Bookish joy comes from many sources. Some readers search used bookstores for different editions of their all-time favorites. Others love owning personalized books from authors they have met in person. Lately, I have found unexpected readerly delight in owning multiple e-readers and discovering the benefits of having more than one way to read books electronically.
You may be asking yourself: “Why would someone own more than one e-reader? Don’t they all do the same thing?” I used to think the exact same thing. Now after owning only one e-reader at a time for about 15 years and expanding my collection last summer, I wish I had purchased multiple ones even sooner.
Having the ability to afford multiple e-readers is a privilege; I currently own a Nook, two kinds of Kindle, and a Boox. They are not cheap and are definitely not a necessity for reading. Some readers prefer print books only and that is a-ok! Using a digital reading device is not for everyone. I enjoy the e-ink experience but totally understand preferring pages to pixels. (I am just a tad bit envious of those of you that can use your phone or tablet to read. The world is truly your reading oyster! Trying to read on my phone gives me headaches and I get distracted by notifications, calls, and texts.) With so many choices in reading formats out there, I am extremely grateful that I have the means to own a few different e-readers for both my personal reading and work on Team MMD. I do not take it for granted.
For years I was perfectly content with my first electronic reading device, a Barnes & Noble Nook. I adored the page turning buttons and was so impressed by the amount of storage. Being able to read in a new format was exciting and the Nook made the experience easy. I had caught the e-reader bug.
About five years later, right before our first child was born, my Nook was becoming glitchy. Amazon had introduced their built-in light so I treated myself by upgrading to a Kindle Paperwhite. It really came in clutch for all those late night feedings. Thanks to that purchase, reading on an e-reader went from a somewhat sporadic occurrence to a daily habit for me. I actually owned a physical copy of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson but opted to wait months for a library e-copy instead because I enjoyed reading e-books so much. (Plus, it was much lighter than that 566 page hardcover!)
Fast forward to a fateful day last June. I was feeling frustrated that my Paperwhite would not fit in my crossbody bag. I also kept forgetting it at home when I meant to bring it with me on errands and appointments. Luckily, an almost cartoon-style lightbulb went off above my head when I realized I wouldn’t have this issue if I had two e-readers. Prime Day was quickly approaching so I did some research via Bookstagram and made plans to buy their smaller e-reader, simply called Kindle. I strongly considered a Kobo at the time as well, as I know readers who adore theirs and I loved the idea of being able to purchase ebooks in support of smaller businesses. However, a few years back, my library system sadly stopped using Libby/Overdrive in favor of CloudLibrary. This made it impossible to borrow titles to read on Amazon e-ink readers and a hassle to transfer to Kobo since they would have to be sideloaded with a computer connection. Knowing neither e-reader would seamlessly work with CloudLibrary like it did with Libby, I ultimately chose the Amazon product since I already had a collection of Kindle formatted e-books. Utilizing the Amazon trade-in discount in addition to the annual sale, I got my new “purse” Kindle for about the price of two hardcover books.
We often discuss genius moves for the reading life in MMD Book Club and having two e-readers was a total game changer for me. The many bookish benefits became quickly evident. The smaller size fit into tiny bags and even my pocket. I can read easily in more situations since I carry it with me at all times. It’s one less item to remember to grab when I leave the house. I immediately noticed an increase in my time spent reading. I was catching snippets of time throughout the day while out and about instead of getting pulled into Instagram on my phone. Now I always have an e-reader on my nightstand and my purse option for when I’m on the go. Thanks to the devices syncing up to my last read page perfectly when connected to wi-fi, I don’t ever miss a word.
As an added bonus, I don’t worry about taking my smaller e-reader out of the house the way I would a more expensive device. Knowing it would cost less to replace than my larger one eases my mind. Let’s say you have an almost cult classic level e-reader with page-turning buttons that you adore and happens to be discontinued. We are looking at you, Kindle Oasis. Then you can rest easy that your precious (please read in a LOTR Gollum voice) is safe at home when you have a smaller back-up.
About three months ago, I introduced another device to my e-reader lineup. (Spoiler alert: it is my current number one draft pick.) After seeing this glowing review from Wirecutter and learning that Bookshop.org would be offering e-books, I ordered my own Boox Palma 2. This adorable phone sized e-ink device runs on Android and arrives with the Google Play Store installed. The way I quickly downloaded all my reading and library apps when it arrived may have broken a world record. Now I have access to library electronic resources again and can finally choose to support independent book stores when I buy e-books. Huzzah!
