TheKobo Libra Colourhas hit the market, ready to disrupt the traditional ideals of eReaders. This device not only adds a splash of color to historically black-and-white pages but also allows for annotating in color via stylus.
Kobo Libra Colour
Reading eBooks and taking notes has never been simpler thanks to the Kobra Libra Colour, an innovation upon the classic e-Ink smart notebook that offers 32GB of storage and a full-color display. This notebook is easy to take on-the-go thanks to its IPX8 full waterproof protection, ergonomic controls, and small, portable display — but it’s as well-suited for an evening of reading at home.
Price and Availability
The Kobo Libra Colour is $219.99 and is available at retailers like Amazon and the Kobo website. It is available in a white or black colorway.
Specifications
What’s in the Box
The Kobo Libra Colour comes with everything in the box you need to get started:
It is important to note that the stylus, a charging block, and a case are not included with the Kobo Libra Colour itself. The compatibleKobo Stylus 2can be purchased for $69.99. Multiple iterations ofcases for the Kobo Libra Colourrange from $24.99 for a clear cover to $39.99 for a sleep cover.
Impressive and Unique Features
The Kobo Libra Colour truly shines with its introduction of vibrant color to the eReader market. After spending years reading on screens that only support black and white, it was an absolute joy to see the book covers on my virtual bookshelf bursting with color.
The addition of color support through Kobo’s E Ink Kaleido 3 display, which boasts a resolution of 300 PPI for black-and-white content and 150 PPI for color, makes this eReader stand out among others of a similar size and functionality on the market.
The Kobo Libra Colour supports many file types, including:
It also supports Kobo Audiobooks but with a few caveats. The use of Kobo Audiobooks is restricted in some countries, and the eReader itself does not have speakers. For this reason, to enjoy an Audiobook through the Libra Colour, it must first be paired with Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
It is fast and easy to add titles to your eBookself through the Kobo bookstore or directly by sideloading. If you want free access to eBooks, consider getting a library card. The Libra Colour is compatible withOverdrive, which offers those who hold certain library cards access to a plethora of free content.
User Experience
Overall, the daily user experience of reading and annotating with the Kobo Libra Color is wonderful. Its intuitive design and features geared towards productivity make it a great purchase. I particularly enjoyed annotating my reads in multiple colors, which added a pop of fun to the experience.
The battery life lasts weeks without a charge, even with the brightness turned up significantly during daily use. This eReader is perfect for enjoying comics in color, so I found myself reading with the brightness turned up more than usual, even at night. It is also beneficial if you choose to read outside in the sunshine, as the colors remain vibrant even in strong lighting conditions.
Keep in mind that if you want to take advantage of the Kobo Libra Colour’s IPX8 waterproof rating and read at the beach, the sleep cover is not also water-compatible. The IPX8 signifies that the eReader is waterproof for up to 60 minutes if submerged in up to 2 meters of water. This makes it a great option for poolside reads, but the sleep cover includes a suede-like lining that retains moisture.
Drawbacks to Consider
While this eReader is one of my absolute favorites, there is still ample room for improvement. When used with the Kobo Sleep Cover, it can be awkward and too bulky to hold and read with one hand. It was excellent for annotating while the device was on a tabletop, but holding the tablet with one hand while annotating was difficult.
Another drawback was the sleep cover. It does not quickly turn the eReader off, thereby wasting some battery life. I also found that it got in my way more often than I found it useful. A hardshell case with an added grip to help hold the fairly wide device may have been a better choice.
The biggest problem I have with this device is the price point of the eReader itself, as well as the accessories offered by Kobo. $219.99 is already a high price for an eReader, and I was hoping the concessions would be made with accessories. The Stylus 2 is priced at $69.99 and the Kobo Sleep Cover at $39.99. So, to get the whole package—which really gives you the best experience—it will cost you $329.97. That is a staggering amount to pay.
If you are not set on annotating your reads but still want to enjoy a colorized eReader, consider theKobo Clara Colour. It is cheaper at $149.99 but still anexcellent choice for comic book readers. The Clara Colour is also more compact and a better option for those who like to read while on the go, commuting, or traveling.
Should You Buy the Kobo Libra Colour?
If you enjoy annotating as you read or are an avid comic book fan, theKobo Libra Colouris the best eReader on the market for you. The colors are vibrant and a joy to experience without the glare of a traditional tablet screen.
But as much as I enjoy this eReader, it is quite expensive for the whole package. For that reason, if you are not set on annotating your reads, consider the Kobo Clara Colour. No matter what eReader you choose, you can’t go wrong with bringing some color into your reads with Kobo.
