Kobo Clara Colour: I love it, BUT...

[@30secondsflat]

I got my Kobo Clara Colour from the first Clara and honestly I think it is great. The darkness issue is easily overcome, and the screen door effect really isn’t that noticeable.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

True. I find that if I keep going back and forth between my original Clara and the Clara Colour it's like... my god, why did I buy this! The grey-ish look of the screen and the "grainy" look jumps out at you. I'm in Brazil now, and though I brought my old Kobo too, I haven't touched it since and I honestly don't really notice the issues anymore. But I'm 100% sure that the next iteration will sort all of these issues out.

[@30secondsflat]

@@TheIzzyNobreShow honestly when I compare to my Forma I’m not seeing much of a difference in the graininess and the light issue is easily overcome by adjusting the light. I feel people interested in buying just need to understand the look is different but not necessarily worse. Personally I feel the colour does add some vibrancy

[@Bagellatte]

I received my kobo color and been reading it before bedtime. Love it and no complaints although of coz it cannot be compared to higher end such as libra etc, this is my 1st ebook reader solely for reading :)

[@Claude-tj6ud]

I have the Libra Colour, and I can say that for me, it is smoother on my eyes to read novels. I don't know if it has to do with the screen being not as bright, so white, more like a newspaper or a real book. I prefer to read on my Colour. I put my Paperwhite in a drawer for a couple of days. I compared them after. I still prefer the Libra Colour. And it is lighter!

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I'm pretty happy with mine, but I make a point never to look at my regular Clara screen again because it's definitely a more comfortable read overall.

[@tng_abu3201]

same ive always had kindles, just found out about kobo a few months ago and bought the libra color and its less strain on my eyes no matter the brightness

[@vincentcolburn7606]

Great review! I really wanted the Clara colour but the graininess really bothered me. I ended up getting the Clara bw and really like it. I’m excited for the next version of these though.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I think the next one will be the one to get for sure. I imagine all these issues will be ironed out!

[@mmstick]

Some people like it because it has the same look as newspaper. I've found that you can significantly improve contrast by increasing text weight slightly.

[@nat4465]

I got the KLC, I love it but I can see what people say about the BLack and White contrast being better on the non colored readers so I am getting the BW for myself and keeping the KLC to enjoy reading with my children and comics

[@steverolfeca]

I scored an immediate readability benefit by adding the Bookerly font to my Libra Colour. Highly recommended.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Gotta give that a try!

[@halifirien]

I received my Kobo Color yesterday and I’m debating returning it. The contrast issue is hard to overlook when I’m used to a Kindle, but the color tech has a lot of potential. It’s just not quite there yet.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

It took me a while to get used to it. If you keep looking at your old devices, you won't get over it, trust me!

[@josema133]

El contraste es regulable. La luminosidad también.🙋🏼‍♂️

[@VanessaMarieiro95]

Finally someone addressing the issues with amazon. I have a kobo and it was never a question for me, I'll avoid amazon every time I can.

[@Korvanick]

Excellent comparison. I have the Libra 2 and Libra Colour and your increased contrast comparison is much closer to the actual difference. I'm uncertain what I think of the Colour yet as nothing beats reading with 0% backlight, but maybe I'll get used to 25% backlight on the color. Note taking, faster highlights, and colored book covers while sleeping are very nice to have.

[@nathanfoung2347]

Personally i dont read enough comics to justify the cost, so will stick with my Clara 2e for now. But Im really happy that one of the major players has actually brought out colour ink ereader, we're really spoilt for choice, the next iteration will be the one for me. Great review.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

For sure. I feel like the inevitable follow-up will fix all of these issues. Thank you for stopping by!

[@Guapomirei]

The grainyness and the darker background with the washed out contrast compared with the b&w Kobo is due to the colour layer that Kobo puts on top of the b&w layer. So it's nothing you will see changed in the future. It's a design choice. Other companies put the colour layer under the b&w layer. Plus: it's pretty normal for colour einks that you have to put the light on 20-30%> that's also something pretty normal for every colour device.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

That's a bummer, but thankfully it doesn't bug me that much anymore!