However, the Boox Palma 2 does have some aspects that fellow readers may find to be red flags. The set-up and learning curve can be time consuming, the price is high, and I often run into issues with “ghosting” (lingering images from the previous page). Bookstagram and YouTube videos have been really helpful in learning the many cool features, gift card presents offset some of my cost, and the ghosting can be quickly remedied by the push of a button. Best of all, those aforementioned aspects are completely forgotten when I am reading e-books from my library or local indie that I can’t access with a Kindle. And did I mention how small and light it is? The size and weight make it so easy to hold on my occasionally achy finger joints. The page-turning buttons are another great feature and like many other aspects of the device, fully customizable to my preferences. The Palma may not be the perfect e-reader, but it is pretty perfect for me and I honestly love reaching for it when I read around the house.
I am pretty sure the perfect electronic reading device does not exist. (Please tell me if you find it or invent one!) Some readers want the ability to write on their e-reader, others prefer a color e-ink display, and quite a few like larger screens best. We’re talking about a real Goldilocks scenario here. In the meantime, having multiple e-readers is a great option with significant benefits in my reading life. Keep in mind that this approach is by no means necessary to have robust reading options or a good fit for everyone. After all, the best e-reader for you will be one that will make you want to pick it up often and dive into the pages of a good book.
What is your preferred e-reader(s)? How do you feel about reading electronically? Please share in the comments.
P.S. Elevate your reading experience with these favorite bookish things and Add joy to your reading life with these favorite bookish accessories.
About the author
Brigid Misselhorn is our MMD Book Club Community Administrator. Her go-to genres are mystery, romance, and sci-fi. You can find Brigid on Instagram @brigid_emily.
78 comments
I have a Kindle at home and another at work (school). I love reading during my lunch and when I have an extra few minutes! Now I’m curious about the BOOX Palma 🙂
Mindy, what a great idea to have one at work and one at home!
I also got a purse (well it’s actually a crossbody bag, but same function) Kindle a few years ago & agree it has drastically improved my reading life! I love having an e-ink device constantly available and not needing to worry about grabbing my Kindle at the last minute.
My current favorite e-reader is a Kindle Oasis, but I am strongly considering a Boox Palma 2 for my birthday later this year!
Yes, Amy- purse, crossbody, backpack, hip pouch e-readers unite! Sometimes I wish I had sprung for Oasis, everyone I know who has one loves it.
Yes, the Oasis is nice, but has some serious issues for me. #1 is battery life. I had to charge it every other day! A real pain as I’m a stroke survivor who only has one useable hand. So it was difficult for me to plug in . And it was heavy! At least relative to my new paperwhite SE . The SE has wireless charging, plus feels much lighter. So, different kindles for different needs. I’m loving my new SE which holds a charge for 3 weeks!
I got a Kindle Oasis about 5 years ago which I really like. My library uses Libby so it’s easy to get compatible books. Some library book oks are only available on Kindle — no paper copies (unless you go thru interlibrary loan) so the Kindle has that going for it. Another great advantage of an e-reader is that you can change the fonts. My husband got a Paperwhite for Christmas and he is able to read his favorite books again. The font on some paper books is too tiny for him.
Amy H – that is such a good tip about changing font size. The accessibility on e-readers is great. And you are so lucky to still have Libby. At my library, the holds for CloudLibrary e-books is usually longer than the print versions so I still do a lot of reading on paper.
You might check into the libraries in neighboring towns or larger cities in your state. I live in San Antonio, but I have an electronic library card for the Houston library and they have different books available than we can get here in SA!
Great suggestion, Terri! I used to have a digital card to nearby Broward county libraries but they recently changed the access and price so I have not renewed. But I think it may be time to do so!
I am a fan of the iPad Mini. I’m on my second model and it’s a good size for traveling and a large enough screen for easy reading. I prefer the multiple functionality of a tablet instead of a dedicated e-reader. To each his own!
That is what my husband Chad does too, Priscilla! You can’t beat the amount of reading apps available on tablets. He loves it for graphic novels and comics as well.
