Kobo Libra H2O Black

I love both the Kobo Libra H2O and the service provided by Kobo Rakuten. I had originally purchased one through Walmart but it was delayed over a month; when I ordered it through Kobo Rakuten it arrived within the 7-10 business days as promised.The product arrived safely and was easy to set up.I had purchased the Kindle Oasis to compare it to the Libra H2O but liked the Libra and gave the Oasis back.-I love that I can easily check out books from my library and how easy it is to upload books from my computer to the Libra.-The Libra is very light (like the Kindle) and made of plastic but feels far more comfortable in my hand when compared to the thin metal Oasis. It also doesn’t heat up as quickly when I read outdoors in 90°+ weather.-I love that the Libra ... MoreI love both the Kobo Libra H2O and the service provided by Kobo Rakuten. I had originally purchased one through Walmart but it was delayed over a month; when I ordered it through Kobo Rakuten it arrived within the 7-10 business days as promised.The product arrived safely and was easy to set up.I had purchased the Kindle Oasis to compare it to the Libra H2O but liked the Libra and gave the Oasis back.-I love that I can easily check out books from my library and how easy it is to upload books from my computer to the Libra.-The Libra is very light (like the Kindle) and made of plastic but feels far more comfortable in my hand when compared to the thin metal Oasis. It also doesn’t heat up as quickly when I read outdoors in 90°+ weather.-I love that the Libra displays your current book being read while in sleeping mode and does not force you to view irrelevant advertisements or pay unneeded fines to remove the ads like the Kindle does. It drove me nuts seeing endless ads from Amazon.-The screen on the Libra is crisp, looks marvelous in sunlight and doesn’t glare; it also looks great while reading at night (the warm tone helps a lot too. I do notice a bit of inconsistency with the LED’s on the Libra when I focus on too much but it’s still worth it to me for the price.-I also recommend a pouch or cover/case as the screen could scratch easily if you’re not paying attention.Overall, I highly recommend the Kobo Libra (especially compared to the Kindle Oasis). The product works great, looks wonderful and you’re easily able to support another business instead of Amazon.

I bought this Kobo to replace an old and problem prone Nook, I selected it as I most often get library books to read and Kobo was rated highly for library readers. Overall, I'm really happy with it. The size is good, it's easy to hold, and I love having buttons to turn pages, but retaining the ability to turn pages by tapping the screen. A big plus for this was the ability of the system to auto change the background color as evening progresses, based on your location. It goes from a blue tint to a more candlelight tint so that your brain isn't stimulated by the blue light later in the evening.The biggest issues I have with it, I think the battery could be a bit better, and I do notice with changing pages there is a lag and brief flash to a black screen. I never ... MoreI bought this Kobo to replace an old and problem prone Nook, I selected it as I most often get library books to read and Kobo was rated highly for library readers. Overall, I'm really happy with it. The size is good, it's easy to hold, and I love having buttons to turn pages, but retaining the ability to turn pages by tapping the screen. A big plus for this was the ability of the system to auto change the background color as evening progresses, based on your location. It goes from a blue tint to a more candlelight tint so that your brain isn't stimulated by the blue light later in the evening.The biggest issues I have with it, I think the battery could be a bit better, and I do notice with changing pages there is a lag and brief flash to a black screen. I never saw that with my Nook, so it would be nice if that went away. I would also like to see some cost effective cover options for this, as right now there is only one that is priced higher than I was happy with. I did find a third party neoprene sleeve that works, although it's a little big. One thing I don't understand is when you go to select "Remove" after finishing a library book, you get the choice between "Remove Download" and "Remove from My Books". I don't quite get the point of "remove download" as it doesn't seem to remove anything, the book seems to still be there. I'd like a single option, or reword these two so the differentiation is clearer.Overall I really like it, and shipping was very fast. Connection to Overdrive is really easy.

