I understand, but wouldn't a tablet have worked better for that, in addition to reading and browsing? It's not a like a tablet takes up that much room or weight.
Being minimalist is about what works specifically for that person. What seems to work for you doesn't mean it works for me. I have spent effort at intentionally designing my life and environment. Not having a tablet at that time was an intentional decision on my part.
Rather than using a tablet, I was using a Kindle Paperwhite so that I can take my library with me. I don't use it to browse the web.
I have quite a bit I use my SE, including Evernotes, my meditation timer, my Go client, etc. I don't actually need a tablet.
I have a tablet now. More because my wife and the T-mobile guy convinced me that I can use it as a backup 2FA device with Krypton. There are some use-cases that I am looking to incorporate things with... but again, I don't actually need it. I probably won't take it with me when I travel.
Now I am more settled and have a family, I watch things on my phone a lot less.