Kobo is offering a new 7-inch e-reader called Kobo Libra Colour, a color version of the already excellent Kobo Libra 2.
Kobo Libra Colour: presentation of the color e-reader from Kobo
The Kobo Libra Colour is a e-reader with a 7-inch Kaleido 3 color screen, featuring the characteristic style of the Libra 2 e-reader, with its case and two buttons on the side for excellent comfort.
The technical specifications of this range are also included:
- 7-inch e-reader,
- Waterproof IPX8
- Kaleido 3 color screen, 150 PPP for color and 300 PPP for black & white
- Kobo stylus support
- ComfortLight PRO lighting with blue light filter and FastGLR
- Compatible with Kobo audio books via Bluetooth
- Wifi
- Broad compatibility with ebook formats: EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR
- 32 GB of storage
- This e-reader should be easy to repair with repair kit from Kobo available
Kaleido 3 color electronic ink display
This e-reader uses a latest-generation e-ink color screen based on Kaleido 3 technology. This screen has a pixel density of 150 PPP for color and 300 PPP for black & white.
Although the color resolution is lower, this doesn't penalize reading because, combined with the HD resolution of the black & white screen, the display is very precise ([I was able to review this on my Bigme S6 Color+ color e-reader, which also uses this type of Kaleido 3 screen)(https://myereader.net/bigme-s6-color-plus-review.html)).
With this announcement, it's easy to understand why Kobo took so long to release this e-reader, even though it had been in the pipeline since last year.
Indeed, color e-ink e-reader screens are less easy to manufacture than black-and-white ones, so quantities are very limited.
An eco-friendly, sustainable e-reader?
Kobo also specifies that recycled plastics have been used in the manufacture of this e-reader.
This has been the case for several models now, and it's always appreciated!
This Kobo Libra Colour e-reader is also said to be repairable, which is a good thing, but will have to be proven in the long term.
In any case, these two design features are a step in the right direction towards producing a more durable e-reader.
Kobo Libra Colour: price, release date and first buying advice
While we're waiting for this e-reader to be reviewed, and based on my own experience, here's what I can advise you to do.
The Kobo Libra Colour is scheduled for release on April 30, 2024, with a price tag of $219.99.
I think the price is very well positioned for a 7-inch e-reader with a color screen. For the record, the previous black and white version, the Kobo Libra 2, cost $179. So you get a color screen for just $30 more.
While there's no doubt that the hardware and software will be top-notch, as always with Kobo, we'll have to keep a close eye on the new color screen and the ebook reading section.
Indeed, e-ink color screens tend to make the reading experience less attractive than with a black and white screen like Carta HD (in its Carta 1200 or Carta 1300 versions found in recent e-readers).
This is, in my opinion, the only possible downside to this new Kobo Libra Colour e-reader, which on paper seems to tick all the boxes when it comes to digital reading!
The Kobo Libra 2 is already an excellent e-reader with a black and white e-ink screen. And now Kobo is hitting back with a color version featuring a 7-inch Kaleido 3 e-ink screen: the Kobo Libra Colour.
I'm clearly thinking of buying it for myself, to give you a nice review and take advantage of its beautiful screen and format for quiet reading at home.
| Kobo Libra Colour | |
| Image |  |
| Screen size | 7" |
| Resolution | 150 PPI for Color / 300 PPI for B&W |
| Color | Yes |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Waterproof | IPX8 |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Pen / Stylus | Yes (optional) |
| SD card | No |
| Ebook formats | EPUB, EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR |
| Blue light filter | Yes |
| Other | Kaleido 3 color screen, Bluetooth, Kobo audio Books |
| Review | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Link (where to buy?) | Amazon.com |
