@gailcalled Not in the least. That’s why I transfer long articles to my ebook reader; it’s much easier on the eyes than a computer monitor. It’s the closest thing to reading paper I’ve ever experienced.
I’ve read several books on my PDA, but the experiences are incomparable; the PDA’s screen is backlit, which causes eyestrain (very similar to reading off of a computer monitor). Ebook readers, on the other hand, use E-INK technology, which is not backlit and does a great job simulating the look of paper.
I think part of the reason why people are quick to dismiss ebook devices is because they think the screens look like what you would get on a iPhone or a similar smartphone/handheld device. If the companies would make a greater effort at getting floor models out there, people would see just how different the screen is. The Sony Style stores are few and far in between, so most people haven’t seen their devices. Once Barnes and Noble gets their act together, I suspect that the Nook is going to make a killing, as people will have a chance to see the device in person and play with it at the store (they have like 800 locations).
@Seek_Kolinahr Interestingly enough, I’ve noticed that my own reading habits have me gravitating toward pulpy and trashy stuff on my Sony Reader, and “real literature” in dead paper form (probably because I feel “literature” is worth spending the cash on). I do imagine myself going out and buying the hardcover of a book that I particularly enjoyed as an ebook.