any recommendations on e-readers ??

I am very interested in getting an ereader, but am not sure which one to go with, does anyone have any strong feelings about it?

I don't think I want to go with a Kindle. I am looking mostly at the Sony 505, the Ectaco or the BeBook. Unless anyone else has any suggestions, I would love to hear a few opinions on these products (if you have them).

I got to play with a Kindle just last night, and I don't like it. My major objection is that it's too thin to hold comfortably. Number two in the list is that the buttons are poorly placed and otherwise cumbersome to use. Third is that it's not backlit, so you actually need a light on to read it. I'll stop there.

I happen to have two (count 'em - 2) of the 1150 eBook readers that are -- WAIT!!!!!

I just went to the FictionWise web site to see if they are still selling the 1150 eBook reader, and read the AS OF TODAY, FictionWise has been purchased by Barnes & Noble!!!!

I don't see any mention of the 1150 devices at all. I happen to like mine a LOT. As a matter of fact, the book I'm currently reading -- I've got it in both hardcover and eBook. I've read about 8 pages out of the hardcover, and the other 195 pages (so far) from the device. The characters aren't as crisp as you would get in the Kindle, or the Sony, but I don't feel that is a big issue. I love the fact that I can read it in virtually any lighting condition.

I'm going to contact these folks and see about the available of the 1150 devices.

I use my 'smart'phone as an eReader. I have the Palm Centro and downloaded the eReader app and MobiPocket (for library books). These apps are available on most if not all of these types of phones and they perform most of the same basic functions as a dedicated eReader.

There's no problem with the backlight, you can customize how you want your buttons, pages autoscroll, you can obtain books from either your library, free websites or download purchases. There are also many options available to customize how you view your pages...what color you want the text and background, how large you want the print. Plus, you can access a dictionary if you need one. I'm not sure exactly how many books the basic phone holds, but with use of a memory card you can easily increase the amount of storage.

Another of the e-ink types like the Kindle and Sony is the I-rex.

I don't knwo how good they are or how it compares.

Thanks for the info, I am still not sure, but I will keep looking. I just got a phone, I really don't want to get a smart phone, but I will keep that in minds also.

I just got a reply from the FictionWise folks --

A related division (called eBookWise) sells the 1150 device (for less than half of the cost of a Kindle). I really like (both of) mine, but I'm not going to try to convince you one way or the other. Read all of the facts.

Well, I have ordered the Sony 505, should be here in the next week or so. I am so eager to get it and get started. Thanks for all the input, I will come back soon and let you know how it is going.

Please do! I got to 'test-drive' one about two and a half years ago (at the Texas Book Festival). For me, the Page Forward/Backward buttons were too tiny, and I had some other issues with it, but it could be just the device for you.

I think you may want to wait. There are a couple of new ereaders coming out early next year (link). What's more, there's one from Japan with four ink colors (link) and one from PlasticsLogic (link) that looks interesting. There's also a possibility of new paperback-sized netbooks (link).

I used a PalmPilot for years and I've upgraded to a smartphone with PalmOS. I have several book reading software programs on there and I can store a couple dozen books.

My biggest issue with the Kindle is the very proprietary formatting. Kindle books don't work on anything else, so if you buy their DRM-laden books, and the Kindle becomes outmoded or drops off the market for any reason, all your Kindle books are-- for all intents and purposes-- gone.

edited to fix links

imayb1, I don't want to wait that long. ordered a sony after all. I can get it through WalMart, will let you all know what I think once I get it up and running.

I don't have a Kindle or Sony ereader, but I've started using Adobe Digital Editions on my PC and loading epub files from Project Gutenberg. I also plan to try reading them on my mini-notebook (laptop).

finally read my first book on my new e-book, so far I really enjoy the Sony that I got. I have loaded it with about 100 books and read 1. I have got a ways to go but it is light weight and easy to operate. The e-ink is easy to read and better than reading off the computer screen (which I have such a difficult time doing). I like, I am eager for my vacation this year so I don't have to take a separate bag just for my book collection. Yeah for me.

I'm happy for you onyx95. Have you got the books cataloged here in LibraryThing yet? I'd be interested in seeing what you've got for the eBook.

I have only read one, I will add the rest as I read them. I am tagging them as ebooks so it should be easy enough to check in on my library. I do have the free 16 harlequin ebooks and then sony offered 100 free classics with my purchase.

The one I have already read was a members giveaway through LT .... Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa

Ive been using the Sony Reader 505c for about a year now. It is fantastic. I just bought a Reader 700 because my dog ate the 505. It is just as good and adds screen lighting and touch screen w/note taking ability. Ive used the kindle a bit but for the lower price I would go with the sony everytime (not to mention more format support and native ePub support).

I've had an Astak EZ Reader for about a month now and like it. It reads a wide variety of formats, plus I got it for $229 after rebate from Frys. This reader is also sold as the BeBook and the Hanlin V3.

I purchased the cybook gen3 from bookeen (http://www.bookeen.com) last year.

I am thoroughly pleased with it. I started my process for picking an ebook reader at the mobileread forums. They maintain an excellent comparison matrix for different devices:

http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix

If you want a backlit device, none of the readers on that matrix are what you are looking for. I personally don't like reading off a backlit screen. For those that do, I saw the ebookwise 1150 mentioned above. I haven't used it, but it has great reviews

Also, there are several options that don't involve purchasing a separate device. PDA's and cell phones are a great option. If you don't mind sitting at your pc then that's an option.

If you do choose the cybook, definitely get the package that has the cover. Without the cover, it just doesn't feel like a book (the unit itself is only 6 ounces).

Most books weigh in around 500k. I got the option for the 2gb SD card, so that's around a 4000 book capacity on the device. Saves a ton of space in your house. Before I got the cybook I used to bring a whole suitcase full of books on vacation. Now I bring more, and they all fit in one 6 ounce device :)

You can download .txt copies of public domain books from project guttenberg. I find that the linefeeds don't match up, and it is difficult to read these. I have also found though that most of popular classics from project guttenberg have been reformated to mobipocket on the web, and are available for free and legal download.

Most new fiction seems to be available in mobipocket format. I have had considerable trouble with some classic sci-fi. It just depends on the author. Philip K Dick seems to be widely available. A lot of the more popular Asimov is also easy to find. Almost none of Arthur C. Clarke's stuff is available. Baen offers 100 free titles for download at their free library http://www.baen.com/library/

Baen really gets how it works. I probably downloaded 10 books for free and bought 40 from their site.

Well, this is my first post on librarything. I hope it's been helpful. I'd be happy to answer any more questions about the cybook. I'm also looking to get networked with other people that are fans of sci fi and/or ebooks.

#17 That's the first really really useful comparison site I've seen. Thanks very much for linking to it!