I am using my second or third iPad mini. I am very happy with it. I wonder if Libby will send books to multiple ereaders.
Are Brigid and Ginger co-MMD Maximilists?! This post brought so much joy! Thank you for sharing your process to make reading as seemless and enjoyable as possible.
Yes, Megan I think so! Especially when it comes to digital media. I remember Ginger saying one time that one of the reasons she never regrets buying e-books when they are on sale is that e-books only take up digital space and I felt seen. Haha! And it is a minimal amount of digital space at that!
I got a Kindle Paperwhite a few years ago and it works perfectly for me. I still read a lot of “real” books but love the convenience of an electronic reader, especially the space-saving it affords for travel. Also love linking to my local library, with the biggest problem there (of the first world variety) being, after I have had weeks or months on the waiting list, too many ebooks becoming available within a few days of each other. That is easily solved by deferring delivery, and I don’t go to the back of the line. While one is enough for me, I appreciate your resourcefulness in using several and how that works for your life.
Bob, that is smart to defer the delivery. I have used that trick often!
And I too still read a lot in print especially books with maps, text messages or emails, news reports, and basically any kind of mixed media.
I am interested in an e-reader that allows me to access Libby books directly without other internet access. I have had 2 of the most basic Kindles for years which have been perfectly fine until now.
I agree, Jennifer! I love an e-reader to be just simply for reading and no other internet access.
I started my eReader love affair with an early nook. At the time kindle wasn’t an option as the proprietary issues with kindle hadn’t been worked out for library reads. As my eReading continued (and dominated) I was faced with the frustration of trying to eReader outdoors. As a result I got my kindle paperwhite. When my nook finally died I opted to replace it with an iPad. Like your boox I have all the apps (including kindle) available but still pull out the paperwhite when I need longer battery time and/or have outdoor reading planned. I got around the purse-fit dilemma by opting for a large tote which is big enough for my iPad and purse.
Totes do make great reading bags, Becky! That’s probably why I have some many of those too LOL.
And glad to hear your e-reading love started with the Nook too. My old glitchy Nook still works but now the exterior rubber areas are starting to crumble and it makes me sad.
I’m on my second Kindle Oasis (and I picked my crossbody to fit it) I am bereft that it has been discontinued. I also use the Kindle app on my phone and on my iPad for magazines I have through the library (Libby) or KU. I also use my phone for Cloud Library, where I have my Hachette Book Group account (employees get free access to ebooks and audio here). I’m intrigued by BOOX Palma and shall be using work time for ‘research’ even though I’m a print buyer (IRONY!)
Ha, the irony! Also Stacy that Hachette Book Group account sounds amazing!
I had a basic Kindle for several years to be used as a back up in a pinch when regular books were not an option. And I have the Kindle app on my iPhone, which has a bit of a larger screen than some other phones I have seen. I traded in the basic Kindle for a paperwhite this year, because I wanted larger screen on that device too. I have mentioned before that my local library branch, which is within walking distance of my home, is closed for renovations and will be until next year. I don’t drive, so I really miss my library. I do occasionally Uber to another branch to pick up a book I especially want to read holding it in my hands. But for now, my main source of books is through the Libby app from my library using my Kindle paperwhite at home, and the Kindle app on my phone. And the two devices seamlessly sync, which is terrific. I can’t wait to get back to hardcover books, however, so I hope my library’s renovation stays on schedule – dreamer that I am.
I am hoping your library’s reno stays on schedule too, Mary Lou! Glad you can get digital access in the meantime but I totally understand taking an Uber to get your paper copies. Some books just call for reading in hardcover!
Oh my gosh- I thought I was the only person who did this! When the battery life started to deplete on my oasis I kept it, even after buying a replacement, and left the old one plugged in on my nightstand for bedside reading. Since then, the combination of devices has changed (rip oasis) but I still love the convenience. At the moment I have a kindle scribe and a kindle color and I usually keep a paperwhite in the car for kid pickup lines and sports practices but my 8 year old just stole that one and I haven’t replaced it yet. (I won’t use the Google store, but as soon as bookshop.org makes a non-android version of their e-reader I’ll grab one of those too)!
