Libra 2 Kobo Libra 2 first impressions

[jusmee]

Will 3rd party covers for the older Libra, fit the Libra 2 ?

[Deobulakenyo]

Originally Posted by jusmee

Will 3rd party covers for the older Libra, fit the Libra 2 ?

Nope. new libra is a bit taller and wider and thicker

[Deobulakenyo]

Originally Posted by frostschutz

The Kobo Libra 2 microsd card turns out to be glued in all around, which makes it difficult to remove or replace. There is risk of damaging the slot when attempting to do so. Even putting a removed card back in might turn out to be difficult as there can still be leftover glue blocking the way (I didn't try it - decided to back off at this point). Unless you're very desperate you should consider this device to be like eMMC - non-removable storage.

Edit:

I'm not sure anymore if that was glue at all. it was dry on the outside, but turned greasy after moderately heating it, so it might be some kind of water-proofing gel instead. Unfortunately even after heating and removing most of the goop that I could reach around / above and under the card, it's still completely stuck.

Not sure what's the deal, whether it's simply stuck due to all the waterproof coating inside the slot, or whether it's actually soldered on or something. So might be it just needs a good tug or might be you'd destroy the microsd slot along with it, and that's not within my skills to repair, so I give up on it for now.

I've made a backup of the card so even destroying the card in the removal process would be an option if it left the slot intact... but I won't go in that direction until absolutely necessary.

If anyone else figures this out, please let me know. For now, I'm stumped.

Edit 2:

Someone managed to remove the card on a Tolino Vision 6 (separate line of readers which Kobo sells in Germany so it should be similar enough).

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...89#post4171389

Note that one user also seems to have damaged their device in the process. Please be careful.

I wonder if the sdacrd needs to be pushed to be ejected or just a simple pull is required. Maybe the reason why it is hard to pull is needs pushing to eject.

I showed the pictures to my mobile phone tech friends and they agreed that this is glue gun adhesive. Isopropyl alcohol, they say, will loosen the glue's contact with the pcb (board) but not melt the glue. Removal of battery terminals is recommended when soaking the card with alcohol, they say. It can be done with alcohon and plastic prying tool used in mobile phone repairs, they say

[frostschutz]

Originally Posted by Deobulakenyo

I wonder if the sdacrd needs to be pushed to be ejected or just a simple pull is required.

There's no push-click-spring mechanism in this slot. Unfortunately not that simple.

Picture in the German forum after removal looks like a snake shed its skin, it's just a layer of - whatever it is - all around the card, esp. thick on the bottom of the card near the contacts, and that's why it is - completely - stuck.

The user in the german forum said they wiggled it until it came out (while also working on it with other tools) and they took half an hour to do it. I tried isopropyl alcohol but it didn't seem to be too effective (and it spilled over to other components despite my attempts to avoid that). I was afraid I'd break the slot and the mainboard so I backed off, that's all there is to it.

So it is possible but also it's not so simple to do. If you want to make the attempt, take your time.

And one other user actually seems to have damaged their device in the process, so there is some risk involved.

I did get some random reboots afterwards (while working on the telnet shell) but I hope it's just watchdog / sickel being too trigger happy again. It's stable when flipping through books and when stressing it over USB so nothing should be broken, hopefully.

Even so due to the complications my recommendation remains, consider this device as not having replaceable storage. Mess with the SD card only if you're willing to risk ruining the device in the process (or if its already broken and you have nothing to lose).

That's unless someone finds a sure fire method that does not involve all this experimenting around.

[FireFrog]

Originally Posted by Krios

Does someone else's Libra 2 has mushy next page button?
Upper one is nice and clicky, but bottom one is mushy and squeaks if pressed from angle.

Mine are both clicky. But...I can't press the button towards the middle where they are near each other. It has to be on the outside for both buttons.

[Deobulakenyo]

Originally Posted by FireFrog

Mine are both clicky. But...I can't press the button towards the middle where they are near each other. It has to be on the outside for both buttons.

similar to manheet's review

[rogerinnyc]

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.

[BelleZora]

I agree with Rogerinnyc. The Libra 2 has exceeded my expectations. The screen is sharper than my Oasis 3, and the battery is much better. The page turn buttons are not mushy on mine.

[koboy]

Originally Posted by rogerinnyc

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.

i read mainly with the light (off) how well does the Libra 2 hold up against the Voyage in that regard?

best wishes koboy

[Almamida]

I just installed the latest nightly build of Koreader on my Libra2 and I’m shocked how fast the pages turn reading mangas. I’ll have to compare to the Paperwhite 5, because yes it’s that fast !

[Deobulakenyo]

Originally Posted by Almamida

I just installed the latest nightly build of Koreader on my Libra2 and I’m shocked how fast the pages turn reading mangas. I’ll have to compare to the Paperwhite 5, because yes it’s that fast !

Can you try with PDF and see how fast zooming is with pdfs?

Thank you

[koboy]

Originally Posted by Almamida

I just installed the latest nightly build of Koreader on my Libra2 and I’m shocked how fast the pages turn reading mangas. I’ll have to compare to the Paperwhite 5, because yes it’s that fast !

interesting. it looks rather slow compared to the PW5 in this review/video from 7.53 minutes in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtZBk4jZFvk

best wishes koboy

[MGlitch]

Originally Posted by koboy

interesting. it looks rather slow compared to the PW5 in this review/video from 7.53 minutes in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtZBk4jZFvk

best wishes koboy

You mean where they’re not using KOReader on either device? Just curious since that’s what Almamida was using.

[Mountainmohawk]

Are there steps for opening up the back of the Libra? I would like to put some paper or something behind the rear cover to help prevent the flexing

[Lynx-lynx]

Originally Posted by Mountainmohawk

Are there steps for opening up the back of the Libra? I would like to put some paper or something behind the rear cover to help prevent the flexing

Have you thought about getting a cover for it? It may be the better option