Does anyone have a Kindle?

Do you like it better than physical books?

I have resisted because I love books so much and I worry about the eye strain. But my book collection is rather large and books are getting expensive. Wondering if it's worth it to go digital.

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Bleed · 41-45, F

I’ve had a kindle for years but only just got into using it because I like physical copies BUT having loved so many times I’ve had to purge most of them. Here’s my advantages to the kindle:
I don’t need a light on to read at night.
It’s easier and lighter to hold.
I can take my whole library when I go away for the day or week.
Carrying it isn’t heavy and doesn’t damage the book.
I don’t have to find a place to put them and I don’t have to get rid of them either.
Most books are cheaper and you can download them instantly. You can get a lot for 99p if you browse their deals.
I like that I can highlight quotes and bookmark pages.
You don’t lose your page if you fall asleep or your bookmark falls out.

dpoet · 36-40, M

@Bleed You don’t “own” Kindle books; you license them. Amazon’s Terms say Kindle content is licensed, not sold—which gives Amazon and the publisher more control over access.

Remote deletion has happened. In 2009 Amazon remotely deleted Orwell’s 1984/Animal Farm from users’ Kindles.

Books can be updated/replaced after you “buy” them. Amazon/publishers can push updated versions; with “Automatic Book Update” on, your local copy can change (and in some cases, replacing a file may affect notes/locations). Y

Harder to keep personal backups now. As of 2025 Amazon is removing “Download & Transfer via USB” for purchased books, making local archiving trickier and increasing reliance on Amazon’s cloud (and its policies).

Account actions can nuke access. If an account is closed/flagged, cloud access to your library can disappear

On a Kindle device (or the Kindle app on Android), Amazon and publishers can pull titles in narrow circumstances and can alter/replace files via updates.

Closed ecosystem (no apps): Kindle can’t install Android apps (no Google Play). On Android e-ink you can run Libby, Kobo, Kindle, Pocket, ReadEra, Moon+ Reader, Notion, Drive/Dropbox, TTS apps, etc.

Formats & DRM lock-in: Kindle is optimized for Amazon formats (AZW/KFX). It can ingest EPUB only via Send-to-Kindle (conversion); Android readers handle EPUB (native), PDF, CBZ/CBR, DJVU and more via apps.

Library borrowing (esp. outside the US): Kindle delivery from OverDrive/Libby is US-only. In Portugal/EU you typically read library loans as EPUB in Libby/Adept apps—works great on Android e-ink, not on Kindle.

PDF handling & pro tools: Kindles (even Scribe) have simpler PDF features (fewer layout/zoom/reflow options, cropping, split-view, handwriting layers, etc.) versus Android devices’ advanced PDF apps (NeoReader, Xodo, Foxit).

Handwriting/annotation limits: Scribe writes beautifully but notes on Kindle books are still more restricted (e.g., “sticky note” model for many reflowable titles, limited export/search). Android e-ink offers full-app note systems, layers, OCR, and cross-app inking.

Cloud & file workflow: Kindle mainly uses Send-to-Kindle, USB, and limited cloud hooks. Android e-ink lets you sync via Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive, WebDAV, FTP, etc., and automate with file managers.

Customization & performance modes: Android e-ink usually offers multiple refresh/anti-ghosting modes, gesture/nav tweaks, screen split, third-party launchers. Kindle is comparatively locked down.

Text-to-speech & audio flexibility: Kindles support Audible (BT) and VoiceView, but Android e-ink can run any TTS engine/app (read any EPUB/PDF aloud, multilingual voices, speed, shortcuts).

I/O & expansion: Many Android models add microSD, multiple sizes/ratios, and broader Bluetooth/keyboard/mouse support. Kindles have fixed storage (no microSD) and fewer “productivity” accessories.

Lock-screen ads (“Special Offers”): Some Kindles show ads unless you pay to remove. Android e-ink devices don’t ship with ads.

Bleed · 41-45, F

@dpoet Sorry I don’t fully understand what all of that means. But you mean they can delete even the books that I have downloaded?? 🥺

dpoet · 36-40, M

@Bleed yup. they have done it in the past. you don't have he books. they aren't yours. you just license them.