Technonogy isn't all it's cracked up to be. I think I would rather have the actual book in my hands.

The whole point of this thing isn't actually the useability or lack therof, but the hipness of having one... Next thing you know, you'll be complaining about having eyestrain from watching Pirates Of The Caribbean on your i-phone.. Just fork over the cash and don't complain, OK?

Sadly, I ordered a Sony reader and had it for a couple weeks before returning it. Gosh, guys, why do you keep jumping the track designing these things? Palm pilots have way better screens and if you'd just make the screens a little better and listen to serious readers, I think we'd see a huge jump in the popularity of ebooks--which will save a lot of paper and bring down the escalating cost of reading. I guess the e-book readers must be designed by the same people who bring us 10 mile per gallon SUVs at a time when we're all crying for fuel efficiency. Sony has gotta be smarter than this! But maybe not.

It should be possible to do much better than we are doing in providing ebook devices to the public. I, too, would jump at the chance to own a reasonably priced, robust, easily read reader that would allow me to carry enough books for a vacation without the weight, and help me to stop using bookshelves as insulation for my walls! In the community of ebook publishers, the consensus seems to be that the big volume will happen when the readers are incorporated into something already popular (like a phone). They also seem to vehemently agree that DRM vastly reduces the revenue possibilities for most types of ebooks, although the evidence is primarily anecdotal.

I own one, and I also reviewed it in an article I wrote for Stone Magazine. I really don't like a backlight for reading (it's proven to be bad on the eyes as well). The best reading is done in a well lit room (even with paper books). Also, the print quality is fantastic compared to the past ebook readers.

I agree that with the technology available today, developing a decent e-book reader should be a walk in the park. Maybe try focus groups from all areas and walks of life. I would never give up my books, but there are plenty of times when I would love not to have to lug around a bunch of books (I tend to read fast and my little arms get tired). Jim, I'm glad you're pleased with the reader and it seems to fit your lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are times when I need the backlight, as lighting is not always available (one time I used my phone light because I'm nuts when it comes to reading. The rough part was that it fades after a minute and I would have to keep opening it and closing it...can we say "book addiction"). Kevin, if I ever am lucky enough to get an iPhone (also on my wish list), I promise not to complain about eyestrain from watching "Pirates..." Just the thought of holding Johnny Depp in my hands....(sigh)

I couldn't agree more about the back light. I like to read in low lit cafes and would prefer the benefit.Plus,growing up I read in the dark to avoid sleep all the time (ehem, children's and YA publishers)! With the growing popularity of graphic novels, and the need to create a tech niche that Gutenberg's print philosophy (and creation)can exist in, it's a wonder that the industry is dragging its heels! If ebook makers ( and publishers) want to tap into the market properly they will start working their way towards something worthy of our dollars.Clunky, anemically designed devices just won't do in this day and age. Consumers today are schrewd. The ebook device of the future should have a flexible COLOR display , allow the user to make notes, and ability to network with any computer . When our tech gets savvier (or our companies) we can start considering wireless download of books,download kiosks, book trailers, social networking through our devices, and the general creation of a conspiracy of smart people.

I would love to have an e-book reader, but then what would I use to quote a previous writer "insulate my walls". I thought I was the only one who did that!

I need the large print and would love a reader that could do that. The large print books are so big to hold. But I too, would like the backlight. Anyone listening??

Very interesting all . I didn't even know these existed. Still something about holding the book in my hand..... But Someday I am sure I will want one - espcially for traveling.

Thanks Barbara for the Sony E-Reader info. Tomorrow's Friday--time for "Your Turn". Thanks for your blog.

I have a Sony Clie PDA. The reader I use is Mobipocket and I can use my backlight, it will scroll automatically or you can thumb-scroll and you can make the print several different sizes. The books are not that expensive at the Mobipocket site. I also download RSS feeds of websites (devotionals, magazines...) and daily newspapers each morning (both national and my local paper). Of course I also use it for my planner, excel word and powerpoint doc's, pictures, walkman...

...oh I almost forgot I can add notes and bookmark pages. I did have to download the Mobipocket software because it didn't come with the PDA.

I love books. The feel, the smell. But there are times I feel a e-reader would come in handy. I hate being without a read and since the reader can hold over 80 books, I'd never be caught without a read. I need a backlight too because my DH can't sleep with the light on and I have to read before sleeping. And no...I don't want separate bedrooms!

I never thought about getting an e-reader, but I looked them up online and it sounds kind of cool.

I didn't realize this was such a hot topic, but hopefully someone is listening and will be able to meet the needs of the book lovin' public. Those that have e-readers and like them, thanks for your input.

I have looked into getting myself one but the price is a no go. LOL... But I love the idea and read ebooks on my pc all the time. I love it because when I am working and need to take lunch I and read and have lunch and not need another hand to hold my book! LOL. But yes, you are right Barb. Wish there was one that supported every format out there!

I really have no comment or opinion on the Sony E-Reader, however Barbara, I will say SHAME on Sony for treating you that way!!! Sounds like they really need a refresher in Customer Service 101.

Barbara, love your blog. And I’m with you on the Sony Reader thing. If it could sync with Audible.com, and have backlighting, it would be worth the price.