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rogerinnyc · 11-12-2021, 02:29 PM

I have had a Kobo Aura One that died, followed by a Kobo Forma. I love my Forma, but recently accidentally gouged the screen, so I thought I would order the Sage. I reviewed that in the Sage thread, but TL;DF, I returned it -- even though the screen was excellent -- because I didn't like the extra weight (who knew 1.5 oz more would feel so significant?), the more slippery back, the thicker bezels, the thicker width, and the button placement near the edge.

I decided I would order a new Forma and stick with what I knew and loved.

But before doing that, I saw Amazon was selling the Libra 2 and, given how good/easy they are with returns, thought I would give it a shot. And it turns out I'm glad I did.

The Libra 2 is a GORGEOUS device -- absolutely the best screen I've seen on any e-reader, including my Kindle Voyage. Very contrasty and clear fonts. The only possible knock is that the background is a little darker/greyer than the Forma, which might bother some, but I'm good with it.

It's "only" about 13 grams heavier than the Forma, which is a difference I can manage. I find the grip and ease of holding it to be very pleasant.

I didn't think I'd be able to adjust down from the Forma's 8" screen or flush screen to the Libra 2's 7" and recessed screen, but I find that I'm not minding either and am appreciating the better portability/pocketability of the smaller device.

And did I mention oh what a screen?

Also appreciate the USB-C connection and what seems to be slightly improved UI speed over the Forma.

The comfort light color-- at all %s -- is very even and good -- not too crazy orangy like the Forma.

Although I don't really use it, the dark mode is the first one I've seen that is really dark and usable. Way above anything I've seen on other devices through the invert function patch. One issue is that when your page refreshes in dark mode, it's a bright flash, so if you're using it, I'd recommend going into reading settings and setting the refresh rate to the most infrequent one you can use ("each chapter" I think).

The page turn buttons are a bit inconsistent in their feel, depending upon where you press them; on my device, clickier to the inside; mushier to the outside -- but based on how I hold it (and I've also patched so both buttons are page forward), I only ever use the outside edges and get a consistent, soft (but adequately resistant and non-clicky) result.

I also ordered the Kobo Libra 2 sleep cover, but am returning that. It's nicely made, but the stand function, in portrait mode, really lists to the side -- you can't get it straight up and down. In landscape mode it works exactly as it should -- but I don't like to read in landscape. I'm going to get a sleeve from Etsy and use it with a small reading stand that folds flat and will fit inside the sleeve.

I hope that helps anyone else trying to figure out whether to get the Libra 2. It is truly one of those rare devices that I can say is DELIGHTFUL.

11-12-2021, 02:29 PM	#262
rogerinnyc Addict Posts: 232 Karma: 944808 Join Date: Apr 2009 Device: Kobo Libra 2, Forma and Aura One; Kindle Voyage; OnePlus 12 Pro	Libra 2 Impressions I have had a Kobo Aura One that died, followed by a Kobo Forma. I love my Forma, but recently accidentally gouged the screen, so I thought I would order the Sage. I reviewed that in the Sage thread, but TL;DF, I returned it -- even though the screen was excellent -- because I didn't like the extra weight (who knew 1.5 oz more would feel so significant?), the more slippery back, the thicker bezels, the thicker width, and the button placement near the edge. I decided I would order a new Forma and stick with what I knew and loved. But before doing that, I saw Amazon was selling the Libra 2 and, given how good/easy they are with returns, thought I would give it a shot. And it turns out I'm glad I did. The Libra 2 is a GORGEOUS device -- absolutely the best screen I've seen on any e-reader, including my Kindle Voyage. Very contrasty and clear fonts. The only possible knock is that the background is a little darker/greyer than the Forma, which might bother some, but I'm good with it. It's "only" about 13 grams heavier than the Forma, which is a difference I can manage. I find the grip and ease of holding it to be very pleasant. I didn't think I'd be able to adjust down from the Forma's 8" screen or flush screen to the Libra 2's 7" and recessed screen, but I find that I'm not minding either and am appreciating the better portability/pocketability of the smaller device. And did I mention oh what a screen? Also appreciate the USB-C connection and what seems to be slightly improved UI speed over the Forma. The comfort light color-- at all %s -- is very even and good -- not too crazy orangy like the Forma. Although I don't really use it, the dark mode is the first one I've seen that is really dark and usable. Way above anything I've seen on other devices through the invert function patch. One issue is that when your page refreshes in dark mode, it's a bright flash, so if you're using it, I'd recommend going into reading settings and setting the refresh rate to the most infrequent one you can use ("each chapter" I think). The page turn buttons are a bit inconsistent in their feel, depending upon where you press them; on my device, clickier to the inside; mushier to the outside -- but based on how I hold it (and I've also patched so both buttons are page forward), I only ever use the outside edges and get a consistent, soft (but adequately resistant and non-clicky) result. I also ordered the Kobo Libra 2 sleep cover, but am returning that. It's nicely made, but the stand function, in portrait mode, really lists to the side -- you can't get it straight up and down. In landscape mode it works exactly as it should -- but I don't like to read in landscape. I'm going to get a sleeve from Etsy and use it with a small reading stand that folds flat and will fit inside the sleeve. I hope that helps anyone else trying to figure out whether to get the Libra 2. It is truly one of those rare devices that I can say is DELIGHTFUL.