I've tried to read books on my Newton some years ago. Then I read a lot of books on my several pocket pcs, and palms (the last and best one as reading experience is concerned being my clié NX70).
In the maintime, I also read a LOT of pbooks. But I must say that I'm not displeased at all with my Sony Reader.
I don't know if you would put it as expensive (I brought it second-hand for less than 150€), or badly made (even if there are always possible improvements, I find it quite nice), or out-of-stock (you can buy one easily, new or second-hand), but for me : it just does the trick :)

And all the while, Amazon is big on DRM-ed ebooks with his Kindle. Do what I say, not what I do ?

hehehehe, don't know if you can really write "no grinding (repetitive tasks are boring)" and "gardening" in the same news :)

You can try this link :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000HKMQ64/boingboing/