My kobo (10+ years old) has an browse option. Tried it, it kinda works but it's kinda slow. An e reader isn't built for browsing, e-ink is perfect for reading but slow for everything else. So I use my phone for browsing and my e-reader for reading. Since wifi is practically always off and it has e-ink display, the battery lifetime is staggering. That's how I want my e-reader to be.

Your friend would better be served by an Android-based e-book reader. Kobos are low-powered and their browser very limited, I'm not even sure tumblr would work.

Try an Android e-ink device. I've been using a boox note and it's pretty great.

Edit: You might want to get et the "e-ink bro" browser on the device too, it's more optimized for e-ink devices

I've used a Kobo that has a limited browser, but if she wants to browse the Web, I'd just get an Android tablet rather than a dedicated hardware e-reader. She can run the Kobo or Amazon or whatever apps on an Android device, as well as run reader apps for PDF or whatever.

IMHO, the major reason to get a hardware e-reader is to have an eInk screen. If she's going to be doing anything other than the most minimal of web browsing, she's most likely not going to want an eInk screen.

Boox readers are android tablets with e-ink screens.

Boox, Mebook and Bigme make e-ink phones and tablets. They work almost as our regular phones, but with an e-ink screen.

I got a Boox reader and I love it. I chose it specifically because it runs Android and can install normal apps.

Kobo e-readers have a browser but like many others are saying, e-readers aren't really made for browsing. The screens are slow to refresh, anything but text (for black and white at least, can't speak for color) doesn't look great.

Secondhand kobo+calibre+Anna's archive is the best/most budget friendly option for your friend. Kobos aren't locked down as bad as kindles and the like. You can load books "lawfully" acquired or otherwise directly onto them using calibre.

Now, if your friend wants to spend an unreasonable amount of money, you can get e-paper notebooks. Which are basically just tablet sized e-readers with a bunch of extra features and better e-ink displays. I can't attest for them personally but switch and click made a review on a bunch of the most popular devices of this category. Might be worth looking into more

Same as everyone says for an old kindle as well. Technically it has a browser that you can use to download ebooks

BUT …… different requirements. E-ink is great for readers but horrible for browsers. You really won’t be happy trying to do both.