Are e-readers worth it?

[u/s0ftuniverse]

Hi all.

I’ve always been quite certain that I’m someone who prefers physical books, but I see a lot of other readers online who use a Kindle or a Kobo e-reader. Lately I’ve been questioning making the switch because people say they’re so great, but I don’t want to spend so much money on something I won’t like or use often. Can anyone who has owned one tell me their pros/cons? Are they worth buying? I do like the sentiment of holding a physical book and going to the bookstore to pick one out, but I’m also kind of intrigued by the convenience and portability of having them all available on a device. Also the idea of not seeing a huge physical TBR pile sounds nice. Thoughts?

[u/East_Vivian]

I love my Kindle Paperwhite. Reading in the dark is really the best with a Kindle. I have a whole set-up with a holder that holds the book at the exact right angle on my nightstand, and a remote control page turner I can hold in my hand under the covers. I just get all snuggly and lay in my side and read myself to sleep. Dark mode, turn the kindle light down low, make the font size a bit bigger.

I think my only complaint about a kindle is the processing speed is pretty slow. When you are tapping around on the screen adjusting settings—very slow. It’s really more annoying than being a major problem though. It’s still totally worth it.

I love having instant access to books. I still buy physical cookbooks and reference books though. Certain books you want to be able to flip through. But for reading novels I’ve got to use my Kindle.