Which Kobo? Kobo Clara BW or Libra 2

[alexhk]

I only has one e-reader that I purchased in 2018 for Onyx Boox Nova which is a 7.8 inch Android e-reader. But it is slow and outdated, can't really use Kobo app anymore. So I decided to get a Kobo e-reader. I don't need colour. So I can either get Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Libra 2 (Refurbished). Both screen size is smaller than my Onyx Nova. I am ok with it...just not sure if Clara BW would be too small. But Clara BW is newer with Carta 1300.

I am having hard time to pick.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by alexhk

I only has one e-reader that I purchased in 2018 for Onyx Boox Nova which is a 7.8 inch Android e-reader. But it is slow and outdated, can't really use Kobo app anymore. So I decided to get a Kobo e-reader. I don't need colour. So I can either get Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Libra 2 (Refurbished). Both screen size is smaller than my Onyx Nova. I am ok with it...just not sure if Clara BW would be too small. But Clara BW is newer with Carta 1300.

I am having hard time to pick.

The Clara would be a colossal reduction in size. How about doing a quick-and-dirty test on the Nova, and reduce the margins to approximate the size of the Clara and see how you feel about it?

I don't think the Carta 1300 factor is significant; the Libra would be way good enough, especially compared to your Nova. However, I'd consider trying to find out what exactly "refurbished" means, i.e., does it mean replacing the battery? Or at least testing it to make sure it meets minimum specs?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by alexhk

I only has one e-reader that I purchased in 2018 for Onyx Boox Nova which is a 7.8 inch Android e-reader. But it is slow and outdated, can't really use Kobo app anymore. So I decided to get a Kobo e-reader. I don't need colour. So I can either get Kobo Clara BW or Kobo Libra 2 (Refurbished). Both screen size is smaller than my Onyx Nova. I am ok with it...just not sure if Clara BW would be too small. But Clara BW is newer with Carta 1300.

I am having hard time to pick.

Where can you find a refurbished Kobo Libra 2.

[afv011]

I had a Libra2 that died, and I replaced it with a Clara BW. I don't care for color, and I didn't quite like the ergonomics of the Libra2 that much either. The good thing about the Clara is how small and light it is, but you may miss some real estate if you're used to a larger screen.

[pypeke]

I was 100% against color ereaders so I bought a reconditioned Sage. I like it, but it has problems so I will return it.

I then bought a Libra Colour. I don't even notice the color on it. I see skin tones, beiges, blacks, and whites mostly. So I was wrong about color ereaders.

I like that it is repairable (IFixIt) and that a new battery can be installed when needed. I like the new reading settings and other options that are not available on the Sage. I only had the Sage 2 weeks longer than the Libra Colour.

The color is not that big of a deal. It is very washed out and faded. Not like bright color from a tablet.

IFixIt only applies to the 3 newest Kobos: Libra Colour, Clara Colour, and Clara BW. I would choose based on screen size for easy reading, device size for fitting into a pocket (or not), and weight. I prefer a larger screen size like the Sage, but do not like the flush screen on it. I have not noticed any problems with clarity on the Libra Colour.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by pypeke

I like that it is repairable (IFixIt) and that a new battery can be installed when needed. I like the new reading settings and other options that are not available on the Sage. I only had the Sage 2 weeks longer than the Libra Colour.

What additional reading settings are those? When I compare the settings for my Sage and my KLC, the only difference I see is the Reduce rainbow effect checkbox in Reading settings (Sage firmware is 4.38.23171 vs KLC's 4.41.23145 so the Sage firmware is a few builds newer).

The main difference for me is that the KLC has an opening so you can reach the power button with the cover on.

[Quoth]

Also most Kobos are as repairable as the ones listed with IFixIt. That seems like a gimmick.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by DNSB

The main difference for me is that the KLC has an opening so you can reach the power button with the cover on.

Some 3rd party covers have that anyway.

I presume the "reduce rainbow effect" simply forces mono rendering to 150 dpi rather than 300 dpi. Coloured artefacts will only appear on certain specific 300 dpi details and fonts.

[DNSB]

Since I tend to be an early adopter, I've never purchased a Kobo and had third party covers available at the time I need one.

[alexhk]

Originally Posted by afv011

I had a Libra2 that died, and I replaced it with a Clara BW. I don't care for color, and I didn't quite like the ergonomics of the Libra2 that much either. The good thing about the Clara is how small and light it is, but you may miss some real estate if you're used to a larger screen.

Do you feel Clara BW is small or good enough for reading novel? I don't mind smaller as long as good enough to read. I don't mind to turn page more frequently.

[DNSB]

The Clara BW is fine for reading reflowable novels. For me, the issue is when you have PDFs or other fixed layout content where you have to pan and scan to see the entire page with a readable font size.

[pypeke]

Originally Posted by DNSB

What additional reading settings are those? When I compare the settings for my Sage and my KLC, the only difference I see is the Reduce rainbow effect checkbox in Reading settings (Sage firmware is 4.38.23171 vs KLC's 4.41.23145 so the Sage firmware is a few builds newer).

The main difference for me is that the KLC has an opening so you can reach the power button with the cover on.

Oops, only 1 is in Reading Settings, the other one is in Energy Saving and Privacy. I have not found it on the Sage, but I may have missed it. I use leather covers, and the power button is covered up. I use the "wake up device with page turn buttons" on the Libra Colour since the power button is covered up by my cover.

Originally Posted by Quoth

Also most Kobos are as repairable as the ones listed with IFixIt. That seems like a gimmick.

Just going by the Kobo website about the repairability with IFixIt.