I have ready many books on my Kindle and like it quite a lot.
For all the novels I read, none of them have illustrations. Using the device often in travel, I would prefer the month-long battery life and clarity of e-ink over color IF color caused any decrease in those features.
When I was buying some Photoshop CS5 books, I noticed that they had Kindle versions, but because the screen is only B&W, opted for the paper versions.
A color screen would be be nice, and really a necessity for reading a book on photography or graphic art. For Photoshop and post processing works, I most often use the books as a reference while at my computer, and if the PC-based reader supported color (and the book was actually rendered in color) that would probably meet my needs. For photography, technique, and arts, the B&W is a definite disadvantage. We live in a world of color, and it does add a richness to any experience.
I do think that it's only a matter of time before all e-readers are available with color screens. I expect that as these devices are gaining popularity, advances in their technology will be much more rapid.
As for Kindle innovations, I have no idea what Amazon has planned, but my order of preference would be:
- Increase the reading area by keeping the device the same size but provide an e-ink screen with a USEABLE touchscreen and keyboard.
- Provide a color screen while maintaining the clarity and long battery life.