If this is supposed to be strictly an ereader, why make it so big? The main reason why we all love- or at least I assume we all are in agreement here (but you know what they say about when you assume)- ereaders is that they are roughly the size of a mass market (those are the small paperbacks) give or take. 9.7" is kinda pushing the limit of that convenience. There are netbooks out there that are only a couple of inches bigger.
But let's play along and assume that this is strictly an ereader. Here's my wish list, in no particular order save when they popped into my head:
SD slot. Expandable memory is a beautiful thing. This is why I upgraded to the Sony Touch when Santa gave me the Pocket ereader.
Long lasting battery. Nuff said.
Ability to plug it into an outlet. Having to charge through the computer is a pain in the rear, especially if on vacation.
Wifi capabilities. The ability to download directly onto the device is VERY appealing.
Wide variety of fonts/sizes, and more importantly to save a desired option as default.
The ability to support multiple formats. That way we get to choose where we want to get a book from. Or to read documents for work- that way we can justify getting it.
Most importantly, software that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. That could make or break a device. Who cares if it can cook the perfect pasta if you have to hire a team of lawyers to write up a contract and sign your name in triplicate plus a credit check and a DNA sample before it will cook it for you?
Being able to download software updates directly onto the device. I know that ties into the Wifi but frequent (or at least regular) updates show that they care about the product and are continually looking for ways to improve it. And it shows that they are paying attention to customer feedback.
Which brings me to my last point: Stellar Tech Support. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting on hold for hours on end just for the person on the other line to tell you to do everything you've already done 15 times before you contacted them, and then say they're out of ideas.
As I was writing all that, it occurred to me that this device may be designed for business purposes, which has a completely different set of criteria. Which I will not be discussing.
You can thank me for not making your eyes jump out of their sockets and run away screaming now.
