way to simulate an ebook reader's screen on my laptop? I've tried shrinking a PDF on screen so it's the same physical size as the DR800's screen and they seem readable, but I wonder what role dpi/ppi plays.

2.) How does the DR800 categorise "books"? Most of the PDF's I'm going to be looking at have pretty sketchy metadata; how easy is it going to be to find the file I want. Can I browse by filename? Is there a way on the DR800 to assign metadata? Or rename files? I've heard complaints about directory structure, but I don't really understand them.

3.) Is there new firmware that implements zoom functionality in PDFs? What about trimming margins from PDFs? I could do it in Acrobat, but I don't want to have to bother!

4.) Do I have to use the stylus? If all I want to do is read, can I leave the stylus at home?

5.) What's the battery life like? I've heard conflicting opinions.

6.) Should I buy a Kindle instead? The screen is bigger, and I'd have some sort of wireless in the UK, even if it's not the full signal.