Not sure if I'm just not understanding the question, but, by EATCT, do you mean The Expert at the Card Table by S W Erdnase? If so, it's not really a fair comparison, given that the other two options are decks of cards. If that is what you mean, go for the book. It's one the most important books in card magic and will reward you throughout your life, whereas the other two options are, as discussed, decks of cards.
Has anyone here handled the Smith back No 2s?
Yeah I have. The smooth finish on them is smoother than the Aladdins but they don't fan as well. This is the ivory one. However, the cambric finish is awesome. I am loving those.
I'm talking about these: http://store.dananddave.com/erdnase-smith-back-2-playing-cards.html
Yes, I am talking about those too. Dan and Dave don't really specify which ones they are selling...weird.
Have you bought from D&D? Do you know which theirs is?
I'd say they probably have both, with ivory available upon request (that's how conjuringarts does it). If they only have one, it would almost certainly be the cambric as that is the most similar to bicycles and is more widely used.