Light-weight but highly effective e-reader

I will not be on the extent of Belle in Magnificence and the Beast, however nonetheless, I take into account myself an avid reader. After I was little, I’d line up my stuffed animals and dolls daily and browse to them. Nowadays, I simply learn on my own, however I at all times have a guide and some books with me, and bookstores and libraries are my completely happy locations.

I normally desire bodily books; I take pleasure in turning pages and stacking objects on my bookshelf. The final time I used an e-reader was seven years in the past, and I have not thought a lot about these e-ink tablets since then. However after I was requested to evaluation the Kobo Libra 2, I believed I might give e-readers one other likelihood. In spite of everything, perhaps an e-book would save me the effort of a visit to the library or native bookstore after I end studying a guide.

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Cobo Libra 2

The Kobo Libra 2 affords a wider show, permitting you to learn books vertically or horizontally. The asymmetrical design makes it really feel extra like an actual guide, and the e-ink show with adjustable entrance mild is simple to learn in any lighting situation. It affords 32GB of space for storing, permitting you to retailer countless books, and two buttons make turning pages simpler.

benefit

• 32GB space for storing
• Bodily button for turning pages
• Bluetooth connection for listening to audiobooks
• lengthy battery life
• The show could be very simple to learn in any scenario
• IPX8 waterproof degree

shortcoming

• A bit costly
• I used to be frozen a number of instances
• The facility button is a bit finicky

Value, availability and specs

Sadly, the Kobo Libra 2 has been discontinued and has been changed by the Libra Coloration. So it is fairly tough to search out it now. The e-reader is offered out on Rakuten Kobo’s web site, and on the time of writing, it is solely accessible second-hand by way of websites like Amazon and eBay. Sometimes priced between $190 and $200.

What I like about Kobo Libra 2

Straightforward to learn in any scenario

I do not miss my outdated e-readers, so I admit I began my take a look at of the Kobo Libra 2 with some reluctance. Fortunately although, I used to be pleasantly stunned and customarily loved studying on the gadget. It is very slim, light-weight and simple to carry. Plus, I can throw it in my seashore bag and not using a second thought because it doesn’t add any additional weight.

I used to be initially a bit confused by Libra 2’s asymmetrical design. The ultra-wide bezel on one facet takes up portion of the show, which additionally homes two buttons. I rapidly grew keen on the design, although, because it gave me a pleasant space to carry on to whereas studying with out unintentionally touching the display screen. Plus, the show robotically rotates, so it does not matter which method I place the Libra 2.

Talking of buttons, though a easy characteristic, I am glad they’re there. Though you possibly can flip pages by tapping the show (ahead on the fitting, backward on the left), the buttons do the identical factor. I discovered myself primarily utilizing the buttons to get to the following web page as a result of my thumb was already wrapped across the gadget. In any other case, I must free my different hand to click on on the far facet of the monitor.

As somebody who spends numerous time on the seashore or open air, I needed one thing I may learn in these locations with out having to fret about it getting broken. The Libra 2 affords an IPX8 waterproof ranking, which implies it ought to survive if it is dropped right into a swimming pool (though I have not been courageous sufficient to check it after almost destroying a “waterproof” speaker in the identical method). I wasn’t tremendous cautious with Libra 2 and simply threw it into my open seashore bag a number of instances. Nonetheless, it appears model new.

Finally, an e-reader is not a lot use if the show is low-quality. Fortunately, I used to be impressed by the readability of the LIbra 2’s show. It makes use of a 7-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 display screen that responds to E Ink shows. Remember the fact that e-ink shows aren’t as easy and beautiful as different shows you are used to, so you may expertise some lag even on well-performing units.

Because of its e-ink show, it is simple to learn in daylight. In truth, I feel I loved studying this guide greater than an precise guide on the market. It is simpler on the eyes than daylight reflecting off off-white paper, and I haven’t got to fret about wind blowing my pages. At evening, the adjustable headlight and blue mild management are additionally simple on the eyes. I can flip off the bedside lamp, but when my husband desires to sleep, I am not going to blind him with a pill.

One of many large promoting factors of Libra 2 is Bluetooth connectivity for audiobooks. I do not hearken to audiobooks, so I have not used this characteristic, but it surely’s good to have this flexibility in an e-reader.

What I don’t like about Kobo Libra 2

Sometimes glitchy and delicate energy button

There’s not a lot I do not like in regards to the Libra 2, so my complaints are minor and nitpicky. Twice I’ve had the monitor freeze and randomly reboot twice. This is not frequent within the grand scheme of issues, however it is a bit jarring and surprising for a model new gadget.

The facility button positioned on the again of the monitor can be a bit finicky. You must press it deliberately to wake Libra 2 from sleep or put it to sleep, however maintain it down for too lengthy and the gadget will shut down. In case you unintentionally energy off Libra 2, be ready to attend some time earlier than turning it again on. Very often I put it down considering I’ve put it to sleep, however the truth is, I have not. Fortunately the battery life is lengthy sufficient and I can set it to auto sleep so the battery does not die on this scenario.

Must you purchase the Kobo Libra 2?

If you wish to change from actual books to e-books, then sure, it is best to positively purchase the Kobo Libra 2. The uneven design of the bodily buttons and auto-rotating display screen feels nice to carry and simple to make use of. The show is extremely clear and works properly in each shiny daylight and full darkness, and the 32GB of storage means you possibly can preserve loads of books on board.

Plus, you possibly can simply pair it along with your library’s OneDrive account so you possibly can hire books as an alternative of regularly buying them. It is disappointing that the Libra 2 has been discontinued, but it surely’s nonetheless a terrific e-reader to get if you will get one. Plus, you possibly can even avoid wasting cash on a used mannequin.

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Cobo Libra 2