[@sprouting_lady]

There needs to be more balanced reviews like this. Seems like they all either pretend the devices don't have problems that may or may not be a dealbreaker for people, or that those problems are so bad it's basically unreadable trash. Guess that sort of thing doesn't bring in the views though, unfortunately.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Ain't that the truth! But I'm glad you enjoyed this.

[@decidocisum]

As of yet all reviews I’ve seen have pointed out that the color version is naturally darker. Most have explained this is because of the additional layer. Most have presented you will need to use it with light on to match b&w version. I have both and saying the color is unreadable is BS.

[@shm6273]

Good review, I have libra and honestly I find the slightly dimmer display does not annoy me as much as I thought, yes it does not feel like paper, but to me it feels like newspaper (if you ever held any of those lol) and I don't notice the dimness unless I am directly comparing it to a kobo glo or something. Amazing device, absolutely love it.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Yeah, that's a good way to look at it. I'm loving mine as well!

[@fattiger6957]

It really says a lot that it took this long to get a true mass market color eink device. I've heard theories that the Kindle was actually holding back the technology (since people only see it as something to read novels with and Amazon has little incentive to R&D a real upgrade) My old kindle is really showing it's age, so I may look into getting this. Does anyone know if it is a pain to download kindle ebooks and transfer them into a kobo?

[@pedro4205]

The company that make most of the e-ink displays certainly got a drawback from the fact that Amazon just want it on simple cheap devices and is the largest client. Color e-ink exist for over 10 years now, but just in the last few years the manufacture are trying to push, but the biggest market try isn't on portable devices, they are pushing it as displays for in store ads and showcase, since it is great to read and see even on day time. Amazon probably will not move a finger until they think don't having a color e-ink is hurting its sales.

[@SteamyPMcGee]

There is a video on KZbin by Dylan Can Read where he demonstrates how to take your kindle books on to another type of e reader

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

If you're spending 98% of your time reading books and this is what eReader is for, being that it's color, how much value add would it have. Also, what is the impact on battery life? Currently, my normal Clara 2E lasts over a month on a single charge with normal use. Frankly, I rarely think about charging it. If it's low, charge it for few minutes and it's good to go. Also keep in mind that Kobo seem to have moved their manufacturing to China from Taiwan. Fortunately, I love my BW Clara 2E, and it's made in Taiwan. I can honestly say it's the best eReader that I've owned so far since around 2010. This may not sound like a big deal to a lot of people but to me, it's a deal breaker.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

It really depends on what you want out of the experience. To me, having color covers in the home screen is phenomenal (even if I'm not there long). It brings back an aesthetic part of the book-reading experience I felt was lacking.

[@alexchan4037]

I want to get an E-reader, is 6 inch enough for reading text novel?

[@paul9812-t3i]

Izzy is perfect confort content ❤

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I appreciate you so much. Thank you for being here.

[@randomnameinserthere]

For a first time e-reader buyer, which one would you recommend, libra colour or libra 2?

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I have very little experience with the Libra 2; what I'd say is, go to a store to see one up close and only then you'll be certain if you can stomach the lower contrast and slightly "grainy" image. (I can tell you that in my experience, people on the internet made it sound a little worse than it actually is)

[@CDubya.82]

I prefer the Kobo OS and usability but do most of my ebook buying on Amazon. The trick is to convert your purchases accordingly. But Im a ereader addictive. I have so many variants and despite not needing another one, im tempted to want the new Kobos in COLOUR. (yes its spelt with a U)

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Honestly, my experience with the Kindle is so limited I'm not comfortable saying the Kobo UI is "better", but that's the opinion I get from *everyone* who has used both. So I'm tempted to believe the UI on the Kobos is more pleasing to use.

[@mackado]

I don't think the arguement "might as well read comics on the ipad" is fair. Yes, it looks better but all the arguements for reading books on a tablet vs an ipad still apply. Easier on the eyes and fewer distractions

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I don't think it's easier on the eyes when the colors look washed out and pages need to be resized constantly for readability.

