I was thinking about the iPod solution myself and was looking at getting both accessories as recommended. The only question I have is does the Belkin battery pack recharge the internal battery of the iPod?

Here's what I'm thinking: What does the iPod use first when it's connected, the internal battery or the external battery? And does it actually charge the internal battery? Since the battery pack and that adapter use the same docking port on the bottom of the iPod, I don't want to end up where the iPod's battery is dead and it's running off of the external battery pack and when I try to plug in my reader it won't work.

The CDR solution does make sense though. I've still got some time to look around, however. Thanks for everyone's input because it's helping me think this out.