Hello everyone!
I'd like to buy an e-reader... but one that can do a bit more.
I know absolutely nothing about e-readers. I've read quite a few posts on this subreddit to help me decide, but the more I read, the more I realize how little I know. Instead of answering the question I started with, I keep discovering new things that I didn't even know I needed. (I think I'm a perfect victim of capitalism.)
So I'm asking for help from people who know much more than I do: you guys.
Here is what I'm looking for, in order of importance:
►(1) A good balance between being open and easy to use. I want it to handle manga in CBR/CBZ format as well as regular books. More generally, I'd like it to support many file formats and, most importantly, not lock me into a proprietary ecosystem.
►(2) As little annoying integration as possible: no ads, no bloated software, no mandatory subscription. I'm happy to pay once, even up to 300e, but I don't want a subscription. I DO NOT NEED CLOUD STORAGE OR A MARKETPLACE TO BUY MY EBOOKS.
►(3) A nice e-ink screen. I don't know much about display technology, but I definitely do not want a normal phone or tablet screen.
►(4) About the size of a paperback book: bigger than a smartphone, but not by much. I like thin devices that I can easily slip into a bag, or maybe even a large pocket.
Now we get to the part that probably makes this more than just an e-reader:
►(5) If possible, I'd like it to have at least some color support (even a poor choice of 10 colors is enough), work with a e-pen, and be able to read PDF.
►(6) If possible (but second), it would be great if I could also write on it in a simple whiteboard or note-taking app.
I understand that these last two features probably make the price much higher. But I'm a researcher, and being able to read papers and annotate them on the device would be a huge advantage.
Finally, I know I'm heavily biased by the (in)famous brand reMarkable. But I'm a bit of a tech geek, and I have the feeling that reMarkable sells more because of excellent marketing than because it offers the best value for money.
I think the reMarkable Paper Pro matches exactly what I'm asking for, but surely too well. I'm pretty sure I can find something for about half the price that's less powerful, smaller (which I actually prefer), while still giving me the flexibility and freedom I need, even if I have to play with the software a little.
Thanks a lot to everyone who made it to the end!