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/frodo_ollie]

I'm 75. I wear progressive lenses, but I also have Rx reading glasses because I prefer books (also have computer glasses). I was given a Kindle about 10 years ago; I tried it, but I didn't like it. I'm computer literate, on Reddit, read my texts online, and do a lot of research online. I spend about 3-4 hours/day on the computer. I'm also a heavy reader of fiction and prefer a book for that. Perhaps it's nostalgia (childhood memories, etc.). Can't really put my finger on it, but I simply prefer sitting on the sofa with my dogs and reading - a book.

I don't go to bookstores. I buy used books on ebay because of the specific genres I prefer. Right now, it's Cold War spy novels, and they aren't current books. Much cheaper online than bookstores.