Hey, Skwerl, welcome to MobileRead!
The Gemstar/Ebookwise/(half a dozen other names)1150 is a very well thought of device, especially for ergonomics. I've never used one myself, but a lot of folks around here do, and think very highly of them. I hope it does what you need/want it to.
You should check out the e-books section here at MR, too, we're starting to get some good uploads in .IMP format (I think that's the right one for the 1150?), all good Public Domain stuff, but the folks who put them together tend to do a solid job of it.
What part of TN are you in, BTW? I've just moved to the Jackson area a couple-three months ago. We have another MobileReader in Nashville, as well.
Glad you joined us!