Oh, errr... I know a *little* about e-book readers Mr Bish - and endorse what has been said earlier by others.
Been using mine for some years and very happy with it. Kobo HD - the 6.8 inch screen. I do not know how it compares with the others like the Kindle in day to day use, BUT it seems to me all brands have lots of happy customers. I really do not think they are all that different in actual day to day use reading your books, instead varying more in the background stuff like how you load books and the software support.
A bit more general background for you.
E-Readers use a different method to light their screen than do tablets and laptops. They do not cause eye strain in the same way as prolonged use of LCD screens do and still remain useful in full sun too. Frankly I never turn on my backlight though - it's like a book and I read it by my bedside lamp just as I would a real paper book.
Far easier on battery life compared with tablets and laptops. Tablet needs recharge after 4 to 8 hours (depending) whilst e-readers will go many days or weeks between re-charges. Mine recharges via USB - easy.
E-Readers use electronic files (the "e-books") that, nowdays, are in one of two different incompatable formats. It's sorta like the old Beta vs VHS thing (or the Apple vs Windows thing)- you pick one or the other. Or that's the way they want you to think.
E-Book hardware vendors would very much like to lock you into
buying all your books from their own stores. (Kobo has theirs, Kindle is tied to Amazon and so on). I think there is more profit in the books than the hardware - sorta like inkjet printers being cheap but the consumable ink is very expensive. Further, many vendors of the e-books (the files you download and load to your reader) are encrypted with "DRM" (Digital Rights Management) that locks down what you can and not do with the book you've paid for. Often times Libraries also load their files with DRM that allows the book to "time out" after a nominated period.
Not all e-book files are encrypted with DRM though. There are many LEGAL sources of DRM FREE e-books. Do not take that to mean FREE as in no cost though. Cost and DRM are two different things. That said, there is a huge source of legal and cost free e-books too - including ALL the old classics, the old stuff long past copyright such as H.G. Wells, Shakespear and so on.
Just a note - trying to be mindful of the law - it is possible to remove DRM from e-book files. That allows you to load them where you like, rather than where the seller demands. Sorta like the thriving industry that removes DRM from DVD movie discs. Hint - use the term "Apprentice Alf" in google if that's your thing *wink wink, nudge nudge*.
Managing your library - many just buy/load their books to their reader and go. BUT after a while you end up with a bunch of books and you start to think about backup and managing your library. That's where a computer based software solution comes in. Something to acquire your source books, manage, modify, convert format and backup. And the industry leader for that is "Calibre". FREE to download.
linky . Powerful. Bit of a learning curve. Will even allow you to edit your books if that's your thing, backup, conversion of files from Mobi to e-pub (Kindle to Kobo) ... the lot. Works seamlessly with Apprentice Alf too if required. Regularly updated and never caused an issue on my Windows puter.
There are a number of e-reader forums too but the one I read is
www.mobileread.com/forums/ Be mindful these folks are strict about the laws that apply - copyright and such.
Enjoy whatever e-reader you buy. I love mine.
