Replacing my old e-reader

[Nikoz]

Hi,

I've had a Paperwhite (1st gen) for a while now, and been mostly happy with it. A recent firmware upgrade and the ensuing slowness made me realize it may be time to look for a replacement.

I've decided not to get a new paperwhite, because I'm tired of jailbreaking and fiddling with hacks for features that should be native (screen displaying the cover of the book I'm reading, a decent collection management system, etc.) and I'd like epub support.

I'm looking for something with good battery life, and at least 4GB of memory (or a microsd slot). I don't need waterproof, and audiobook capability is probably irrelevant for me as it's apparently blocked in my country.

With the Clara HD, Libra H2O (+40€), and Libra 2 (+10€ more) Kobo might have what I'm looking for.
- I've read reviews of Libras breaking after only a few months (due to cheap plastic, a shoddily fixed screen or something like that), is there any truth to that? I won't expect a new e-reader to beat my kindle's longevity but I would like to keep it a few years.
- I hold my e-reader with one hand and I've never used one with physical buttons. How does it feel? Can you rotate the screen if you want to hold with your left hand?
- How is the kobo interface? I really dislike the search results in the current Kindle firmware, and collections are a hassle.
- Are the increase in memory size and slightly better resolution the only differences between both Libras?
- Is the 7' screen of the libras worth the weight and price difference?
- Did I miss another model or brand that would fit my needs?
Thanks.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Nikoz

- I've read reviews of Libras breaking after only a few months (due to cheap plastic, a shoddily fixed screen or something like that), is there any truth to that? I won't expect a new e-reader to beat my kindle's longevity but I would like to keep it a few years.

First I've heard of it. I've had my Libra for 2 years now and I have no complaints about the build quality. It may be plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap or creaky in any way.

- I hold my e-reader with one hand and I've never used one with physical buttons. How does it feel? Can you rotate the screen if you want to hold with your left hand?

Yes, you can rotate and the text shifts automatically. IMO it's very comfortable, but of course there are people who prefer the traditional shape, as with all things.

- How is the kobo interface? I really dislike the search results in the current Kindle firmware, and collections are a hassle.

Kobo collections can be managed automatically with Calibre, if you use it. Interface is ok, and you can customize and patch your Kobo to your heart's content, if you're not satisfied with the defaults.

- Are the increase in memory size and slightly better resolution the only differences between both Libras?

The Libra 2 has a better screen and better contrast (the resolution is the same). But it weighs a bit more.

- Is the 7' screen of the libras worth the weight and price difference?

For me personally, yes. As always, not everyone thinks so.

- Did I miss another model or brand that would fit my needs?
Thanks.

There are Pocketbooks and various Android eink tablets, but I know nothing about them, having never used one.

[Quoth]

All what Sirtel says ^^^^^
I'd never go back to 6". I have or have had many ereaders (Amazon Kindle, Sony, Nook, Binatone, Kobo, Boyue Likebook, iRiver Story).
Kobo is well made, Libra H2O better than previous. Kobo has the best reader software and works best with Calibre (add Kobo Utilities).

I use my Libra H2O the most. I've not seen the new Libra2 yet, but the weight difference isn't significant especially if you use a sleep cover. I've never felt the need to patch or install a different reader.

[Josieb1]

I have multiple e-readers, both kindle and Kobo. I prefer a larger screen for my main e-reader and only use a 6inch e-reader when I’m out and about. I prefer Kobo e-readers, even over my Kindle Oasis 2. The software for a Kobo is just so much nicer to use and it makes reading a much more pleasurable experience, even down to side swiping the screen for brightness changes. I doubt I’d buy another kindle now. The Kobo’s are well made e-readers, I certainly haven’t had any issues with them.

[Pajamaman]

I read on a 7.8" screen. Very comfortable and still portable enough. Way better IMO than a 6" which now feels like reading on a post stamp.

As I understand it, the Kobo interface is superior to the Amazon interface. Apparently Amazon have not bothered to update in years. Also Kobo devices are "open" which means you can do more customization, if you choose to.

I personally wouldn't mind the 8" Sage, but it's a bit pricey when you factor in the case, and I don't need a new e-reader at the moment. But it looks attractive. Nice looking ereader.

I don't think there is much difference between the two Libras, but I could be wrong.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Nikoz

I've had a Paperwhite (1st gen) for a while now, and been mostly happy with it...

If you're happy with your Paperwhite's size, the Clara has an even smaller footprint and a nice, 6" screen. My favorite reader is my PocketBook Touch HD3, which basically has the same screen as the Clara but also has page turn buttons and other features that I like.

I'm not personally interested in the "square" readers like the Libra. I like being able to wrap my hand around the reader as I "cradle" it, but I almost exclusively read ePubs not PDF or Manga documents so no real need for the bigger screen.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices, though. They all have good screens and warm lighting (which I use day an night).

Good luck.

[Nikoz]

Thanks for your replies, this pushed me to go and try a Clara and Libra 2 in a store. They didn't have any exposition model but have a 15-day money back guarantee, so I figured I'd just get a Libra 2.
First impression is quite good: it's not as big or heavy as I thought, it feels good in the hand and the physical buttons are good, and it's fast. The lighting is even.

There's one thing though, calibre can't see it when it's connected to my computer. A quick search told me you have to install the kobo touch extended plugin, but I can't do it on calibre 4.23. Am I correct, and does that mean you can't use calibre with a kobo reader if you're on windows 7?

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Nikoz

There's one thing though, calibre can't see it when it's connected to my computer. A quick search told me you have to install the kobo touch extended plugin, but I can't do it on calibre 4.23. Am I correct, and does that mean you can't use calibre with a kobo reader if you're on windows 7?

Calibre 4.23 doesn't support the newest Kobos. You need to update your Calibre, yes.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Calibre 4.23 doesn't support the newest Kobos. You need to update your Calibre, yes.

This does not work on Windows 7

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

This does not work on Windows 7

It works for some people. You don't know unless you try.

The alternative is to get an older Kobo. The Libra 1 from 2019 should be supported by 4.23.

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Calibre 4.23 doesn't support the newest Kobos. You need to update your Calibre, yes.

That can be solved with a little work if there is enough demand. I did if for when whatever version of calibre came out that didn't work on the Windows XP.