[iandix]

I would not rule the nook out, I'm in Australia and I love my nook... so the 3g does not work..no big thing, the wi-fi works very well. It will display epubs purchased from any supplier and you can sideload (use a USB connection) to transfer the ebooks to the nook.

And if you want to buy books from B&N or even download their free copies each Friday ... I have no problem with that, it's easy to work around.

One thing you must check on before you buy is the screen.. contrast levels appear to be different and some touch screens like the Sony PRS600 have a major glare issue.. so get reports from people about that as well.. The Nook has a very very clear screen with a very good contrast, I know there are others that are the same, but many that do not match up..

as for battery ..okay a bit less than others (but it has a LCD touch screen on the bottom) ..turn airplane mode on and I get about 4 to 5 days ..

yes it weights more than others ..wow a whole 12oz ..some people try and say that is too heavy ... 12oz ..come on it weights the same as a paperback and I can hold my nook for hours without the need to lay down afterwards.

"Suitable for ambidextrous use (That's right ladies, I can read with both hands! )"

yes

"- Open and configurable and works with DRMd EPUB (unless my above assumption is wrong)"

Yes
- Dictionary look up

Yes
- LIT support (unless this is resolvable)

Use Calibre to convert lit is dead (yes MS lovers lit is dead)

- Expandable storage and replaceable battery

yes and yes