M, as Anne often says “You are never alone in the reading life.” Glad to know you have found benefits to having multiple e-readers too! And as far as e-readers getting stolen by kiddos, luckily my 10 year old has her own she requested for Christmas a few years back and my 7 year old uses an older model Paperwhite. That way I don’t have to share, haha!
Maybe it is my age,(soon to be 69!) but I so much prefer reading books in their ‘original’ form. The scent of the paper, ink and glue binding, plus the tactile stimulation of page turning are all part of my reading experience. Also, having two pages to read before needing to turn to the next two, is so much less aggravating than all the swiping needed with an e-reader ( or good grief, trying to read an entire book on a phone!). Most of all tho, I honestly believe that I retain more when I read a book in paper form rather than on my Nook. I think this is due to my old brain being ‘wired’ for real print since e-readers have only been part of my reading life for maybe only the past 15 or so years. I have read about some research that shows constant exposure to computer, phone and e-reader screens – especially for young developing minds, does in fact ‘re-wire’ the gray matter and how our brains process information – so for me, this does make sense.
For travel, yes, an e-reader is so much more convenient to pack, but my first choice to catch up on the latest best sellers or revisit an old classic, will always be *paper* 🙂
I can understand that, Laura! I tend to do a rather even mix of paper, e-book, and audiobooks but you are right, the convenience of an e-reader when traveling cannot be beat.
I’ll soon be 53, and I feel the exact same way, Laura! I have tried so hard to convert to my Kindle Paperwhite, but the number of hard-copy books I own continues to grow (perhaps faster than some think it should…). I love holding the book in my hand, the smell of the paper, the font, the ability to visually recognize how many pages I have left by inches of thickness remaining. And the texture of the book cover pleases me so. I always have a paper book and an audiobook (or sometimes two of each, honestly) going at the same time. *Occasionally* I will slip into my Kindle, usually when I am on vacation, but I still bring along paper books. (It’s easier to read the Paperwhite in a dark hotel room when my husband is sleeping!)
I have had various upgrades to Kindle paperwhite over the years. I love the way the print looks. It doesn’t strain my eyes, and I can turn it down to very low light at night without disturbing my husband while he sleeps. My perfect E reader would have that same look and feel but be completely independent of any book provider and able to read all of them, from Libby to Amazon to B & N, to bookshop etc. I want one system that works everywhere; BUT i do want a devoted reader that won’t let me get distracted with other things! Ahhhh …. a perfect world …. 😃
YES Priscilla, this is exactly what I want too! The Boox is the closest I have found to that so I have hope that we will have ore options like that in the near future.
I always have at least 1 physical book and 1 ebook going at the same time. I love reading in both formats. For ebooks, I adore my Kindle Paperwhite. A few things I’ve noticed as advantages using ebooks is the ability to tap on an unfamiliar word and get the definition instantly as well as highlighting passages without marking up a physical book (although I occasionally do that, too). I also love how I can, with the same book, listen on Audible or read on Kindle and my Amazon account syncs up where I left off. Loved this blog post! Thanks, Brigid!
Awe, thank you Jennifer G! And I also adore being able to get definitions or even translations on the e-reader. It is a GREAT feature.
I use a Kindle Scribe for daytime reading. My aging eyes loves the super large size, and I have found I use many of its other functions. My nighttime Kindle is and Oasis- it’s small enough to hold in one hand (and light enough that when I fall asleep reading and the Oasis hits me on the face, I don’t sustain any injuries.)
Ah, the hitting of the face by nighttime reading incident. I know it well, Amy!
When I realized my Kindle Paperwhite didn’t fit in the belt bag I had, I bought a slightly bigger belt bag. I consulted the internet, learned this was a common problem, and received a great (and cheap) Amazon recommendation.
Smart! I keep seeing some fun small bookish companies that are making belt bags specifically for kindles and print books lately and I need to check those out too.
I have a Kindle scribe and a Kindle paperwhite. I do most of my reading at home that is not physical books on the Scribe, but my paperwhite is my my “paperback” to toss in my purse. Much less used but still important are the apps on my phone and tablet.