I was a Kobo customer years ago, and back then it was the most consumer-friendly ereader, that wasn’t always trying to lock customers down into their ecosystem, or devising new and creative ways to make it harder for people to access their books.Well, unfortunately those days seem to be gone. I returned my ereader upon realizing the labyrinthian nightmare they’ve made of trying to sideload your third party books and non-DRM’ed files. It would be as simple as flipping a permissions switch on the wifi connection, but they have to go out of their way to make it complicated. My tech set-up is such that I simply don’t have easy access to the devices they require for you to sideload books. But I shouldn’t have to. I shouldn’t need anything other than the Kobo itself. I ... MoreI was a Kobo customer years ago, and back then it was the most consumer-friendly ereader, that wasn’t always trying to lock customers down into their ecosystem, or devising new and creative ways to make it harder for people to access their books.Well, unfortunately those days seem to be gone. I returned my ereader upon realizing the labyrinthian nightmare they’ve made of trying to sideload your third party books and non-DRM’ed files. It would be as simple as flipping a permissions switch on the wifi connection, but they have to go out of their way to make it complicated. My tech set-up is such that I simply don’t have easy access to the devices they require for you to sideload books. But I shouldn’t have to. I shouldn’t need anything other than the Kobo itself. I shouldn’t be locked into paying inflated prices on their specific store just to read.And they’ve also gotten rid of the SD expansion slot, so you can’t just put a card in with your books on it. Oh, and it costs $170 and still uses MicroUSB. C’mon now…At the end of it all, it just felt quite consumer-hostile, and not at all in the spirit of what books and reading are supposed to be about. I understand the impulse to want to squeeze pennies out of people when you’re a niche company, but you know, guys, maybe it’d be easier to convince people to buy these expensive niche devices if you made it easier for them to use them how we like. Readers have never enjoyed being told how to read.And so goes the falls of the consumer-friendly mainstream ereaders. Oh well…

After the problem explained on the precedent page about the delivery, here is my "experience" with the Libra.First of all, it doesn't connect on a registered device used as a hotspot. Regarding WiFi, registered too, I have to push the connection 4 or 5 times with password typing before it gets connected.... for a few seconds before being disconnected.I decided to use the other method which is connecting the reader to a computer.The reader is not recognized by a late MacBook Pro M1. Not even with the proper cable unboxed with the reader.Once again, users forum explained the problem : Kobo reader doesn't work if used from USB 3.1 ports. Let's say that I could understand this technical issue if it had not been reported for the first time to your technical support ... MoreAfter the problem explained on the precedent page about the delivery, here is my "experience" with the Libra.First of all, it doesn't connect on a registered device used as a hotspot. Regarding WiFi, registered too, I have to push the connection 4 or 5 times with password typing before it gets connected.... for a few seconds before being disconnected.I decided to use the other method which is connecting the reader to a computer.The reader is not recognized by a late MacBook Pro M1. Not even with the proper cable unboxed with the reader.Once again, users forum explained the problem : Kobo reader doesn't work if used from USB 3.1 ports. Let's say that I could understand this technical issue if it had not been reported for the first time to your technical support in September 2020 !!How am I supposed to use the Libra if it can neither be connected through a cable nor with wifi network ?I am a traveler, don't have any fix address for more than a couple of months, I have been using a kindle for the past 10 years, 3 different devices during those years. The last one has something like +200 read books inside in the last 5 years and never I had an issue with hotspots/laptop/wifi.Unfortunately it got flooded and that's when I decided to try your fancy 7'' screen reader and that is a very frustrating mistake.So my Libra is nicely sleeping in my bag and I bought a new Kindle that gives me 100% satisfaction for 50% of the price I bought the Libra.

