This is a great question...I bought the Nook(classic) precisely because it allowed me to read again without pain (I have pretty severe inflammatory arthritis, AS actually, akin to RA, oh and I'm kinda young too)...I wanted the colour, but that was too heavy...but I weighed all the options, and I liked the features of the Nook classic, and the weight...and now, I've been reading more books in one month than in the last few years of this last flare (it's been bad), and you can find some info here too:
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/bo...s-a-must-have/
Aswi, Thank you for your response...sometimes I don't think that other's realize what issues some must face as they don't face them themselves, and it's all to easy to judge...
bowsd, to answer your question, I didn't read as often, and tried to find ways to read (ie prop books on pillows, because I could not hold them), so many times I had to do without. And luckily no, I did not have to do this my entire life, just when I started flaring which was about 2007...some days are better than others...this is why I am very glad that such devices are out...I'm over the moon really
woohoo for my nook!!!!!!