[@quixotic7460]

The screen has a pink tint to it, which i dont like at all and prefer the creamy, warm hue of the BW models.

[@vitoriacholanda]

I saw your video about Kobo Colour in Portuguese. And now I'm also watching this one in english.

[@EckmanJones]

I have a Kobo Libra H2O and it goes with me on ever hiking and camping trip. I read 8 volumes of the Solo Leveling novel on one charge lol.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Amazing. I can't even IMAGINE traveling without my Kobo. Camping trips, reading Pet Sematery by the campfire, surrounded by woods like King described in the book... I got a chance to do that one last time on a road trip to the Rockies with my family before I moved back to Brazil!

[@FelipeOliveir4]

Does it work well in the dark? / Funciona bem no escuro?

[@pedro4205]

I'm still looking for a good device with color e-ink display to read comics. I saw a TCL phone and tablet line that has a screen that mimics paper even being LCD, but it is really hard to find any available. I would rater have a device with Android and expandable storage for that, due to storage needs and easy access to official and unofficial sources.

[@pedro4205]

The TCL line is NXTPAPER

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Honestly, take it from someone who LOVES Android over iOS: iOS is better for reading comics. I bought a Z Fold 3 specifically for reading comics on my go in a more convenient/readily available way, and I was a bit disappointed with the comic book reading apps I came across. Chunky on iOS is still the GOAT for me!

[@jonamachado]

Is it possible to buy one cheap in Brazil? I've seen a bunch of Chinese colorful e-reader options but I don't trust any of those brands.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

That's a good question. Kobo isn't sold officially in Brazil anymore, since Cultura went under.

[@ex-voto]

Rakuten is the Japanese Amazon, its huge in Japan. I had a Rakuten credit card over there, they do holidays, phones, tv channels, everything. So kobo really is part of a conglomerate. I love my Clara HD, but colour isnt very important for me, i read 99% project gutenburg old sci-fi, horror & gothic novels. so little point in colour.for me. (and also this is why Kobo is far better than Kindle for me. They still dont easily support other formats) If Kobo became better at PDF ~ now, that would tempt me to get colour. Unfortunately with the technology of e-ink displays currently it seems to be a long way off to be able to zoom & scroll with fluid motion required for PDF.

[@Geekraver]

If you bought a 8" color Boox with no stylus its not much more; definitely not double the price. And you get Kindle, Kobo, etc because its open Android. The new Kobos do seem a bit more zippy though.

[@roxics]

Nobody mentions whether of not these things support PDFs like magazines. Because to me that's the make or break for whether this device is worth it over my iPad 7. As it would be nice to have something smaller and lighter weight that is easier to hold one handed. The iPad can get a bit taxing after while. That said I'm mostly looking at something like this for my girlfriend. Neither of us own ereaders, although I use my iPad from time to time for ebooks and magazines, but she's mostly paper novels and is kind of against ereaders since she likes the paper. But I'm thinking if I got her one as a gift she might like it since she does a lot of reading in the bathtub and has dropped novels (or the cat has) in the tub before. Plus the ability to adjust font size, bookmark etc. We're both getting older and need reading glasses now and she also tends to lose her place even with paper bookmarks as the kitten has pulled them out of the books. So it might be time she try an ereader, and I think she would prefer something with color as well. If for nothing else then the covers being color. Sh'e not a comic or magazine reader like me.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

You wouldn't like it for reading magazines, I think. I'm an avid retro mag reader, and my iPad air is my favorite device for it -- because of the size and color fidelity. Color eink lacks the contrast for a comfortable magazine reading experience in my opinion!

[@williamtracy4453]

I just bought the BW because the screen is brighter and won't be reading comics.

[@GioInfinityDesign]

U can download any app on this kobo clara? KZbin? Wigdet?

[@xZioncar]

No you cant download apps. But you can download books from the kobo store or any other store and transfere them to the kobo with a pc.

