A number of people do not understand what an eBook reader is. It has one HUGE difference from a laptop or a palm: e-Ink.
The screen of an eBook reader is not lit, there is no refresh rate, it looks and feels exactly like paper. Like paper, the brighter the ambient light is, the easier it gets to read an eBook reader. Therefore, unlike reading from a laptop or Palm, reading from an eBook reader does not tire your eyes (ever tried reading a novel from your laptop?).
If you have not experienced an eBook reader, do so - Sony's failed eBook reader has been around for a year. I would not recommend you buy one yet - these first generation devices cost too much. Am waiting personally for the $100 device, or the iPod equivalent.
Hope this clarifies. (The article above adds to the ignorance.) BTW, the Kindle is not available outside the US. And among its key failings is lack of native PDF support. Can be easily sorted out in v2.