I love my Kobo.The display lighting can be set very low with gentler coloring for reading in total darkness. Works nicely for a little bedtime reading when the spouse is falling asleep.Font styles, spacing, and margin options are really nice.Ability to transfer DRM-free books I've purchased on the computer over a USB cable is really nice. I like to own the digital books that I buy just like physical.Borrowing from a library is really sweet once you learn how to work it with your library.Water protection is a nice bonus. It wasn't a main reason I bought the Kobo, but since I knew it had it, it would nice and convenient to read while soaking in a hot bath to relax sore muscles without putting the e-reader in a ziplock bag! That's what I used to do.It's ... MoreI love my Kobo.The display lighting can be set very low with gentler coloring for reading in total darkness. Works nicely for a little bedtime reading when the spouse is falling asleep.Font styles, spacing, and margin options are really nice.Ability to transfer DRM-free books I've purchased on the computer over a USB cable is really nice. I like to own the digital books that I buy just like physical.Borrowing from a library is really sweet once you learn how to work it with your library.Water protection is a nice bonus. It wasn't a main reason I bought the Kobo, but since I knew it had it, it would nice and convenient to read while soaking in a hot bath to relax sore muscles without putting the e-reader in a ziplock bag! That's what I used to do.It's nice having both the physical page turn buttons as well as the touch control. The buttons will smartly reorient themselves if you cartwheel the Kobo to switch hands. You can also lock the screen orientation so that it doesn't do landscape mode if you don't want that.The battery lasts me like 2 months between charges.The only drawback I can think of compared to a Kindle Keyboard model I had previously is I can't fit the Kobo in my back pocket. I had to buy a sleeve style case to carry it around without getting it scratched up. Not enough for me to take away one of the rating stars.I waited over two years from purchase before writing this review.I'd buy again in a heartbeat.

Great device. The value for money is unmatched.Pros:- I absolutely love the UI. It's really great and intuitive.- I love Kobo's support for open formats such as EPUBs,- Currently reading book covers on the sleep screen- Easy mod-ability- Integration with Pocket for reading articles saved from the web- Detailed metrics, Kindles are notoriously bad at the quality of life features like this. Perhaps only a few people will appreciate this kind of freedom, but it's still a great addition. This device is all about stuff for the enthusiasts.Cons:- The UI is slower, compared to Kindle devices. I'm not sure if this is a hardware or optimization issue. Updates have helped a lot, so I think it's more optimization related.- There has been a rare but noticeable issue ... MoreGreat device. The value for money is unmatched.Pros:- I absolutely love the UI. It's really great and intuitive.- I love Kobo's support for open formats such as EPUBs,- Currently reading book covers on the sleep screen- Easy mod-ability- Integration with Pocket for reading articles saved from the web- Detailed metrics, Kindles are notoriously bad at the quality of life features like this. Perhaps only a few people will appreciate this kind of freedom, but it's still a great addition. This device is all about stuff for the enthusiasts.Cons:- The UI is slower, compared to Kindle devices. I'm not sure if this is a hardware or optimization issue. Updates have helped a lot, so I think it's more optimization related.- There has been a rare but noticeable issue of the backlight not turning on when the device is out of sleep. It does return after a few sleep/wake button clicks though.- The build is a bit creaky and I wouldn't recommend using it without a cover, especially because of the screen technology that's easily damaged and also because of the fragile nature of the device.- The weight isn't well managed so lying down and holding it with one hand is a matter of great trust.- The matte black texturing is quite a fingerprint magnet, and the scaffold-like design at the back can be a haven for dust.

A very nice ereader that may disappoint you

This ereader has a lot of things goind for it. It's size, shape and button placement are excellent. The display is very good. I want to love the Libra H2O, but two things stand in way. First, overall performance is quite poor. The ereader struggles with longer books and frequently stall for a 10-20 seconds. Second, my H2O died after just 14 months of light use. Kobo did replace it, but my experience with the replacement will likely be the same.Despite all the negatives, I've read more on the H2O than ever did on my Kindle Paper White. It's ability to load EPUB books has open a whole world of free to low-cost books not available to Kindle owners.

Best product on the market

Awesome! The backlight auto-adjusts perfectly for any setting. Always easy to read. Unlike Kindles, this reader supports epub and several other file types natively. All you have to do is connect the USB cable and copy the files over to the root directory of the device. Once unplugged, the files are processed and added to your library automatically. Battery life is great. I have been reading constantly for about a week and I still have almost half of the initial charge left. The built in Overdrive app is amazing! All you need is a library card and an online account for your library district. You use that account to log into Overdrive, and you can borrow anything you want from your local library free of charge. If you prefer to own your books, the Kobo library has a ... MoreAwesome! The backlight auto-adjusts perfectly for any setting. Always easy to read. Unlike Kindles, this reader supports epub and several other file types natively. All you have to do is connect the USB cable and copy the files over to the root directory of the device. Once unplugged, the files are processed and added to your library automatically. Battery life is great. I have been reading constantly for about a week and I still have almost half of the initial charge left. The built in Overdrive app is amazing! All you need is a library card and an online account for your library district. You use that account to log into Overdrive, and you can borrow anything you want from your local library free of charge. If you prefer to own your books, the Kobo library has a vast collection of books to choose from with great prices and sales going on all the time. My first purchases were two 4 book collections. One cost $5, and the other was $7. This is easily one of the best purchases I've ever made, and I wish I had found this sooner. Make sure to get the cover with it. It will keep your screen safe, puts the reader into sleep mode when you close it, and acts as a kickstand in portrait and landscape mode.

