Amazon Kindle (Basic, 2022)

The Amazon Kindle (Basic, 2022) is the most accessible entry point into the world of dedicated e-reading. For a remarkably low price, it delivers the core Kindle experience: a sharp 6-inch, 300 PPI display (a major upgrade from previous 167 PPI basic models), a lightweight and compact body, and seamless access to the Amazon ecosystem. The 2022 refresh added a modern USB-C port and doubled the storage to 16GB. It lacks the waterproofing and warm light of its siblings, but for a reader who primarily consumes novels indoors, it is more than sufficient.

Its simplicity, portability, and affordability make it an outstanding gift, a perfect first e-reader, or a great secondary device for travel. It proves that you don't need to spend a lot to get a high-quality, distraction-free reading experience.