E-readers were such a game changer for me at first because it made it so much easier and lighter to travel with lots of books. As I’ve gotten older, they have been essential for the ability to increase the font size. I do most of my reading this way now, and have gotten so use to the feel of one in my hand, holding a real book feels strange and awkward. I started with a Kindle paperwhite which I had to replace once after leaving mine behind in an airplane seat pocket. When that one got glitchy, I upgraded to an Oasis, and last year when that one got glitchy, I bought a Kobo because I liked the idea of my money going elsewhere. Unfortunately, I didn’t like it quite as much as my Kindle, so in the Fall, when the color Kindles came out, I got one of those. I do love it, but since then, I’ve again become determined to give less of my money to Amazon, and have been using my Kobo more again. I bought a new case to make it more appealing and I’ve learned to work around the features I don’t love as well. I figure that I will always have a Kindle, but mostly for books I already own, and for daily deals, but my full price purchases are going to Kobo. I do prefer an e-reader to my IPad or phone due to the matte screen.
I’m also a multiple e-reader person (despite owning a huge collection of physical books). I used to have an Oasis (but brought it to the beach and got it wet) but exchanged it a couple of years ago for a new Kindle Paperwhite. On Amazon’s side, in addition to the Paperwhite, I have the Kindle Scribe – the new notetaking features are perfect for reading nonfiction – and also couldn’t help but get a Colorsoft a couple of months after it came out. I love my Kobo Libra Colour which I think is a huge improvement over the Oasis because not only does it have the page-turning buttons, it’s colored, light, and the battery lasts so much longer. After years of resisting, I finally got a Nook Glowlight 4 Plus (I also think their case is the best!) because of the page-turning buttons on BOTH sides of the screen. I also love that a few of my magazine subscriptions are available digitally (for free, included with my physical subscription). It’s a bit slower than the others, but I noticed that I tend to focus better (and those buttons are magical!) In January, I added my recent acquisition which I have to agree with Brigid is one of my favorites – the Boox Palma 2. It’s like having a Phone without the calls/text features and the glare/blue light. I use my Boox typically for to-go and in bed just before falling asleep because it’s so much easier to use one-handed.
Peachy, I am so glad to hear you are enjoying your Boox Palma 2! We are going to need to chat about it over on Book Club cause I would love to hear any tips you have.
Also, this is great info to know about the Kobo Libra Color and Nook Lowlight 4 Plus. Thank you for sharing.
I am a school librarian, and therefore read physical books to children most days, but in my personal life, I almost solely read from my Kindle Paperwhite. Due to farsightedness and chronic headaches, reading a physical book has become difficult and painful even with my progressive lenses. My Paperwhite has been a lifesaver. Prior to getting it, I tried reading on my phone or a Kindle Fire, but I found it just wasn’t the same. It bothered my eyes and my brain didn’t retain the information as well. Enter the Paperwhite. My husband gifted it to me for Mother’s Day about 6 ago. It reads like paper, and I can make the font as big as I need and adjust the brightness. The backlight means I can read in bed every night without disturbing my husband (who gets up at 2:30am for work). I have become so dependent on it, that I now own very few physical books. I finally learned that I would always choose the e-reader, so I stopped buying them and started purging them. My e-reader has increased my reading substantially, and I doubt I’ll ever turn back.
Donna, I am so glad to hear that using an e-reader has increased your reading and made it more accessible. What a win!
I have had two kindles for years now. I’m currently reading on the Kindle paperwhite as well as the smaller Kindle you referenced in your post. I love being able to store books on each of them and switch back-and-forth. I also love the back lighting so not having to keep a light on in the bedroom and reading at night. The ability to enlarge the text has also been a game changer for me. My friends make fun of my two kindles but having them plus the Kindle app on my phone engance my reading life. I’m also a huge fan of having the audio version and Kindle version at the same time so I can go back-and-forth.
I love to “double-dip” with an e-book and audio too, Paige!
I bought my first Kindle Paperwhite over ten years ago because I was tired of reading long-length fanfiction on my computer screen 😀 I replaced it last year with another Paperwhite, but now that Amazon no longer allows you to download backup copies of books you own, I refuse to purchase any more Kindle books. Hopefully I get another ten years of use out of my current Paperwhite, but for the moment I’m just not buying any new e-books until I figure out which direction I want to go for e-readers from here on out. Which is probably good for me since it’s encouraging me to read the books I already own!
