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Lestrade · 01-03-2019, 08:53 PM

I'm planning on buying my first e-reader in the next few days. At this point, I'm considering a 6" device and I've narrowed my search down to the Kobo Clara HD or the new Paperwhite 4. I don't want to spend more than about $130. Also I'm in the US and will use these devices to check out library books. My library uses Overdrive and supports epub and Kindle downloads. Finally, I don't mind converting formats/de-DRM using Calibre.

I like some things about the Clara: more file formats, greater control of device settings, no ads, ComfortLight Pro, and with Kobo, I can more easily support non-Amazon ebook sellers. All of this makes me favor the Clara over the Paperwhite. But at the same time, I worry about the Clara's light bleed issues (and whether these issues indicate overall poor build quality/quality control) and the many reports of poor customer service from Kobo.

I also like some things about the Paperwhite: waterproof (I suspect this won't be of much use to me), excellent customer service, better dictionary (not sure how much I'll use the dictionary).

I have read through the Clara v Paperwhite posts on Mobileread and elsewhere, but I still cannot make up my mind. I thought I'd post here to try to gather some info so I can make a decision.

1) Do you know if Kobo has fixed the light bleed issue with the newest Clara models? I don't want to have to order and return multiple devices at Kobo/Walmart until I receive one without light bleed, nor do I want to tape the edges of the Clara screen on my own to block the light bleed.

2) For people who have or have used both devices: does one or the other feel more sturdy or of higher build quality? I played with the Paperwhite 4 at Best Buy and it seemed fine, but I have never owned an e-reader so I can't compare it to other devices. Unfortunately, my local Walmart does not stock the Clara, so I could not look at the Kobo in person.

3) Finally, if you strongly recommend one device over the other, please tell me why.

Thanks all!

01-03-2019, 08:53 PM	#1
Lestrade Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2019 Device: none	Clara or Paperwhite 4 I'm planning on buying my first e-reader in the next few days. At this point, I'm considering a 6" device and I've narrowed my search down to the Kobo Clara HD or the new Paperwhite 4. I don't want to spend more than about $130. Also I'm in the US and will use these devices to check out library books. My library uses Overdrive and supports epub and Kindle downloads. Finally, I don't mind converting formats/de-DRM using Calibre. I like some things about the Clara: more file formats, greater control of device settings, no ads, ComfortLight Pro, and with Kobo, I can more easily support non-Amazon ebook sellers. All of this makes me favor the Clara over the Paperwhite. But at the same time, I worry about the Clara's light bleed issues (and whether these issues indicate overall poor build quality/quality control) and the many reports of poor customer service from Kobo. I also like some things about the Paperwhite: waterproof (I suspect this won't be of much use to me), excellent customer service, better dictionary (not sure how much I'll use the dictionary). I have read through the Clara v Paperwhite posts on Mobileread and elsewhere, but I still cannot make up my mind. I thought I'd post here to try to gather some info so I can make a decision. 1) Do you know if Kobo has fixed the light bleed issue with the newest Clara models? I don't want to have to order and return multiple devices at Kobo/Walmart until I receive one without light bleed, nor do I want to tape the edges of the Clara screen on my own to block the light bleed. 2) For people who have or have used both devices: does one or the other feel more sturdy or of higher build quality? I played with the Paperwhite 4 at Best Buy and it seemed fine, but I have never owned an e-reader so I can't compare it to other devices. Unfortunately, my local Walmart does not stock the Clara, so I could not look at the Kobo in person. 3) Finally, if you strongly recommend one device over the other, please tell me why. Thanks all!