Subjective Comparison of Libra 2, Libra Colour and Clara Colour

[rogerinnyc]

I know there have been plenty of threads here discussing the newest color Kobos, but I had occasion recently to receive as gifts both the Libra Colour and the Clara Colour, although I already had the Libra 2.

Obviously, I couldn't resist making a detailed comparison and now want to share my impressions (subjective!!) of all three.

My favorite device continues to be the Libra 2. Its text continues to be sharper than any of the comparison devices, IMHO. Its background has no graininess. Having said that, both of the Colour devices are pretty good and, if I wasn't comparing them side by side to the L2, would be totally acceptable and enjoyable.

I am attaching some photos below that compare the Libra 2 (on the left -- once you rotate it properly -- sorry!) (no comfort light, brightness at 67%) with the Libra Colour (no comfort light, brightness at 77%), and the Libra Colour (same settings) with the Clara Colour (no comfort light, brightness at 77%). I'm not sure the photos do the devices full justice, but to my naked eye the Libra 2 is marginally more pleasant. But emphasis on marginal and, if I weren't comparing them, I would be totally happy and satisfied with either of the Colour devices.

Other points of comparison: The Libra Colour is lighter than the L2 (7.1 ounces to 7.5 ounces); the Libra Colour feels more plastic-y though and a touch more slippery -- folks disagree, but I like the slightly rubberized back of the L2 and haven't not seen it deteriorate even with heavy usage; the Libra Colour is faster -- not noticeably with page turns, but definitely in sideloading from Calibre and in searching within a book; I haven't really tested/compared battery life -- none of the devices has discharged quickly and, given that we charge our phones pretty much every day, charging your Kobo every 2 weeks or so is a non-issue for me; and, finally, the page turn buttons of the two devices feel pretty much the same to me.

The Clara Colour has pretty much all the same pros and cons as the Libra Colour except it's ridiculously light, at 6.1 ounces, and has no page turn buttons.

And, of course, there's the colour on the two new devices. It's nice, for sure (I don't read Manga or really need it in a book; nor do I highlight). It's kind of too bad that when turning off the Colour devices, the screen doesn't stay lit longer. It's really a very muted color book jacket 3 seconds after you turn it off, but pretty cool during the short period when its backlit. And it is nice to have the color in the my books/home page sections.

For me, I will be returning the Libra Colour on the theory that the nice splashes of color and better processor don't sufficiently offset the loveliness of the L2's font sharpness and clean background. But I certainly could see others making the opposite choice.

I will be keeping the Clara Colour, not because I really need it, but it's so small and light that it will make a better traveling companion in certain circumstances (e.g., on a multi-day bike tour) or slipping it into a jacket pocket as a reading companion when going to a restaurant solo.

[cgsmom]

Thank you for this information. I have always been a Nook person, but we all know that Barnes & Noble does everything in their power to anger their customers. I also have some Kindles. I have always been curious about Kobo but have never bought one. I have 4 current working readers, but I really want to try a color one. The Kindle Colorsoft is too expensive IMHO and I don't want to take a chance on getting a bad one.

This seems like the perfect opportunity to give Kobo a try. Even though I like page turn buttons, I am not a fan of the assymetrical shape of the Libra (like my Oasis). I think the Clara Colour might be a good test.