I also started out with a Nook many years ago and when it was broken, I replaced it with a Kindle. Then I splurged on a Kindle Scribe when they came out a few years ago because I wanted a larger e-reader for reading non-fiction with figures and pictures. I use the note-taking features a bit too. I intended to sell or give away my Kindle when I got the Scribe, but I held onto it and now the Scribe is my home e-reader and my Kindle is my on-the-go e-reader, which works out well. I’m lucky that my library still uses Libby, so that is mainly what I use to get Amazon e-books.
The Boox Palma 2 looks pretty slick. I would love an e-ink device like that with basic phone capabilities to replace my iPhone. I have seen that the Minimal Company has designed something like that but they are only available for pre-order.
I am going to have to look up this Minimal Company, Kasey!
I was a staunch paper reader until Covid made getting to the library harder. I bought a used kindle on eBay for $20 and love it. I’ll still choose physical if the library hold is shorter. I’d like to get another kindle so I can keep books open whose library loans are expired on one kindle with WiFi off while downloaded new books on the other. I’d also love to upgrade to a backlit kindle to read when I wake up early and my husband is asleep. But I can use my phone for that. Funny how I thought I’d never read on an e-reader 😂
Never say never! LOL (And what a clever idea for a second e-reader, Kelly.)
I just got a new Kindle a few months ago and then the kids Paperwhite went on sale so I got it and decided to give my first one to my kids but I NEVER thought of using them BOTH for myself! Genius.
I have a Samsung tablet as my main ereader. I want own a Kindle since I found out that Amazon can take books and edit books without your permission. I also have a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra that has a huge screen for a phone. I put all of my books on it. I also put my current audiobooks on it. I crossstitch and audiobooks are my go to for that.
To clarify, can use read Hoopla, Libby, and Kindle books on a Boox product? If so, I may finally buy an ereader.
Hi Angela! Yes, I am able to use the Hoopla, Libby, CloudLibrary, Bookshop.org, and Kindle apps (and some other reading apps I use) all on my Boox Palma 2. It has been wonderful so far.
I did find the set up to be time consuming though. Since the Boox Palma 2 is an android device, I had to download all the apps, sign in, get my settings to my liking, etc. I have gotten used to my iPhone and Kindle devices setting up almost instantly so the set up was noticeable. But now that I have it all done, I am so glad to be able to use all those app and more on one e-ink device.
Can any version of Kindle be connected to Libby? Thanks.
It should…. Libby offers the option to borrow a kindle copy. That copy goes to your Amazon account. In theory any device signed into that Amazon account should have the book. In practice- I didn’t want to be bothered setting up new library cards and accounts for kids so I have 3 kindles, 3 iPhones and 3 iPads all signed into my kindle account. Library books show up on all 9 without an issue once they’ve synced.
I had one of the original Kindle models for about 12 years, and then 3 years ago upgraded to a Kindle Paperwhite. One of my favorite features is the screen brightness adjusts automatically between daytime, being outside and to reading in a dark room before bed.
I prefer less physical clutter and the convenience of an e-reader. I will frequently bring my Kindle, it fits in my daily bag, or read on my phone if I don’t have it with me!
I never thought about having multiple types. This idea has intrigued me, especially with the recent Amazon restrictions and an option of being able to support small. Thanks everyone for sharing!
Yes Elizabeth, having the option to support small has been lovely!
I have a couple different library apps on my phone, as well as the kindle app, and my iphone has a large enough screen that I don’t mind using it for reading. It’s small enough to hold easily, and I always have it with me. If I think of something I need to do on my phone, I can quickly take care of it, and then get back to reading. I can also read without people (hubby) around me knowing what I’m doing. LOL. They think I’m doing something important on my phone, but I’m actually taking a reading break. I do have a kindle fire, and sometimes I use it to read my kindle books, but I find it difficult to hold easily, as it has a larger screen. I can’t say I prefer e-readers OR paper books. Wherever I can get the story I’m wanting to read is what I prefer at that moment.
That is so funny, Dawn! My family is the opposite, when I am on my phone they interrupt me but if they seem me using an e-reader they are less likely to disturb LOL!
I have a basic Kindle, a nook and a nook tablet that I can read kindle or nook books on. Multiple e-readers is definitely a game changer. The tablet is love for at home more and the other 2 i can throw in my purse or bag.
