Kobo v Paperwhite for readability; and which model of Kobo to go for

[kangxi]

Hi all,
I'm considering changing from a Kindle Paperwhite to a Kobo (after the advice of Sirtel on this blog), mainly because of its relationship with Calibre and better management than a Kindle. But I neglected to ask about the most fundamental attribute of an ebook reader: how easy is it to read a book on it? I'm talking about the size and clarity of the screen, the lighting, the ease on the eyes, the user control over how it presents itself.
In those respect I found my Kindle Paperwhite to be quite good - I never got eyestrain or had problems with reading the text. How does a Kobo b/w Clara compare with a Kindle? I note that the screen is slightly larger, which is promising.

And given that all I want to do is read and manage books (I don't want to make notes and colour is not important) is the Clara the best option for me?

Also, is there any chance the Clara could be upgraded or replaced in the near future?

[Sirtel]

The Clara has a 6'' screen, just like the pre-2021 Paperwhites - which model Paperwhite do you have and why do you think the Clara has a larger screen?

As to the readability, clarity, lighting, contrast etc - yes, it's just as readable.

Control over the display - the Clara actually has more customizable settings than a Kindle, plus you can patch it (i.e. add even more settings). And you can install KOReader, a separate reading app, which is known for its multitude of settings and options. Personally I don't use KOReader, but many here do.

[kangxi]

I have an 11th generation paperwhite and I measured the screen at 5.5 ins x 4.1 ins.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by kangxi

I have an 11th generation paperwhite and I measured the screen at 5.5 ins x 4.1 ins.

Then your PW actually has a larger screen than the Clara - I think the 2021 PW has a 6.8'' screen, while the Clara has a 6'' screen.

[kangxi]

Ah, I see what the confusion is. I was measuring the illuminated screen where the text appears. The dimension of 6.8 inches is the total length of the casing, including the unusable black border.
I'll have to check on the Kobo models to see if there is a b/w model that is equal to or larger than the kindle.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by kangxi

I'll have to check on the Kobo models to see if there is a b/w model that is equal to or larger than the kindle.

Only the Libra Colour (7'') and the Sage (8''). And the Elipsa (10.3").

The 6.8'' is the diagonal of the screen (not the border or bezel).

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by kangxi

I have an 11th generation paperwhite and I measured the screen at 5.5 ins x 4.1 ins.

So (5.5x5.5) + (4.1x4.1) is 47.06 and the square root of that is 6.80. See Pythagorean theorem for the reasoning.

[bluepeter]

The Libra Colour cannot be recommended for readability. The contrast on a page of simple black text is dreadful. The background is grey, not white. If you want a 7" Kobo for reading, your best option is to look for a secondhand Libra 2. It's very sad that this was discontinued and not replaced with a new monochrome model when the Libra Colour was launched.

The Clara BW is a little smaller than your 6.8" Paperwhite, but is an excellent e-reader. I use mine for several hours a day, and am very happy with it. I recommend it.

[JSWolf]

I can't see going back in screen size. The problem for Kobo is they have no good 7" Reader since they did away with the Libra 2. I agree with bluepeter on the Libra Colour.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I can't see going back in screen size. The problem for Kobo is they have no good 7" Reader since they did away with the Libra 2. I agree with bluepeter on the Libra Colour.

Yeah. There is the 8“ Kobo Sage, but it has very poor battery life, especially compared to the 11th gen PW, which is known for its excellent battery life. I like my Sage, but coming from the PW, the OP would probably find the battery life very disappointing.

Kobo really needs to release a new b/w 7“ device ASAP.

[rashkae]

Originally Posted by bluepeter

The Libra Colour cannot be recommended for readability. The contrast on a page of simple black text is dreadful. The background is grey, not white. If you want a 7" Kobo for reading, your best option is to look for a secondhand Libra 2. It's very sad that this was discontinued and not replaced with a new monochrome model when the Libra Colour was launched.

The Libra Colour needs more frontlight to compensate for the light filtering effect of the colour screen. The 'grey' background should only be detrimental to those who absolutely do not want to use the light, (and, to a certain extent, to those who want to read in *very* bright light, like directly sunlight, where the frontlight does not net bright enough.)

[bluepeter]

Originally Posted by rashkae

The Libra Colour needs more frontlight to compensate for the light filtering effect of the colour screen. The 'grey' background should only be detrimental to those who absolutely do not want to use the light, (and, to a certain extent, to those who want to read in *very* bright light, like directly sunlight, where the frontlight does not net bright enough.)

Yes. But the very fact that a frontlight is needed for reading simple text in a normally lit room is itself evidence that colour e-readers are not very good at their primary function. If you can read a book in your favoured lighting conditions, you ought also to be able to read on an e-reader with no additional lighting.

[John F]

Originally Posted by bluepeter

Yes. But the very fact that a frontlight is needed for reading simple text in a normally lit room is itself evidence that colour e-readers are not very good at their primary function. If you can read a book in your favoured lighting conditions, you ought also to be able to read on an e-reader with no additional lighting.

cough, cough, *BS*, cough, cough

IMO, YMMV

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Yeah. There is the 8“ Kobo Sage, but it has very poor battery life, especially compared to the 11th gen PW, which is known for its excellent battery life. I like my Sage, but coming from the PW, the OP would probably find the battery life very disappointing.

Kobo really needs to release a new b/w 7“ device ASAP.

I agree. Kobo does need a new Libra BW. I think a Libra Colour without the color would be a good thing. Also, an 8" Libra BW would be good so Kobo could dump the Sage and have a good 8" Reader.

[Quoth]

The Sage battery life is poorer than many ereaders, but not all. It's actually quite good with light, BT & WiFi off.