Evaluation of Kobo Libra 2 - Offering exceptional e-reading experience with audiobook capabilities
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Kobo Libra 2: A Game-Changer in E-Reading
The Kobo Libra 2, the latest addition to the e-reader family, hit the market in October 2021. This bad boy comes packed with some serious upgrades, such as double the storage of its predecessor and the ability to purchase and stream audiobooks directly from the Kobo bookstore. You can rock out to your favorite books with wireless headphones or a Sonos sound bar – all for a price barely more than its older sibling.
Hardware
The Libra 2 sports a 7-inch E INK Carta display (not to be confused with the Carta 1200) delivering a 20% faster response time and improved contrast ratio compared to previous models. This state-of-the-art e-paper screen sports a resolution of 1264 x 1680, offering sharp, clear text that's easy on the eyes. The touchscreen, which is now integrated into the display module, will help reduce costs without compromising performance.
While the screen is nearly flush with the bezel, you'll notice a slight incline and a protective glass substrate to guard the e-paper display. Glass covers can create issues with glare and reflections, but Kobo’s thoughtful design helps minimize these problems.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1 GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. Charge up with the USB-C port and enjoy a battery life of 1,500 mAh, enabling you to connect to Wi-Fi, download books from the Kobo Bookstore, Overdrive, and Pocket, and even stream audiobooks via Bluetooth 5.1.
The Libra 2 boasts an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in fresh water for up to 60 minutes and a depth of 2 meters. Although Kobo hasn't conducted studies on whether people read in the bathtub, users appreciate being able to read with sticky fingers without damaging their device, whether they're eating or spilling drinks on it. Just wipe it down with tap water, and voilà!
Audiobooks
In 2017, Kobo launched its audiobook subscription service, offering members the chance to enjoy one credit per month (for $12.99 CAD / $9.99 USD) and a 30-day free trial. With this subscription, you can redeem your monthly credit for any title on the platform or purchase audiobooks individually.
Kobo decided to bring audiobooks to the Libra 2 and Sage due to popular demand from its loyal userbase. During focus groups and individual consultations, Kobo discovered that readers value the device as a “book place”—a distraction-free environment with no pop-ups or notifications that smartphones can't replicate. The inclusion of audio was about more than just competition with Audible; Kobo operates worldwide and caters to markets where Audible isn't available.
Unlike the Kindle, which offers audiobook support in only a few select countries, the Libra 2's audiobook player is compatible with any compatible audiobook downloaded directly from Kobo. Expect a seamless user experience, complete with adjustable playback speeds, night mode, and the ability to save your place so you can switch between reading and listening.
Ebooks
One of the major draws of e-readers is the e-paper display, which offers a reading experience as close to real paper as possible – but without the tired eyes and limited battery life associated with screen time. The Libra 2 supports 12 fonts and 50 font sizes, making it easy to customize your reading experience to suit your preference.
Sideload ebooks or purchase them directly from the Kobo Store, which offers a vast selection of free and paid titles, including those from Kobo's self-publishing platform, Kobo Writing Life. As a major player in the e-reading world, Kobo is neck-and-neck with Amazon's Kindle, so expect a varied selection and competitive pricing.
Bonus points for the physical page-turn buttons, a design element becoming increasingly rare in the e-reader world. The buttons offer a tactile feel, allowing you to navigate your way through your favorite stories with ease – even on public transportation.
Wrap Up
If audiobooks are your jam, the Kobo Libra 2 should definitely be on your radar. Double the storage space means more books – whether the written or spoken word variety – to keep you fueled whenever you're in the mood for a good tale. Not a huge fan of audiobooks? The Libra 2 still delivers all the benefits of its earlier model, with a few upgrades to sweeten the deal.
For those seeking a more powerful device with additional features like quad-core processors and stylus compatibility, Kobo’s Sage is your best bet. But if you’re all about ebooks, the Libra 2 is the way to go. Let your literary journey begin!
[1] E INK Carta 1200: A Comprehensive Guide[2] BOOX Go 7: The Perfect E-Reader for Book Lovers[3] Kobo Sage Review: A Stellar Performance in E-Reading
- The Kobo Libra 2, with its touchscreen integrated into the display module, offers a seamless reading experience that reduces costs without compromising performance.
- For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the Kobo Sage, equipped with stylus support, may be the ideal gadget for a more powerful and feature-rich e-reader experience.
- Modern e-readers like the Kobo Libra 2 boast long battery life, providing an immersive reading experience free from the tired eyes and limited duration associated with screen time on other gadgets powered by technology.
