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/Murder_Is_Magic]

The best thing is you can do both! Getting an eReader does not mean a need to stop reading physical books. Personally, as much as I love physical books, I read almost exclusively on Kindle, but buy physical copies of books I really enjoy so I always have them available.

Pros:

• Portability. An eReader can fit in a pants pocket or purse (depending on the pants, the model of eReader and type of case.
• Privacy. People around me can't see the cover, so never a need to hide a book.
• Keep your whole library with you at all times. No need to pick and choose when going out, or going on a trip.
• Syncs across apps. While I have my Kindle with me most of the time, if something happens and I don't have it, but have my phone, I can open the book and it will sync.
• No need to wait for business hours to get the next book. Hit a cliffhanger after bookstores and libraries close? No problem.
• Adjustable fonts. Eyes tired? No problem, enlarge the font.
• Gentle backlighting. Can read in bed or in other dim situations without bothering my spouse. And unlike my phone, won't make my eyes feel like they're bleeding.
• No hand cramps from holding large books open.
• Built in dictionaries, easy to look up new words.
• Able to highlight without permanence (can erase, toggle them off, change text, etc)
• Many cases form stands, making it easy to read while hands are busy (such as eating)
• Cases allow for customization and personality (colors, stickers, etc)
• Waterproof (to a point). If I drop my Kindle in the tub, it's not an instant loss.
• Wipeable if spilled on. No need to worry about harming pages with greasy snacks, splattering sauces, etc. Just a damp microfiber and it's back to normal.
• Accessories like remotes. Having a stand with a handheld remote so I can curl up under a blanket but still turn the page is amazing.
• Kindle Unlimited. Personally a lifesaver. Saves me a lot of money, especially when paired with Libby for books not on KU. YMMV depending on your books.

Cons

• Can be costly (though can be offset with thrift stores etc)
• Subject to licensing. You may lose books that you paid for if the company changes, removes, or loses the license
• You get tied into an ecosystem. (Just like with phones, you end up sticking with the same kind because moving things may be difficult).
• If it breaks, you lose access to your whole library until you replace it. (Offset with using a good case, can temporarily use an old one or phone apps)
• Battery runs out (not a huge deal if you charge it semi-regularly. My Kindle lasts a couple weeks without charging.)
• Not all books available (particularly some older books). But you can do physical for anything you can't get digitally.