I love having multiple e-reading devices. I have my original Nook Samsung that I keep permanently on my treadmill – no running around to get things set up for a quick walk (or long depending on how interesting the book), then an iPad at my bedside for cozy late night reads and lastly my Fire Tablet – my favorite of them all. I initially purchased this for our grandson but his parents aren’t doing tablets at his young age so I’m using it for now. Super affordable, color e-ink, works seamlessly with Kindle, Libby and Hoopla. The Fire Tablet can be set with as few or as many options as you like – so if you prefer no notifications (aka interruptions, no problem) or if you want access to Netflix for a reading break you’re all set! But this one I keep in my backpack for work and anytime on the go. It’s compact and lightweight but just big enough to feel much like a paperback book. I highly recommend grabbing extra e-reading devices even if you buy a used one or two it’s worth the added convenience.
Leaving one on your treadmill is so smart, Andrea! And I agree the convenience is such a great aspect of multiple e-readers.
I have a Kindle Paperwhite and a Kindle Oasis (I prefer the paperwhite) and also use the Kindle app on my iPad. The best thing about having multiple eReaders for me is that I can turn off the wireless on one and keep my book even though the library loan has expired and still grab a new hold that’s become available with another device. As someone who has very little time to read this is invaluable, especially when it would take weeks or months to get the book again. I still love physical books the most, however, and I also listen to audiobooks.
Being Canadian, I am mostly a Kobo girl 🙂 — I got Kobos for my husband & I for Christmas in 2010! It wasn’t the original model, but the next one after that. I still have that one, albeit I no longer use it. I upgraded to a Kobo Aura H20 and used that for several years. Then I started having issues synching it so I bought myself a Kobo Clara in 2021, which is a little smaller in size. I still have the Aura & use it as a backup and for PDFs, etc.
Some of the books I’ve wanted are not available in Kobo format but ARE available on Kindle — so I downloaded the Kindle app to my phone and read those books on there. I’ve considered buying an actual Kindle reader for those books too. 🙂
I still love my paper books, but I moved to a condo a few years ago, with only so much room for bookshelves. 🙁 My Kobo is also great for when I travel — takes up a lot less space and weight than a pile of books would in my suitcase! — I can just slip it into my purse!
Loribeth- I am thinking I need to look back into Kobo again! I always heard great stuff about the Clara.
I started my e-reader habit with an original Kindle many moons ago. Currently, I am on my second Paperwhite and use a Scribe and iPad mini as well. My Paperwhite is small enough to take with me, I can read in any light, and I can take it to the pool or read in the bathtub without worries because it is waterproof. I use my scribe for school (I am doing doctoral studies) because it has a good notetaking feature. The iPad is mostly used at night.
This sounds like a great e-reader/ tablet set-up, Karen!
I don’t have an ereader, but I have a kindle fire tablet that I use as an ereader. I have a bunch of ereader apps on it (kindle, nook, bookfunnel, google play books, bookstores.org..) I’ve been considering a nook, though.
YES! I also got a “purse Kindle” this year, and it’s been a gamechanger. I love my Paperwhite, but the Kindle fits so nicely in any bag I’m taking out of the house (work bag, diaper bag, crossbody, etc) As you said, I don’t worry about taking it with me when I’m out and about or playing with my kiddos which is so nice because things happen, especially when you have little kids! I also had a baby this year, and I found it easier to read on the small Kindle because I could hold it with one hand. It was so nice to just leave a device in the nursery too!
Leah, I wish I had thought to have a small e-read to leave in the nursery when my kiddos were babies. Genius move!
My first kindle was an old school kindle keyboard with page turn buttons and no backlight. Loved for outdoor reading and reading when my kids were younger. My son broke the lighted case that powered from the kindle itself so I added a first generation kindle oasis. Those page turn buttons and the ergonomics in the hand with the charging case off dreamy. Loved having two for keeping library books a bit longer with WiFi off on one. The the keyboard finally died so I got a 2019(?) waterproof paperwhite for hot tub and poolside use and to have a second.
Then. Discovered hoopla and ended up reading on phone/ipad some because some books only available there. Hate the eye strain of reading on those screens though so ended up getting a Boox Go. Love it but would love to hear your tips on setup. It’s kind of slow but love that it can have all the apps.
