Critique of the Waterproof Kobo Libra E-reader

Critique of the Waterproof Kobo Libra E-reader

The latest gen Kobo Libra H2O is set to debut around mid-September, North America first, with European and international markets to follow. This affordable powerhouse boasts manual page turn buttons, a revamped e-reading system, and a sleek design akin to the Kobo Forma.

Hardware

Sporting a 7-inch Carta HD E Ink display with a resolution of 1680x1264 pixels, the Libra H2O offers a 300 PPI density. Though the screen isn't flush with the bezel, it's equipped with Neonode Z Force IR technology for seamless screen interactions. Users have praised plastic-based screens with subtle recesses for superior resolution.

Kobo's trademarked Comfortlight technology graces all modern e-readers, featuring white and amber LED lights at the device's base for evenly distributed lighting during extended reading sessions. The dual lighting system can be adjusted with a slider in the dropdown menu or run independently. There's also an auto mode that utilizes your timezone for automatic light adjustments, although it lacks an ambient light sensor.

Underneath the hood, you'll find a Freescale Solo Lite 1GHz processor, 8GB internal storage, and 512MB RAM. While there's no obvious SD card slot, it's embedded within the motherboard. Sadly, the Libra H2O's storage capacity is fixed, precluding expansion. Kobo promises a 2-week battery life for constant usage, while more casual readers can expect up to a month on a single charge.

The Libra H2O's water-resistant design scores an IPX8 rating, ensuring it can withstand 60 minutes in 2 meters of fresh water. While you can't directly interact with the touchscreen while submerged, the manual page turn buttons remain functional, making it ideal for beachgoers or bath enthusiasts who tend to spill drinks frequently (like yours truly).

Crafted from plastic to cut costs, the Libra H2O's asymmetrical industrial design mimics the Oasis 3's aluminum body and the Kobo Forma. Page turn buttons are adequately spaced to prevent accidental wrist clicks during reading, and raised buttons deliver satisfying torque when pressed. A power button sits at the back, while a USB/status indicator light resides at the bottom. Although it lacks audio functionality and Bluetooth, it offers WIFI for browsing the web or purchasing eBooks from Kobo.

Side Note: The device also features a 360-degree gyroscope, allowing for landscape mode and left-handed page turn button configurations.

Weighing 6.8 ounces and measuring 0.2 to 0.31 inches thick, the Libra H2O's dimensions closely match the Kindle Paperwhite (0.32 inches thick, 6.4 ounces) and the Kindle Oasis (0.13–0.33 inches thick, 6.6 ounces). To round out its offerings, Kobo has ventured into the two-color market with black and white options, complete with a selection of four colorful cases.

Software

Kobo employs its customized Linux operating system, offering a superior reading experience that's only frailty is its scarcity compared to more common Android-based systems. The home screen presents your most recent books, similar titles, recommended reads by Kobo, and direct links to common menus.

Brightness control, WIFI, battery status, sync, and search options occupy the top right corner, while connecting to the Kobo Store, Recommended, Wishlist, Settings, and Help reside in the top left. My Books, or library, is where you'll likely spend most of your time, serving as the central hub for all eBooks, manga, and other content. You can customize your library's organization, such as list or grid view, and even sort by author, genre, or any other preference.

Kobo's library card integration with Overdrive grants users instant access to their local library's eBook collection. Enter your library card and four-digit PIN, and your local branch will materialize within the user interface, enabling hassle-free borrowing.

Pocket integration allows you to push articles directly from your browser to the Libra H2O. Simply download the Pocket browser extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari, log into the service, and start transmitting articles to enjoy later. The service will sync all articles, preserving links, images, and text, albeit with truncated shortcodes and ads omitted. Kobo's latest firmware update now enables font size adjustments for Pocket articles, adding convenience.

Noteworthy Software Features:

• Large Print Mode for easy reading for users with vision impairments or who prefer larger fonts.
• A user-friendly shopping experience that facilitates the effortless acquirement of eBooks, samples, and new reading recommendations.
• Seamless Pocket and Overdrive compatibility.

E-Reading Experience

Michael Tamblyn, Kobo's CEO, boasts, "Each time we create a new device, we look to make the act of reading that little bit better... With the Kobo Libra H2O, we designed a seamless digital reading experience that keeps your whole reading life with you, wrapped in a beautiful, modern design."

Kobo strikes a perfect balance between catering to casual and hardcore readers by offering advanced features that rival competitors:

• Sideloading your own fonts enables the use of custom fonts like Bookerly and Ember, both developed by Amazon for e-readers.
• Sophisticated font customization options, which include font weight and margin/line spacing adjustments, set the Libra H2O apart from other e-readers.

The Libra H2O excels in reading PDF and EPUB formats and supports manga, graphic novels, and comic books in CBR and CBZ formats. It's expandable with additional formats, such as EPUB3, PDF, MOBI, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF, TXT, HTML, RFT, and more. New navigation features, initially introduced in the Kobo Forma, will arrive as a firmware update for the Libra H2O, improving book navigation and overall reading experience.

In conclusion, the Kobo Libra H2O delivers an enticing upgrade for Kobo veterans and serves as an accessible option for those torn between the Clara HD or Aura. Its waterproof design, well-thought-out functionality, and affordability make it an appealing choice for avid readers everywhere. Pre-orders open September 15th, with Canada and the US markets taking priority. International availability remains to be announced.

Those living outside North America can purchase the Libra H2O from our platform store in the interim.

1. The Kobo Libra H2O comes with a touchscreen, making digital reading more interactive compared to traditional e-readers.
2. With the ability to update its firmware, the Libra H2O can potentially enhance its reading apps, providing users with improved reading experiences.
3. For readers who prefer gadgets with a backlight, the Libra H2O's reading light ensures comfortable reading in different lighting conditions.
4. Among other gadgets in the market, the Libra H2O stands out for its compatibility with various reading apps, such as Pocket and Overdrive, enabling users to read a wide range of digital content.

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