From Libra Colour to Clara BW

neclepsio · 03-17-2026, 10:58 AM

Since my wife showed interest in my Libra Colour, I let her borrow it for a while.

I originally bought the Libra because I liked the idea of the stylus and the physical buttons. However, I realized I wasn't using the stylus as much as I expected, and I wasn't a fan of the color screen's impact on clarity.

My wife, on the other hand, loves the large screen, the colors, and using the stylus for note-taking. So, I gave it to her and bought a Clara BW instead.

I'm really happy with the Clara's form factor; it fits in my pockets much better. I'm using my 8BitDo Micro as a page turner, and the contrast is better (though my wife doesn't seem to mind the difference).

What caught me off guard: the lack of native landscape mode and Google Drive support. I know I could mod it to add these features, but I haven't bothered yet as I've already adjusted to the stock experience.

Hopefully, this helps anyone weighing the pros and cons of "downgrading".

RobertJSawyer · 03-20-2026, 06:45 AM

I really hope Kobo will issue an updated Libra BW.

Cactus Chef · 03-20-2026, 10:29 AM

I can see the appeal of color, even if it's just for displaying covers. Even black-and-white manga tankobons still have color on the cover, because we all agree it makes it look pretty and more enjoyable to hold/carry around.

If there had been no other compromises, I probably would upgrade to a Libra Colour. But since the color display degrades the resolution of even the B&W text...I couldn't justify that over my existing Sage. I spend 95% of the time reading, not staring at the cover. I want as high-quality a reading experience as possible.

JSWolf · 03-20-2026, 04:32 PM

I am surprised Kobo has not come out with a Libra BW. I think it would sell well and outsell the Clara BW.

RobertJSawyer · 03-20-2026, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cactus Chef

If there had been no other compromises, I probably would upgrade to a Libra Colour. But since the color display degrades the resolution of even the B&W text...

Exactly. I want the crispest possible black-and-white text.

03-17-2026, 10:58 AM	#1
neclepsio Enthusiast Posts: 27 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2024 Device: Kobo Libra Colour	From Libra Colour to Clara BW Since my wife showed interest in my Libra Colour, I let her borrow it for a while. I originally bought the Libra because I liked the idea of the stylus and the physical buttons. However, I realized I wasn't using the stylus as much as I expected, and I wasn't a fan of the color screen's impact on clarity. My wife, on the other hand, loves the large screen, the colors, and using the stylus for note-taking. So, I gave it to her and bought a Clara BW instead. I'm really happy with the Clara's form factor; it fits in my pockets much better. I'm using my 8BitDo Micro as a page turner, and the contrast is better (though my wife doesn't seem to mind the difference). What caught me off guard: the lack of native landscape mode and Google Drive support. I know I could mod it to add these features, but I haven't bothered yet as I've already adjusted to the stock experience. Hopefully, this helps anyone weighing the pros and cons of "downgrading".

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03-20-2026, 06:45 AM	#2
RobertJSawyer Guru Posts: 765 Karma: 4306712 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto Device: Kobo Libra 2, Clara 2E, and Clara HD; Kindle PaperWhite	I really hope Kobo will issue an updated Libra BW.

03-20-2026, 10:29 AM	#3
Cactus Chef Guru Posts: 791 Karma: 9914112 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: East Coast, United States Device: Kobo Sage, Kobo Clara HD, Galaxy Tab S5e, Kindle 4th Gen	I can see the appeal of color, even if it's just for displaying covers. Even black-and-white manga tankobons still have color on the cover, because we all agree it makes it look pretty and more enjoyable to hold/carry around. If there had been no other compromises, I probably would upgrade to a Libra Colour. But since the color display degrades the resolution of even the B&W text...I couldn't justify that over my existing Sage. I spend 95% of the time reading, not staring at the cover. I want as high-quality a reading experience as possible.

03-20-2026, 04:32 PM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 82,643 Karma: 151278869 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I am surprised Kobo has not come out with a Libra BW. I think it would sell well and outsell the Clara BW.

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