Ebook program

apparently it’s a feature on an media player i’m looking at what does it do?

I work on industrial equipment on offshore oil rigs. I frequently find myself lugging my laptop and/or cumbersome schematic books into bilges and other nasty places. I want to buy an ebook reader that will let me display schematics (PDF format) which are generally about twice the size of a regular 8.5″X11″ sheet. It will need to have 4 way scrolling so that I can view the whole page in full size (MUST). It must also have a search feature, as I also frequently find myself searching for a single word in 1500+ page manuals(MUST). It would be nice if it were small in size (hopefully small enough to fit into a large coveralls pocket)(WANT). Also, it would be good if the device is ruggedly designed (milspec, shock proof, water proof, etc)(WANT). ooh yeah, and a backlight would be handy for those dark cramped spaces(WANT). Thanks!

Can some provide a comparison of the different portable ebook readers, and recommendations on which is the best choice?

is there an ebook reader out there that you could maybe “rent books” if not which do you think is the best one to buy?

What is the cost and is the product worth the 300 dollar cost? please provid any othe info you know about it.

I have a friend who wants the sony digital reader, and he lives in Ireland. Does anyone know when sony plans on releasing it internationally?
Thanks.