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Tintenfisch · 06-10-2025, 03:40 PM

Quick update – I’ve now gotten hold of the following and will keep only one of them:
(this was translated by ChatGPT, so please any mistakes blame on it, just kidding

PocketBook Era (new)
kobo Libra 2 (used)

The following comparison is of course highly subjective and will differ for everyone!

Advantages of the Era (compared to the Libra 2):

more compact form factor (with the same screen size as the Libra 2)
better build quality "feel" & materials (the plastic feels more premium than on the Libra)
flush display contributes to a more elegant look
(German library) Onleihe is easily possible via app on the device (though I rarely use it; on the Libra 2 it’s only possible via Adobe software on Mac or PC)
well-designed accessories (the protective cover "clicks" into the back, making it slimmer than full-cover cases)

What I like better about the Libra 2:

the page-turn buttons feel better in my hand (I have rather small hands) and have a better tactile response for me
more granular font adjustment options
I like the user interface much more (purely subjective – you rarely even see the UI)
the screen is brighter/clearer (compared to Era with frontlight off or using the same light settings, see photos)

Which one will it be?

I’m still testing, but I’m leaning toward the Libra 2.
The reason is much more significant than I expected: the display!

I had the PocketBook Era first and was very satisfied with it.
But when the used Libra 2 arrived – what an eye candy (the display)!
Ever since, I notice the darker screen on the Era more and more while reading, and I’ve been reaching almost exclusively for the Libra.
The Era’s screen feels dull and "greyish" in comparison (hard to describe), so I turned up the brightness. But then it loses the "paper look" and starts to "glow" too much for my likings. I should mention that I mostly read indoors, usually in bed with a bedside lamp.

Had I never tried the Libra 2, I probably wouldn’t have noticed – so in my opinion, the difference here isn’t between bad and good, but between good and very good.

I think I’ll part with one of them and sell it used in 2–3 weeks. Until then, I’ll continue testing both thoroughly.

Here are a few comparison photos:
with no light / low light + warm or cold / full light + warm or cold
(the phone camera of course doesn’t capture the lighting & color tones naturally)

06-10-2025, 03:40 PM	#25
Tintenfisch Member Posts: 14 Karma: 1010 Join Date: May 2025 Location: East Germany Device: PocketBook Era (b/w) or Kobo Libra 2?	Quick update – I’ve now gotten hold of the following and will keep only one of them: (this was translated by ChatGPT, so please any mistakes blame on it, just kidding PocketBook Era (new) kobo Libra 2 (used) The following comparison is of course highly subjective and will differ for everyone! Advantages of the Era (compared to the Libra 2): more compact form factor (with the same screen size as the Libra 2) better build quality "feel" & materials (the plastic feels more premium than on the Libra) flush display contributes to a more elegant look (German library) Onleihe is easily possible via app on the device (though I rarely use it; on the Libra 2 it’s only possible via Adobe software on Mac or PC) well-designed accessories (the protective cover "clicks" into the back, making it slimmer than full-cover cases) What I like better about the Libra 2: the page-turn buttons feel better in my hand (I have rather small hands) and have a better tactile response for me more granular font adjustment options I like the user interface much more (purely subjective – you rarely even see the UI) the screen is brighter/clearer (compared to Era with frontlight off or using the same light settings, see photos) Which one will it be? I’m still testing, but I’m leaning toward the Libra 2. The reason is much more significant than I expected: the display! I had the PocketBook Era first and was very satisfied with it. But when the used Libra 2 arrived – what an eye candy (the display)! Ever since, I notice the darker screen on the Era more and more while reading, and I’ve been reaching almost exclusively for the Libra. The Era’s screen feels dull and "greyish" in comparison (hard to describe), so I turned up the brightness. But then it loses the "paper look" and starts to "glow" too much for my likings. I should mention that I mostly read indoors, usually in bed with a bedside lamp. Had I never tried the Libra 2, I probably wouldn’t have noticed – so in my opinion, the difference here isn’t between bad and good, but between good and very good. I think I’ll part with one of them and sell it used in 2–3 weeks. Until then, I’ll continue testing both thoroughly. Here are a few comparison photos: with no light / low light + warm or cold / full light + warm or cold (the phone camera of course doesn’t capture the lighting & color tones naturally)