Perfect for colorful notes

The Kobo Libra Color has hit the market and is ready to disrupt the traditional ideals of e-readers. Not only does this device add a splash of color to the historically black and white pages, it also allows for color annotations with the stylus.

Color Kobo Libra

Reading e-books and taking notes has never been easier thanks to the Kobra Libra Color, an innovation of the classic e-Ink smart notebook that offers 32 GB of storage and a full-color display. This notebook is easy to take on the go with full IPX8 water resistance, ergonomic controls and a small portable display – but it’s just as suitable for evening reading at home.

please

• Screen with support for vivid colors
• Stylus compatible for notes
• Large screen size
• IPX8 waterproof class

Disadvantages

• High price
• Awkward design shape

Price and availability

The Kobo Libra Color costs $219.99 and is available at retailers such as Amazon and the Kobo website. It is available in white or black.

What’s in the box

Kobo Libra Color comes with everything in the box you need to get started:

• Color Kobo Libra
• A quick guide
• USB-C charging cable

It’s important to note that the stylus, charging pad, and case are not included with the Kobo Libra Color itself. A compatible Kobo Stylus 2 can be purchased for $69.99. Several iterations of cases for the Kobo Libra Color range from $24.99 for a clear cover to $39.99 for a sleep cover.

Impressive and unique features

The Kobo Libra Color really shines by bringing vivid color to the e-reader market. After years of reading on screens that only support black and white, it was an absolute joy to see the book covers bursting with color on my virtual shelf.

With color support via the Kobo E Ink Kaleido 3 display, which boasts a resolution of 300 PPI for black and white content and 150 PPI for color content, this e-reader stands out from others of similar size and features on the market.

Kobo Libra Color supports many file types, including:

It also supports Kobo Audiobooks, but with a few caveats. The use of Kobo audiobooks is restricted in some countries, and the e-reader itself does not have speakers. For this reason, in order to listen to an audiobook through the Libra Color, you must first pair it with Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.

It’s quick and easy to add titles to your e-book through the Kobo bookstore or directly by sideloading. If you want free access to e-books, consider getting a library card. Libra Color is compatible with Overdrive, which offers certain library card holders access to a wealth of free content.

User experience

Overall, the daily user experience of reading and annotating with the Kobo Libra Color is amazing. Its intuitive design and productivity-focused features make it a great buy. I especially enjoyed annotating my readings in multiple colors, which added fun to the experience.

Battery life lasts for weeks without a charge, even with significantly increased brightness during daily use. This e-reader is perfect for enjoying comics in color, so I found myself reading at a higher brightness than usual, even at night. It is also beneficial if you choose to read outside in the sun, as the colors remain vivid even in strong lighting conditions.

Keep in mind that if you want to take advantage of the Kobo Libra Color’s IPX8 water resistance and read on the beach, the sleeping cover is also not water compatible. IPX8 means the eReader is waterproof for up to 60 minutes when submerged up to 2 meters deep. This makes it a great choice for reading by the pool, but the sleeping cover includes a suede-like lining to trap moisture.

Cons to consider

While this e-reader is one of my absolute favorites, there is still plenty of room for improvement. When used with the Kobo Sleep Cover, it can be uncomfortable and too bulky to hold and read with one hand. It was excellent for annotating when the device was on a table, but holding the tablet with one hand while annotating was difficult.

Another disadvantage was the sleeping cover. The e-book reader won’t shut down quickly, losing battery life. I also found that it got in the way more often than I thought was helpful. A hard case with an added handle to help hold a fairly wide device may be a better choice.

The biggest issue I have with this device is the price of the eReader itself, as well as the accessories that Kobo offers. $219.99 is already a high price for an e-book reader, and I was hoping that concessions would be made with accessories. The Stylus 2 is priced at $69.99 and the Kobo Sleep Cover is priced at $39.99. So if you want to get the whole package – which really gives you the best experience – it will cost you $329.97. That’s a staggering amount to pay.

If you’re not set on annotating your reading but still want to enjoy a color e-reader, consider the Kobo Clara Color. It’s cheaper at $149.99, but it’s still an excellent choice for comic book readers. The Clara Color is also more compact and a better choice for those who like to read on the go, commute or travel.

Should you buy the Kobo Libra Color?

If you enjoy annotating while reading or are an avid comic book fan, the Kobo Libra Color is the best e-reader on the market for you. The colors are vivid and it’s a joy to experience without the glare of a traditional tablet screen.

But as much as I enjoy this eReader, it is quite expensive for the whole package. For that reason, if you’re not set on annotating your readings, consider the Kobo Clara Color. No matter which e-reader you choose, you can’t go wrong with Kobo to add a little color to your reading.

Color Kobo Libra

Reading e-books and taking notes has never been easier with the Kobra Libra Color, an innovation of the classic e-Ink smart notebook that offers 32 GB of storage and a full-color display. This notebook is easy to take on the go with full IPX8 water resistance, ergonomic controls and a small portable display – but it’s just as suitable for evening reading at home.