I've noticed the love affair with the ipad with Stardock employees.. While it's a good device, why would you love it's e-reader capabilities? Yes, beautiful, CONSTANTLY REFRESHING screen that can hurt your eyes after awhile. E-ink is much better for an ereader.
So awhile ago, I ended up getting a kindle. When I got the device, I thought it had a plastic screen protector on it... Until I notice that WAS the screen!
The 6' version is very small:

It goes into sleep mode, showing pictures, if you leave it alone or turn it 'off'. It actually never turns off, it shows a picture until you turn it back 'on'.

For reading it's perfect... you need a light, yes, but it looks just like ink. It's got extra features, like a 'web surfer', and by web surfer I mean a piece of crap. The device is solely an ereader, and the best (Beside the nook) at that.
here is a couple pics of it on a book:


To be honest, the Kindle wasn't what I was going to get. I WAS going to get a Nook, but went for a kindle due to Amazons superior customer service.
I don't know why people would want an lcd anymore for serious reading. Other things, yes, but not serious reading.