[PHughes]

I will weigh in on this, though I probably shouldn't.

I bought the Clara BW to replace my Clara HD that just died. Instead of restoring the Clara HD using a new SD card and image, I decided to replace it. It was flakey, and the battery calibration was perpetually off, and the battery lif in general wasn't nearly as good as my old Sonys, Kobo Mini, and Kobo Aura H2O. I'm happy to say my new Clara BW doesn't have that issue.

I liked the Aura H2O, but when I broke it, I went back to a smaller format, choosing the Clara HD. There really was no other choice for me since I absolutely hate the asymmetrical format of the other readers Kobo puts out. I was very happy once buttons disappeared from ereaders when touch screens made them unnecessary. To have them come back in what I see as an odd format was surprising to me. The shape makes it more difficult to fit into a pocket, and adds nothing, for me.

I was happy to get back to a smaller form factor, since the Clara better fits into my pocket, and the bags I travel with. Since I travel with a lot in my bags for work, the smaller form factor makes it nicer. I have not missed the larger screen at all since replacing my old Aura H20. I will be 60 in a few months so I don't have young eyes.

I was very tempted to get the Clara Colour, since I do use the reader to view Sky & Telescope magazine once in a while, but since I do mainly reading on it, I opted for the BW.

I think a lot of people like the smaller format. I do understand the popularity of the larger screens, and for most I am sure they are a great fit, but for someone who travels a lot, with limited space, the Clara is perfect. I would have been more apt to purchase a 7 inch screen reader if the form factor was like the original Aura H20, or like the Clara, no buttons. The addition of the buttons on the side just makes it basically impossible to put into a pocket, whereas I could slip my Aura H20 into the back pocket of a pair of jeans. It fit tighter than a Clara, but it fit. Of course the Clara can slip into my front pocket as well. So I have the smaller screen due to the odd form factor and larger size of the newer 7 inch screen models. If they made a 7 inch model without the buttons on the side, they might win me over. For now, the Clara BW fits the bill. I just hope they don't ruin it in case I need to buy another one down the road.

As with anything, it comes down to personal tastes and needs.