[lovetoRL]

So, I've been doing a lot of research online and in this group and I think I'm experiencing information overload.
I would appreciate your help in deciding on an e-reader. This will be my first one. I've always wanted one. Now, I don't want to spend a lot and I know it will limit me. I also want a Tablet and need to replace my laptop, so spending $800 on a tablet and e-reader and then $1000 on a laptop is feasible, but I don't want to do it.

I initially decided on a Kobo, then a Pocketbook, and then I looked at the Boyue line but saw that they were sluggish, or was that Likebook mars? I kept going. hahahahaha I know I don't want a kindle, I don't want to be limited to their ecosystem.
I have and I'm familiar with Calibre.
I haven't done it in a while, but I am pretty tech-savvy, so I'm able to add or tinker with settings.

What is important to me is a large screen, I don't want to read on my phone (Samsung 9+) anymore, so I don't want a 6" screen.

What I like:

A really great interface and easy to customize.
Expandable (but is that necessary)
A good dictionary
I borrow from my library, so Overdrive is needed. I hate Adobe Editions because of the authentication issues.
Hardware buttons
I do use Pocket.
Nice to have:
use audiobooks
read graphic novels
highlighting and notetaking.
PDF's, I understand are better on a tablet. I have a few books that look better in color, so I'm ok using a tablet for those.

I tried to keep it limited because I read a post that said we start off with these really big lists and a basic unit is fine for most people.

I just want to read. I have a ton of ebooks that go untouched