Then GASP lost my beloved oasis when out of town one weekend. Zero clue how. It was getting to not hold a charge as well anyway but man I loved the buttons. Replaced it with a standard kindle AND a paperwhite. Discounts by trading in two kids non functional kindle Fires. Now my ereader family is complete.
Purse super light kindle. New Paperwhite for at home. Old paperwhite for keeping library books longer and water use. And Boox for hoopla although do want tips for getting this dialed in.
90% of my reading is library so I don’t feel bad supporting Amazon with the ereader purchase as I only buy paper books from local stores. I just have so much on the kindle interface that I am not ready to switch entirely. And the trade in discount is amazing.
Oh Brigid, I would be heartbroken if my libaries let go of Libby! It is my go to reading source. My pile of physical books from the library is always steep as well. Honestly though, when I get a hard copy and want to make notations, I quickly download the Libby copy, if available, so I can highlight. So much easier than scanning or copying by hand. I have also been known to make notes of the pages which I would like to highlight and when the Libby version comes to me, I simply open it to those pages and capture the paragraph, poem ,etc. On the go I use my phone unless I know I will be waiting for a long time, then I bring my Kindle. Seriously considering a purse Kindle now! I’ve been reading on Kindle since 2010. My current Paperwhite is 10 yo. Time for a new one soon as the battery life is shortening dramatically. I am looking to buy a tablet and reading features will be important on that as well. Anybody have any recs for the Android world? So I will soon be a multiple device reader as well.
I was SUCH a book snob. And my journey is nearly a duplicate of your own. That is, until you surpassed me on the multiple e-readers.
My husband bought a Nook for me a dozen or more years ago. I was so anti-Kindle, as the name just made me envision the burning of precious books. The Nook wasn’t terribly user-friendly and difficult to use through my library, so I found myself sticking with the old-school way of reading. Then, my neighbor passed away. Which was heartbreaking. But now, I am reminded of her every time I open up her Kindle Paperwhite. I do wish that it weren’t touchscreen, but other than that, it has been such a game-changer. Like you, I might purchase a First Edition by a favorite writer (Ann Patchett, Amor Towles…), but it’s the Kindle that gets used.
If I leave mine at home and find myself wanting to read while out and about, I do often use the Kindle App on my Android. I don’t see myself buying a second reader, but I enjoyed your article!
Hi Brigid, I am so glad I am not the only one with multiple e-readers! My eyesight isn’t the greatest, so even though I love an actual book, e-readers are necessary. I love that I can adjust the background, font size, and light.
I have two Kindle Fires. I bought one for my mom, but she didn’t like it, and now I have it. So, I use one Fire in the living room and one in the bedroom. I also have a Scribe. I bought it for school books, non-fiction, or anything I am “studying.” I take my iPad on vacation, so I read on that, too. I listen to books on my phone, but I can’t read on it. It’s just too small.
The funny thing is that I still buy books! I can read most hardbacks fine, but not a mass paperback, and some of the prettier versions of older books have such tiny print that I can’t read them.
The downside of e-books is that you can’t give them to others when you are done. I either give away books to friends and family or donate them to the library, and I miss that I can’t do that with an e-book.
OMG – I LOVE the idea of not traveling with my beloved Kindle Oasis. About 5 years ago, I left my Oasis on a plane. When I returned to the airport a week later, I was so happy that they had it in Delta’s unclaimed luggage! I’ve also left it in hotels and been lucky enough to pay a lot to have it shipped back to me (I read in bed at night and sometimes it gets left under turned back covers).
I also love the idea of the purse kindle, BUT I often download 3 or 4 books that become available at the same time via Libby. I then put my kindle on airplane mode so that I can finish them all before they are returned! That would prevent automatic syncing between the devices. Would it be worth it? It’s worth a thought.
I love reading in the bath. Does anyone have a recommendation for a waterproof e-reader? Thankyou!
I really enjoyed this discussion on multiple e-readers! I don’t read books much, but I do read comics—and for me, an iPad is enough. Since it’s already an expensive device, I don’t have the luxury of owning multiple e-readers, but it works well because I can access comics from different digital providers and use it for other tasks too. It may not be an e-reader, but it definitely fulfills that multi-functionality benefit!
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