What tech is good for reading?

[AutumnFroglets]

Wasn't sure where to put this but hopefully someone here can help.

I've finally decided that real books are no longer suitable for my arthritic hands (whaaah) and I need to embrace technology. Can anybody advise on the best tablet/reader especially for library books. I don't own any apple/amazon products so no need to have something that links up.

I've read elsewhere that some tech allows for pages, others are on infinite scroll. I would prefer pages if possible. Thanks for any advice.

I have a kobo. Love it! Don't know about library books, pretty sure it says you can read them but I've never tried.

Kobo is good for library books via the Libby app or Overdrive but best to check your local library to be certain.

You get library books on a kindle too.

I have a basic kindle and pay for Kindle Unlimited subscription. I have it set up on large print to help with eye strain.

You can’t in the UK (unless you have a Kindle Fire, which is a normal tablet not an actual e-reader and are terrible to read on in comparison!).

OP, this is why I switched from a Kindle to a Kobo recently. I’d had kindles for 20 years but changed to a Kobo about a year ago and it’s so much better. I’ve got the Kobo Libre 2 Colour but I’d imagine they’re all good.

I read library ebooks on my Iphone, and Kindle purchases from Amazon (lots of bargain offers) on my Kindles - I have several ereaders - a very old Keyboard Kindle which I haven't used much for a long time, and Paperwhites bought in 2015, 2019 and 2025 this year. I also have two Kindle Fire tablets, but I don't recommend the tablets for reading books, ereader screens much better. And as tablets, Amazon's devices are very focused on getting you to spend money on the content that Amazon sells, eg audio content, music, film and video (through the Prime subscription model),

However, if you plan to use one device to read library ebooks, although I haven't had one I agree with those who say you'd be better off with a Kobo. I think the cheapest Kobos and Kindle ereaders are available at a fairly affordable price and they are probably cheaper and better now than the more sophisticated ones were 10 or more years ago (I bought my first Kindle in 2011 and I'm a fairly obsessive user).

I have a Kobo Clara. My library uses borrowbox. Borrowing books from the comfort of my sofa gives me joy.

Thank you all. I went and checked my local library website and it mentions Borrowbox, Libby App and Pressreader via Libby so Kobo seems a goer!

Echoing the Kobo Clara recommendations especially for library books.

Yes my DD has a Kobo Clara and uses it for library ebooks using Overdrive/Libby (I think they are the same thing but not sure).

Anyway it seems to work reasonably well, we’ve had a couple of glitches where the borrowing facility stopped working but been able to sort.

Kindle definitely not currently compatible with Libby in the UK sadly. I’m not sure about Borrowbox. Pressreader is for magazines and newspapers

Overdrive/Libby are essentially the same thing. I've found that some borrowed books via either refuse to sync over WiFi but when that happens you can transfer them from your pc to the Kobo using Adobe. It's a bit of a faff to set up but works pretty well thereafter. You have to use this method if you borrow using Borrowbox.

Old Android tablet, I read using both Libby and Kindle on it. I've not used any of the new technology so I can't compare but it works well for me

Oh, I thought i needed a special type of handset to access books? I use a very old Samsung tablet for general browsing/MN so would that work too or does it need a certain w/e like lollipop or marshmallow (can't think of name but os version)?

Many thanks to everyone's replies so far. This is going to be a Christmas present to myself so I want to get it right. Nothing worse than being disappointed in your own presents!

You can use a phone or tablet but a dedicated e-reader is much better for your eyes and has better battery life.

You could use an app e.g. Kobo on your tablet and see how you get on.

The libre colour has page turn buttons but not all do so consider whether you would find that useful.

I thought i needed a special type of handset to access books? I use a very old Samsung tablet for general browsing/MN so would that work too

The point of dedicated ereaders like Kobo is that they have e-ink screens - they won't strain or tire your eyes (v important), you can read outside in the sun (v useful).

So yes you can read ebooks on your phone/tablet/PC but your eyes will hate you if you read a lot.

you can read outside in the sun (v useful).
Oh that is definitely a selling point. Can't beat a sun lounger, cocktail and a good book.

Thanks again everyone!