The iPod at least always had cheaper than store-bought music to rely on and you could load music you had on your computer into your player. And frankly, I don’t think the iPod is worth it either, it’s a piece of expensive technology that lets you carry around your entire music collection, but seriously… how much of that can you conceivably listen to in the time you’re out? It’s an ability that has no real-world application.

And it’s still early for e-readers. The iPod when through at least 4 generations before it became a standard consumer product. Give e-reader hardward makers and publishers time to get the price down and more books out, and the e-reader will become more substance. Especially for students, who need a product like this more than anyone. I don’t want our kids having back problems before they’re 20.

They really need to offer something with an e-book reader that you simply cannot get with a physical book at 1/75th the price. Until they can do that, they’re not getting my dollars.

Even if your friend read manga, there’s next to nothing available, and to get scanalations means hacking (not always a bad thing).

I’m still optimistic about ebooks, and do want an ereader. I’m leaning toward the Sony though, as it’s more flexible and cheaper. But it’s the publishers that need to be convinced to make manga available in the format.