I've heard a lot of debate about ebooks and e-readers on the web, so I just wanted to put in my two cents. I actually own a Sony PRS-505 Reader (pictured on the left) so I thought my comments might be relevant!

Prior to purchasing my Sony Reader, I was extremely ambivalent about ebooks. The few I tried to read on my computer hurt my eyes after some time, and it was no match to holding the book in my hands. There was no satisfaction of turning pages - scrolling just didn't cut it. So I gave up on ebooks and returned to my tried and true method.

However, I got engaged in September and started planning a two week whirlwind tour of Italy for our honeymoon. On top of that, since I'm not getting married anywhere near where I live, I knew there were going to be a lot of traveling, a lot of plane trips. So I decided that despite my misgivings about ebooks, especially considering the restrictions on luggage weight now, I needed to invest in an ebook reader.

I purchased the Sony Reader over the Amazon Kindle for a few reasons: first, aesthetics. The Sony is sleek and shiny, whereas the Kindle looks like it's straight out of the 80's with its white boxiness. Second, the Sony can read pdf files whereas the Amazon Kindle can't. Third, the Sony was in stock at my local Borders, whereas Amazon had a wait time of who knows how long for the Kindle. It is definitely true that the books available for purchase are better on Amazon, but I've been happy with the selections available for the Sony Reader as well, especially considering all the free classics I've been able to get!

Now for the real meat of it: the reading experience. While turning the pages with a button does take some getting used to, it is easy enough. The screen itself is completely clear and easy to read; I've forgotten that I'm not reading an actual book multiple times! Though it was definitely expensive, I think it's one of the best investments I've made in a very long time. I've used it a ton of times (though only when traveling - when I'm at home, I still like real books. I don't think I'll ever use it except through necessity), and love it more and more each time! It's wonderful to be able to carry around hundreds of books in this small form; there aren't any weight concerns anymore, and I always have a vast selection of books to choose from. Plus the battery lasts a long time; I've taken the Reader on a three day long trip with 6 hours of travel time each way and returned with the battery half-full.

What do I not like about it? Well, the Reader software can be frustrating, especially because of its lack of drag-and-drop functionality. Plus, since it's an electronic device, it has to be turned off during plane takeoffs and landings, which leaves me twiddling my thumbs for 20 minutes. Also, the only charger the Reader comes with is a USB charger, which would normally be fine except that it won't charge from anything unless it has the software installed. So if you're trying to be clever and use your USB iPod wall charger with the Reader, it won't work. To charge it from the wall, you have to purchase a separate charger, which is annoying because the cost of the Reader is already so hefty! And let's face it - when it comes down to it, there is no replacement for a tried-and-true book.

The bottom line: I can't recommend the Sony Reader highly enough for those of you who travel and weigh down your luggage with books. I love it, and I'm sure you will too! (And my fiance certainly loves it, who was afraid he wouldn't have room for his clothes in his suitcase because he thought I was going to bring so many books on our honeymoon - which by the way is only a month away!)