Nice enough but newer not always better

I'm coming from an older Kindle model (Kindle Keyboard 3rd generation) which is about 10 years old now. I figured I'd splurge and get the latest model Kobo to see what I'm missing. After playing around with this Kobo, though, I decided to stick with the older Kindle. The Kobo is nice enough which is why I gave it 4 stars. If I didn't already have my Kindle I'd probably think it's great. The build quality is good, I appreciate the side buttons for turning pages, and the adjustable light is fine. But I enjoy the screen without the backlight more, the response time to open documents or start up was slower than the kindle, and wifi connectivity was pretty poor on the Kobo. I also missed the integration with the Kindle app. Kobo's app doesn't work the same way with ... MoreI'm coming from an older Kindle model (Kindle Keyboard 3rd generation) which is about 10 years old now. I figured I'd splurge and get the latest model Kobo to see what I'm missing. After playing around with this Kobo, though, I decided to stick with the older Kindle. The Kobo is nice enough which is why I gave it 4 stars. If I didn't already have my Kindle I'd probably think it's great. The build quality is good, I appreciate the side buttons for turning pages, and the adjustable light is fine. But I enjoy the screen without the backlight more, the response time to open documents or start up was slower than the kindle, and wifi connectivity was pretty poor on the Kobo. I also missed the integration with the Kindle app. Kobo's app doesn't work the same way with syncing between the app and the device unless the book is purchased by Kobo. I have a lot of books from other sources, and unlike Kindle, I can't sync them. It's not a huge deal, but a minor annoyance. So at the end of the day, rather than compromise on a lot of the things I like about my existing setup just to have a newer gadget, I'll be returning the Kobo and sticking with what I already have.

Robert's review of Kobo Libra H20 7 eReader - 8 GB

Pros: Gorgeous display. Intuitive to use. Great integration with both the Kobo store as you'd expect and also with Overdrive if you want to borrow something from your local library (if your local library has anything worth borrowing that is). Syncing is a cinch. It's a lovely e-reader if you can afford it and don't want to be tied into the competition's ecosystem. Top tip: atFoliX screen protectors available from a popular web retailer (the great South American river one) fit the Libra H2O like a glove. ?Cons: This is my 4th Kobo e-reader. ☹️. Kobo e-reader design is not modular. When something goes wrong, it's highly unlikely that it will be repairable due to the design. And if it goes wrong soon after the warranty expires, well...'dur fromage' as they say. Still ... MorePros: Gorgeous display. Intuitive to use. Great integration with both the Kobo store as you'd expect and also with Overdrive if you want to borrow something from your local library (if your local library has anything worth borrowing that is). Syncing is a cinch. It's a lovely e-reader if you can afford it and don't want to be tied into the competition's ecosystem. Top tip: atFoliX screen protectors available from a popular web retailer (the great South American river one) fit the Libra H2O like a glove. ?Cons: This is my 4th Kobo e-reader. ☹️. Kobo e-reader design is not modular. When something goes wrong, it's highly unlikely that it will be repairable due to the design. And if it goes wrong soon after the warranty expires, well...'dur fromage' as they say. Still have my old Kobo Touch for backup. My Clara HD died soon after the 1 year warranty (motherboard). My 1st Kobo Libra similarly due to display controller (vertical & horizontal lines on screen even though touch screen still worked perfectly). Both devices in cases with screen protector from the moment they were unpacked. How long this one will last is anyone's guess. ?