[@ed-schramm]

Huge dropbox comic book collection? Oh man, I wish that was a "public" folder.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I wish I could make it public too, but my buddy lost access to his Dropbox over that exact issue :( However: Google GetComics 👀

[@carol8383]

Awesome video, dude

[@dennisrogers6786]

!6GB is plenty. If you want more memory, etc, the Boox go 7 is far better, not locked into any eco system and can have better colour as they are adjustable, so can mute them or vibrant colour. But no no e ink colour will match an ipad, but has the advantage easy on the eye even for comics. An ipad or phone is hard on the eyes, and om my Clara can and do read comics. Its great

[@armagedon515]

Well lets face it, colour e-readers are not ready for prime time. With their dark screen, sluggishness and lousy washout colours, it need another technology iteration(s) to be worthwhile. Still e-reader do not need colour for what they were purpose for in the first place, that is for reading books.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Facts. It's pretty decent but surely whatever comes out in 3 years will make this feel like a piece of trash. But that's true of every piece of tech. Remember listening to music on a CD that could skip, or only had like 15 tracks? Meaning, you'd have to carry a whole bunch of discs with you on a trip or something?

[@armagedon515]

@@TheIzzyNobreShow Well IMO,I would say a few months, may be one year, before we see Kaleido 4. It is too unsatisfactory right now and lot of people are disappointed. May be a competitor with a better solution will appear too.

[@Mortalstefan]

I want to buy one of theese. But people think that the darker screen is a big problem! Are you loosing something by having 25 brightness, except battery time? If its only that im fine with it anyways

[@JuustJayden]

Thank you for this comparison, really great and detailed. I currently am debating between the BW/Colour as well. Got some work $ for Amazon but no colour only BW version. I also have a 2011 7" tablet that is super sluggy that does colour so I tried to cheap out and use the tablet but it's just too old and sluggish so Kobo it is!

[@soreyJr]

Great stuff Izzy

[@Korvanick]

Are you related to Maka91?

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Not that I know of. I'm not familiar with them!

[@biodbl1]

Eu uso um hisense a9 eink preto e branco. Ele é muito bom, mas se tivesse cores, seria muito outros usos aliado a velocidade variável da tela

[@daredevilbr1]

é tão estranho o fato que eu sou inscrito e ambos os canais do Izzy, mas faz tempo que o youtube não me manda um video dele.

Eu estava vendo este e pensando.... eu já vi esse vídeo, ele foi sempre em inglês e eu não notei ou eu vi uma versão em português antes? rs

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

huihauishisa isso é clássico de bilingues

[@LeNguyen-cf5nw]

I own an Onyx Boox Leaf 2 because I like the idea of having an Android-based device and use any app on it. Screw Amazon and Kobo 😎

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

That's the spirit. Although I imagine using Android on a slow screen like this can be quite frustrating.

[@jonamachado]

I didn't know Kobo was Canadian 🤔

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I feel like most people don't!

[@nicolasfortin4216]

originally yes, but now it's own by Rakuten which is not Canadian...

[@MikeyMangoMTB]

"Books aren't that expensive, right?" Depends how much you read...

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Well, the books themselves still aren't that expensive individually -- but yes, it can be an expensive habit overall depending on how much you enjoy adding to your collection!

[@JV-ll1cu]

Borrow them from the library

[@bargeiger50]

you're missing the point of having an ereader device. The screen has to have that mellowed out screen so your eyes won't be stressed from reading long periods. so I don't think they'll ever be making an ereader with a brighter screen.

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

I'm not though. I've had them for years. I like the splash of color. I'm not talking about brightness, I'm talking about contrast and clarity. The background being slightly darker makes the contrast lower.

[@ixtis777]

For reading only b/w devices.😉

[@troygroff4512]

I have .epub books on my computer. Can they be transferred to the Kobo? Thanks!

[@TheIzzyNobreShow]

Easily. Just plug and transfer, as if you're loading it to an SD card.