I don't mind reading programming books on the computer. If you like to try the examples as you're reading, it saves you from having to move between the dim pages of the book and the bright computer screen.

For a novel, though, I definitely prefer the Kindle or a real book. (Real books annoy me now, because they are harder to hold. They are too springy, and fighting that gets tiring. Yes... I am lazy...)

Haha, I feel you :)

It's 11 dollars used on amazon, I'm going to opt for that one instead. I am fully with you on ebooks, reading books on screen isn't pleasurable for me at all.

edit: amazon has it for 8 dollars for the kindle( which can be read on am iphone if you're so inclined)

I bought the hard copy on amazon a few weeks ago. Best ruby books I've seen. It ranks high compared to 'best of' books for other langs as well.

Speaking of iPhone, the book is available as an iPhone app for $4.99:

http://appshopper.com/books/the-ruby-programming-language

They say that they worked with Lexcycle, makers of Stanza, the iPhone ebook-reader, to make this work well.

At the bottom of the page are 5 screenshots showing how the book looks on an iPhone.

Haven't tried many technical books yet, but the Kindle is incredible. Highly recommended if you read a lot.

Go with the full size Kindle for comfortable reading of PDFs.