Libra Kobo Libra H2O - first reviews

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by swimon126

I wonder if I would feel like this later on. I'm on my first ereader (Kindle 6") and it feels like the perfect size for me (I mostly read fiction).
In terms of phones, I have small hands so even my current phone at 5.8" is too big. Wouldn't mind going back to a 5" phone. I might be an outlier though.

My phone is 5.1'' and I don't want a bigger phone. But as to ereaders, 7" is the perfect size for me, 6" is too small.

[winsomnia]

Originally Posted by swimon126

I wonder if I would feel like this later on. I'm on my first ereader (Kindle 6") and it feels like the perfect size for me (I mostly read fiction).
In terms of phones, I have small hands so even my current phone at 5.8" is too big. Wouldn't mind going back to a 5" phone. I might be an outlier though.

I went and measured the outside of my Kobo Aura, just now. It's 11.5cm x 15cm (4.5" x 6") and perfect for me. I need an ereader that fits in my inside jacket pocket, because that's the easiest way to access the thing when I am out and about. (You remember, when it was easy to be out and about, four weeks ago).

On the other hand, now I'm thinking about a bigger ereader just for being at home.

But let's be clear about this. I want a portable reader that I can read when I'm out and about. I need one that fits in a pocket of whatever I am wearing, be it a jacket or cargo pants. And the trend of going bigger with ereaders does not serve me well.

[some call me tim]

After feeling some Covid-19 induced ennui, as well as getting more reading done recently, I felt a strong desire to upgrade my ereader. I've been using a Voyage for the past 5 years or so and by and large have been very happy with it. I had been telling myself I'd wait until I either lost it or broke it before I bought a new ereader, but what can I say, I got the itch.

The main things I wanted an upgrade from my Voyage were: larger screen, better ergonomics, and warm light option. Oh, and I absolutely wanted to keep physical page turn buttons. So that pretty much left me with the options of the Libra, Forma, Oasis 3, and Nook Glowlight Plus. The Forma and the Nook both seem like they may be bigger than I'd want, plus I don't like B&N as a business, so I didn't give those much consideration. That left me choosing between the Libra and the Oasis. Though in a lot of ways the Oasis seemed to be the superior device, I liked the fact that the Libra was considerably cheaper, and I like the idea of supporting "the little guy." After reading through this thread, I eventually decided to take the plunge and try out the Libra. I've had it for about a week now and here's my thoughts so far:

Likes
-The form factor and size are great. I probably would like the bigger screen size of the Forma, but this seems like a good compromise of screen size and comfort
-The beveled edge. I haven't held the Oasis, but I feel like the angled "holding side" of the Libra would be more comfortable than the flat/rear bump of the Oasis
-Display. The display is every bit as crisp as my Voyage
-Brightness adjustment. I am pleased with the ability to adjust the light with a simple swipe. One of the niggles I had with the Voyage was how it was a 4 touch process to adjust the light.
-Having the cover of the book you're reading on the lock screen. It's a very minor thing in the scheme of things, but this is a nice touch that I wish the Kindle would have done. On that same note, I also like not having to worry about Amazon's ads coming through.
-The warm light feature. When reading in bed at night, the Voyage's blue light always seemed a bit harsh, even when dimmed. This is much nicer to look at in a dark room, and I like the ability to adjust the cool/warm levels to where you want them.
-Physical buttons. I like having an actual button to press rather than a smooth area like on the Voyage.
-Interface. It took a small amount of adjustment to get used to the Libra's interface, but so far I prefer it to the Voyage's in every respect. The one issue I have is that I can't edit the books to fit into the "Series" category. I think this may be something I can fix in Calibre though.
-Overdrive/Pocket functionality. Although I have yet to use this feature, I really like that it's integrated right into the device.

Dislikes
-Uneven lighting. Like plenty of others have mentioned, the lighting is dimmer on the button side. It's not a big deal for me, but it is noticeable if you're looking for it. Again, it doesn't bother me that much, but it is a strike against when comparing it to the Voyage's screen.
-Plasticy feel. I'm not a huge fan of the hard plastic backing, I would have preferred to have some sort of rubberized surface. Also, if you apply pressure on the button side in certain places, the case creaks. It doesn't affect functionality, but definitely makes it feel like a cheaper product when compared to the Voyage. I and got a cheap cover though, and that effectively nullified both issues.
-Loud buttons. The buttons aren't LOUD exactly, but definitely audible and "clacky," most noticeable when I'm reading in bed and my girlfriend is sleeping next to me. I had a Nook Simple Touch years ago, and I liked those buttons best, just a muted yet tactile feel.
-Formatting, or lack thereof, of epubs. This is likely something that's fixable, but so far the one thing that does truly annoy me. I've sideloadeds some books with Calibre, and they're center justified by default. Though there's an option to make them left justified in the font settings, pressing that option does absolutely nothing. In most cases it's not so bad, but sometimes the center justified text does really odd spacing and it's distracting to read. I'm hoping there's an easy fix for this.

