Honestly, I want to ask - what is the appeal of an ebook reader? Maybe they do more than I imagine. After a long day in front of a computer screen (my work), I don't quite understand sitting down at night and reading from another computer screen for recreation. I already spend way too much time in front of a computer.
An excellent point you raise. One of the reasons I asked the question is to hear how people use them and why.
My initial hankering comes from my geekineess. These things just look cool. But I also like the idea of being able to carry a bunch of books in one small and lightweight package as I'm usually reading 2 or 3 books at the same time. Plus, being able to carry pdf versions of all my e-gear manuals would be a bonus. I too stare at LCD screens all day but I've seen the Kindle and Sony screens in the stores and they really look to be easier on the eyes.
As for the tablet products, I'm yet to be convinced they're a worthwhile investment for general usage. I've tested a lot of them for clients over the years and while I think they're great for a specific task set, they just confirm my opinion that multipurpose tools aren't really good at any one thingg. Just my bias. I prefer tools made for the task.