From PW2 to...?

[fedett92]

Hello everyone,
I would like to ask for some advice regarding my next purchase.

I received a PW2 as a gift back in 2013, and it has served me very well—and still does—especially using KOReader. However, I’m now considering an upgrade.

Ideally, my best choice would be a Libra 3 BW, but since it doesn’t exist (and I doubt it will in the next year), I’m looking for something similar.

I found a new Libra 2 for €135, and I would have already bought it if it weren’t white. I’ve read everywhere that white bezels are a no-go (due to contrast). Could anyone confirm this?
Since I can’t find it at a reasonable price or used in black, I’ve considered a Clara BW. I’ve seen it in a local tech shop, and the screen looks amazing, but I’m leaning toward something slightly bigger (like a 7").

The Pocketbook Era is another option I’m considering, but it costs €200 and seems very similar to the Libra 2. Am I right about that?

I also found a Kobo Sage for €215, but I’m concerned it might be too big and heavy. Additionally, I’ve read that its battery life is somewhat disappointing. I’m accustomed to my Paperwhite 2, which lasts for weeks, though I’m not an avid reader.

Could you please help me decide? I don’t think there will be another Libra in BW since the trend seems to be moving toward color devices. However, if a new one were coming, I’d consider waiting.

I am really struggling and completely undecided.

[Sirtel]

No one knows if there will be a new b/w Libra or not.

If you plan to install KOReader, then Pocketbook Era may be a good solution for you. The native OS is somewhat less customizable than the one on Kobo devices, and I've read that the screen is not as good as that of Libra 2, but I haven't seen an Era with my own eyes, so cannot confirm.

I don't find my Sage too big or heavy, but the battery definitely doesn't last for weeks. It lasts for a few days, depending on how much you read and how high is your frontlight level (the Sage really doesn't like high levels of frontlight and drains quickly then).

[issybird]

I think the white bezel interdiction reflects the era when eink screens were gray, in which case you wanted the contrast a black bezel provided. Now that screens are effectively white, a white bezel functions as a margin; I think they’re to be preferred to a black bezel.

[JSWolf]

@fedett92 If you can still get the white Libra 2, get it. You'll love it.

[fedett92]

Originally Posted by issybird

I think the white bezel interdiction reflects the era when eink screens were gray, in which case you wanted the contrast a black bezel provided. Now that screens are effectively white, a white bezel functions as a margin; I think they’re to be preferred to a black bezel.

Mmmh... you are convincing me right now!
So do you think it's actually better? I have never seen a Libra 2 in white, neither its screen, I've only read online that the bezels are actually VERY white...

Originally Posted by JSWolf

@fedett92 If you can still get the white Libra 2, get it. You'll love it.

Thank you for your suggestion. Do you have it? In white?

Originally Posted by Sirtel

No one knows if there will be a new b/w Libra or not.

If you plan to install KOReader, then Pocketbook Era may be a good solution for you. The native OS is somewhat less customizable than the one on Kobo devices, and I've read that the screen is not as good as that of Libra 2, but I haven't seen an Era with my own eyes, so cannot confirm.

I don't find my Sage too big or heavy, but the battery definitely doesn't last for weeks. It lasts for a few days, depending on how much you read and how high is your frontlight level (the Sage really doesn't like high levels of frontlight and drains quickly then).

Thank you, but maybe it will be overpowered for me since I would be using it mainly for reading novels...

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by fedett92

Mmmh... you are convincing me right now!
So do you think it's actually better? I have never seen a Libra 2 in white, neither its screen, I've only read online that the bezels are actually VERY white...


Thank you for your suggestion. Do you have it? In white?


Thank you, but maybe it will be overpowered for me since I would be using it mainly for reading novels...

I have the Libra 2 in black. But if I found it in white brand new, I would get it.

You can't be choosy because they are discontinued and we don't know when the replacement will be available.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by fedett92

Thank you, but maybe it will be overpowered for me since I would be using it mainly for reading novels...

So do I.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by fedett92

Mmmh... you are convincing me right now!
So do you think it's actually better? I have never seen a Libra 2 in white, neither its screen, I've only read online that the bezels are actually VERY white...

You can always put a skin on it.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

You can always put a skin on it.

Good point.

[cellaris]

Originally Posted by fedett92

I found a new Libra 2 for €135, and I would have already bought it if it weren’t white.

At that price I would buy it even if it was bright yellow.

(I have a white Onyx Boox Leaf 2 and the screen looks great).

[fedett92]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

You can always put a skin on it.

Nice suggestion!
I will try using it in white, if I can't stand it I would consider putting a skin on it... is there any site where I can buy it (that ships in Europe?)

Originally Posted by cellaris

At that price I would buy it even if it was bright yellow.

(I have a white Onyx Boox Leaf 2 and the screen looks great).

Ok, now I'm actually curious too see how it looks in white!

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I have the Libra 2 in black. But if I found it in white brand new, I would get it.

You can't be choosy because they are discontinued and we don't know when the replacement will be available.

Yes, I know, I’ve looked everywhere, and it seems to have completely disappeared... Even in the second-hand market, it’s impossible to find.

Alright, gentlemen, you’ve convinced me in less than two hours! I’ve been debating this for over a week... Thank you all for your quick replies!

I’ll definitely get back to you and let you know what I think once I receive it!

[fedett92]

So, since most of you have the libra 2, what cover do you suggest?

I was considering the Basic or the Origami from Kobo

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by fedett92

So, since most of you have the libra 2, what cover do you suggest?

I was considering the Basic or the Origami from Kobo

I have a Kobo cover in red because when I got the Libra 2, there wasn't a lot of choices as I got the Libra 2 when it was new.

[fedett92]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I have a Kobo cover in red because when I got the Libra 2, there wasn't a lot of choices as I got the Libra 2 when it was new.

Basic or origami?

[boricode]

I have a white libra 2. Want me to post pics of it?