Indifferent
These are features or aspects that I'm not bothered by or have found simple fixes for:
-No audiobook capability. I really don't need this feature in an ereader. I have my phone for audiobooks and have to imagine using the apps for those would be much easier/functional than what an ereader might have.
-No expandable storage. The 4gb of storage on the Voyage was more than ample for me, so 8gb will certainly be adequate.
-No Xray function. I never used this on the Voyage so don't have a use for it here.
-Dictionary. Supposedly the Kindle dictionary is better, but the few times I've used it on the Libra so far, the dictionary has been perfectly fine.
-The auto-rotate function. At first, I was slightly annoyed by the autorotate, as when you would rotate, the screen would go through several resets before formatting to the new orientation. I found that if you lock it into portrait mode though, the screen flips instantaneously without any issue.
-Manga/graphic novels. I like graphic novels, but using an ereader seems like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I have an old 10" tablet that I use for that, and it works great for that job.
-The recessed screen. I suppose if I had to choose, I would prefer the flush screen of the Voyage, but I really don't care. The resolution looks the same to me either way, the only downside I've noticed with the recessed screen is that my golden retriever's fur can float in and stick into the corner. Easily removed though.

All in all, I'm really pleased with this device. The pros definitely outweigh the cons for me, and really the only thing that bothers me so far is the issue with the formatting in center justify. I got a cover for mine, and like it better with the cover. Not only is it peace of mind for protecting the screen, but it got rid of the squeak of case and made it more comfortable in the hand. It does add weight, but I actually like the heavier feel in my hand, it makes it seem more substantial.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by some call me tim

-Formatting, or lack thereof, of epubs. This is likely something that's fixable, but so far the one thing that does truly annoy me. I've sideloaded some books with Calibre, and they're center justified by default. Though there's an option to make them left justified in the font settings, pressing that option does absolutely nothing. In most cases it's not so bad, but sometimes the center justified text does really odd spacing and it's distracting to read. I'm hoping there's an easy fix for this.

If the ebook doesn't specify text alignment, the left or justified setting on your Libra will affect the text alignment. If the ebook does specify text alignment, Kobo's firmware will not override it. You would need to edit those epubs and remove "text-align : center;" from the CSS or inline styles applied t those paragraphs. From what you are saying, it seems to be applied to the entire book which suggests that it is set for the body.

To me that is a plus for the Kobo while others argue that an renderer which does not follow the ebook's CSS is somehow superior.

[bookyboy]

@some call me tim

Nice review.

I’m surprised you didn’t notice or comment on the color temperature of the Libra (and Forma) vs the Voyage (and other kindles)

I really felt with my Forma and Libra (I’ve had and sold both) that the screens were much less white and kept reminding much more that I was indeed “looking at a computer screen”. Maybe I’m not describing it well, but I really preferred the “whiter” look of the Voyage.

It was one of those things I couldn’t “un-see”

(I’m still a Voyage user - despite trying most all that’s out there right now)

Refurb or quality pre-owned Voyages are, to me, the best value in e-readers out there right now and it is not close. Amazing the experience you can get for about $60

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by bookyboy

I’m surprised you didn’t notice or comment on the color temperature of the Libra (and Forma) vs the Voyage (and other kindles)

I really felt with my Forma and Libra (I’ve had and sold both) that the screens were much less white and kept reminding much more that I was indeed “looking at a computer screen”. Maybe I’m not describing it well, but I really preferred the “whiter” look of the Voyage.

It was one of those things I couldn’t “un-see”

(I’m still a Voyage user - despite trying most all that’s out there right now)

I find that strange. When reading a paper book or newspaper, the page is never white. But, I would expect the computer screen to be white. For my ereaders, I use the colour changing to set them a little off-white, as that is what I find to be easiest on my eyes.

Of course, I know I am reading on a screen. I make no attempt to make any of my screens look like paper. I make sure that they are the best for me to read on, or do whatever task I am using the screen for.

[bookyboy]

Originally Posted by davidfor

I find that strange. When reading a paper book or newspaper, the page is never white.

?

They aren’t “digital screen-ish feeling” either though.

You’ve never read a book with reasonably white pages?
(Not “printer paper white”, no, but certainly more whitish than the coloration on Forma & Libra screen)

Not trying to start a war or anything.
I just easily find the kindle screens more pleasing is all.

I have no favorites or preferred platform at all..
Just sharing what I find most pleasurable on the eyes.

No harm no foul.
Different strokes for different folks, for sure.
Cheers

[bookyboy]

Just to circle back on the screen coloration thing..

