Sony Pocket Edition

After weeks of researching (H calls it obsessing) e-book readers I purchased a dedicated e-book reader: a Sony Pocket Edition.
The Pocket Edition is not the most feature rich e-book reader on the market, but it offered the best match of price and features for my needs.
Since I plan on using the device exclusively for pleasure reading and I'm not a big margin writer, the ability to mark up books is frivolous.
My iPhone is a constant companion, so a music player, a picture viewer, or a Web browser are worse than useless.
I don't mind having to hook the device up to the computer to get content since I can use the computer as a charger. Besides the danger of impulse buying is lessened by the lack of immediate access ro book stores. The mobile iTunes store has resulted in a number of impulse purchases I wouldn't have made if I had to wait.
The 5" screen is a little smaller than ideal, but it is big enough. The smaller screen also makes the device easy to stuff in a pocket.
The device has comparity limited memory and no expansion ports, but I cannot imagine a situation where I will need to carry more than 100 books. If the device was a music/picture player as well, I'd be more concerned about the memory.
The device only supports three font sizes, but to date I don't feel the need for more. Needing to transition between six or more settings might even get annoying.
The real selling point for the Sony over the Kindle or the Nook is the ability to take books out of the library. Part of the reason for buying the e-book reader, other than my desire for a new gadget, was to save money on books. I typically buy at least one trade paperback a month. At an average price of $15 a pop that is a pricy habit. When you add in the fancy coffee drink that usually accompanies book shopping my book habit runs close to $300 a year. It also consumes a large amount of space in the house. E-books are typically cheaper than print books and e-books from the library are free! The Sony makes the process of checking out the books painless. They upload from the computer easily, they keep you informed of when they expire, and stop working without any fanfare.
I've read three books on my device and have enjoyed it immensly. It fits nicely in my hands. The screen is crisp and easy to read. There is a little glare but not enough to cause problems. The page turns are not too slow-no longer than it would take to flip the page of a book.
The user interface is easy to navigate. The menus are clear and work well with the buttons along the side. Jumping to any page is simple. Chaning font size is a single button push. Bookmarks are also a single button away. Switching to landscape is also a single button push.
Since the Pocket Edition was only $200, I didn't mind splurging for a case. I got the one with built in book light. It was a little pricy, but it has proven to be worth it. The light is a perfect match for the reader's screen. I can read in bed without keeping the bedside light on (which H appreciates) or constantly fiddling with the book light.
For the recreational reader interested in an e-book reader, I think the Sony Pocket Edition is just about perfect.