Why buy a slow, black and white, single-purpose e-reader when you almost certainly have a great phone and probably a tablet? My Kindle Oasis just died and I'm asking myself the same question.

E-readers like the Kindle and Kobo are niche products. They’re designed to read black text on a white background and little else. But they’re so good at what they do, and offer such great benefits in exchange for a lack of fancy features, that users love them.

“E-readers are similar to running shoes in that they are designed for a specific use,” e-reader enthusiast and gift blogger Vance Targa told Lifewire via email.

“While you can read as much on regular tablets and phones as you can run on a treadmill in a pair of Chelsea boots, the experience isn't as enjoyable.”