I want to be very fair about it - it really is only an issue with the backlight in use (which can be a larger or smaller issue depending upon how/when you use your reader of course).

Myself being an exclusively "night" reader, was probably more bothered by it than many might be.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by DNSB

If the ebook doesn't specify text alignment, the left or justified setting on your Libra will affect the text alignment. If the ebook does specify text alignment, Kobo's firmware will not override it. You would need to edit those epubs and remove "text-align : center;" from the CSS or inline styles applied t those paragraphs. From what you are saying, it seems to be applied to the entire book which suggests that it is set for the body.

To me that is a plus for the Kobo while others argue that an renderer which does not follow the ebook's CSS is somehow superior.

I call a program that doesn't respect the CSS 100% GARBAGE. Because that is GARBAGE IMHO. I also dislike programs that when you do use overrides, you are stuck using all the overrides. If I have the CSS edited to what I want and use a different font, I have to use all the overrides. All overrides should have an off position so you can specify which overrides you want to use if any and many none of them.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by bookyboy

Just to circle back on the screen coloration thing..

I want to be very fair about it - it really is only an issue with the backlight in use (which can be a larger or smaller issue depending upon how/when you use your reader of course).

Myself being an exclusively "night" reader, was probably more bothered by it than many might be.

Just to note, the same Reader can have variations in the light color. I've ee photos of two Oasis 3 and one is more yellow then the other. So maybe a different Kobo would be more white then the one in the photo.

[bookyboy]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Just to note, the same Reader can have variations in the light color. I've ee photos of two Oasis 3 and one is more yellow then the other. So maybe a different Kobo would be more white then the one in the photo.

eh.."maybe"..

I've yet to see a video or review (or in person) a Forma or Libra that didn't look basically just like those pics (with the backlight on).

It's not really a color variation in the way I think you may be talking about, but more a different design approach that Kobo seemed to use.

They have a greener "tinge" with the backlight on.

Perhaps it doesn't bother some (or most?) people, but it's seems fairly evident that it is true at least.

[JSWolf]

Here are two Kindle Oasis 2019 that have different tints.



Here is the Libra and the Forma showing the light rather white. So while they may have a tint to them with the natural light off, you can use the natural light to change that tint to be whitish.

[bookyboy]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Here are two Kindle Oasis 2019 that have different tints.

Attachment 178430

Here is the Libra and the Forma showing the light rather white. So while they may have a tint to them with the natural light off, you can use the natural light to change that tint to be whitish.

Attachment 178431

I stand by this photo below...it is perfectly representative of my experience when comparing side by side both my Forma and Libra with the kindles.

https://i.imgur.com/iMfpVBx.png

[Richwood]

I just ordered the Libra H2O today from Kobo. The listings on ebay are all from Japan and ridiculously expensive compared to the Kobo USA price. Sellers on Amazon also are expensive and have too many bad reviews to take a chance on. I note that the Kobo USA price is about $100 less than the no advertising Kindle Oasis with the same 8 GB memory while size and weight are practically identical. I already have the G9 and G10 Oasis readers as well as the Kobo Forma and find the Forma a bit large for ready transport and holding. The 7" screen seems to be a good compromise. Looking forward to the arrival of the Libra. I also ordered the ACDream Libra folio case from Amazon as I already have the practically identical Oasis version on both my Oasis readers.

[some call me tim]

Originally Posted by bookyboy

@some call me tim

Nice review.

I’m surprised you didn’t notice or comment on the color temperature of the Libra (and Forma) vs the Voyage (and other kindles)

I really felt with my Forma and Libra (I’ve had and sold both) that the screens were much less white and kept reminding much more that I was indeed “looking at a computer screen”. Maybe I’m not describing it well, but I really preferred the “whiter” look of the Voyage.

It was one of those things I couldn’t “un-see”

(I’m still a Voyage user - despite trying most all that’s out there right now)

Refurb or quality pre-owned Voyages are, to me, the best value in e-readers out there right now and it is not close. Amazing the experience you can get for about $60

You're right, the screen is greener side by side. Believe it or not, I actually hadn't compared the two next to each other until just now, but looking at videos and such, I'd accepted that the screen would be greenish. It's not something I notice looking at the device by itself, but when you put them side by side with the light all the way up (with no warm light), it's evident.



However, when you add a bit of warm light into the mix, I find the Lbra's display much easier on the eyes.



And I find these comparisons somewhat academic in nature. I never have my brightness cranked up all the way to the max. Here's a side by side of how I normally would have my settings in a bright room (~40% on the Libra, 12 on the Voyage):



In that comparison, the Voyage actually looks greener. I always liked the Voyage's display, the only thing that bothered me about it was the "harshness" of the blue light when reading in a dark room at night. Before there was ever such a thing, a warm light feature was one of the few improvements I wanted on the Voyage, and was one of the big factors in my decision to upgrade.