An e-Book reader! IDK which model would be best for you since mine is an old Kindle, but being able to take SO MANY books wherever I go is a godsend. Way better than reading on my phone or laptop.
Yeah, same with me. I always thought reading digitally was the worst. "I will always read on paper!" Then I started commuting by train (stopped this a long time ago). But once you got used to the comfort of an ebook-reader with those great e-ink displays... There is just no going back.
I started with a Sony (sadly discontinued), but there are many great options, not just the kindle (kindle is good though and once you learn how to get rid of drms it's ok, not suggesting pirating here, I buy all my books, I just don't like to be restricted). But also have a look at Pocketbook, Onyx, Kobo or, if in Germany, Tolino). They all have good models nowadays.
The main issue is contrast - I have a cheap IKEA USB LED light, so I take that with a powerbank when it's too dark as I'm not keen on the backlight - backlight is good for keeping the background paper 'white' though.
Paperwhite 3 is great, bought 5 years ago and has 300ppi and BETTER contrast than the newer models ;) When it gets old, I'll just pick up a replacement battery via AliExpress.
Can't be beaten on price, especially if you don't rely on Amazon (I just download books to Calibre, grab epubs via Annie's Archive, then transfer a conversion to AZW3 via USB).
Very much agreed. I went with a Kobo since I enjoy futzing around with files and already had a Calibre (ebook management software) library going anyway. I highly recommend e-readers of any kind to anyone on the fence!
It was the Wheel Of Time series that got me to get an e-reader, those books where massive tomes and a PITA to carry around. I've stuck with an e-reader since, easy on size, weight, and the eyes.
I got a Kindle Paperwhite for the back lightning like a decade ago or when ever it came out and use Calibre to manage the books on it.