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Kobo Forma vs Kobo Libra
Last updated: July 10, 2023
The Kobo Forma and Kobo Libra are both popular e-readers manufactured by Kobo, known for their sleek designs and advanced features. However, there are some key differences between the two devices that make them suitable for different user preferences and reading styles.
1. Display and Design: One of the major differences between the Kobo Forma and Kobo Libra is their display size and design. The Forma features a larger 8-inch E Ink display, which provides a more immersive reading experience with its spacious screen. On the other hand, the Libra comes with a 7-inch E Ink display that is slightly smaller but still offers a comfortable reading area. Additionally, the Forma has a unique asymmetric design with physical page-turn buttons on one side, allowing users to hold it with one hand effortlessly. The Libra, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with page-turn buttons located on the screen.
2. Waterproofing: Another notable difference is the waterproofing feature. The Kobo Forma is designed to be waterproof with an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 60 minutes without getting damaged. This makes it a great choice for reading by the poolside or in the bathtub. In contrast, the Kobo Libra does not have waterproofing capabilities, so it is not recommended for use in wet environments.
3. Comfort and Portability: When it comes to comfort and portability, the Kobo Libra has some advantages. It is slightly lighter and more compact compared to the Forma, making it easier to hold and carry around. The Libra also features an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip, making it ideal for extended reading sessions. However, the Forma's larger size and page-turn buttons can offer a more premium and luxurious reading experience, especially for users who prefer a larger display and physical buttons for navigation.
1. Display and Design: One of the major differences between the Kobo Forma and Kobo Libra is their display size and design. The Forma features a larger 8-inch E Ink display, which provides a more immersive reading experience with its spacious screen. On the other hand, the Libra comes with a 7-inch E Ink display that is slightly smaller but still offers a comfortable reading area. Additionally, the Forma has a unique asymmetric design with physical page-turn buttons on one side, allowing users to hold it with one hand effortlessly. The Libra, on the other hand, features a more traditional design with page-turn buttons located on the screen.
2. Waterproofing: Another notable difference is the waterproofing feature. The Kobo Forma is designed to be waterproof with an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for up to 60 minutes without getting damaged. This makes it a great choice for reading by the poolside or in the bathtub. In contrast, the Kobo Libra does not have waterproofing capabilities, so it is not recommended for use in wet environments.
3. Comfort and Portability: When it comes to comfort and portability, the Kobo Libra has some advantages. It is slightly lighter and more compact compared to the Forma, making it easier to hold and carry around. The Libra also features an ergonomic design with a comfortable grip, making it ideal for extended reading sessions. However, the Forma's larger size and page-turn buttons can offer a more premium and luxurious reading experience, especially for users who prefer a larger display and physical buttons for navigation.
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To make the reading experience better for ravenous booklovers who read for hours on end, and want a lightweight, portable alternative to heavy print books, we’ve delivered our most comfortable eReader yet with waterproof reliability, the choice of landscape or portrait mode, and the expanded access of book borrowing.
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Kobo Libra is the embodiment of your reading style. With more storage, a faster E Ink screen, and Bluetooth wireless technology so you can listen to Kobo Audiobooks, Kobo Libra is an integral part of your rich reading life. Packed with features and personality and storage for all of your eBooks Kobo Libra was made to do more. An ergonomic design keeps your reading life on hand and page turn buttons keep the story going while you sip your coffee, stir your signature pasta sauce, or nurse your newborn so you can read on and on, no matter what.
Kobo Forma vs Kobo Libra in our news:
2023. Rakuten unveiled Kobo Libra 2
Rakuten Kobo has unveiled the Kobo Libra 2, featuring a 7-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen display with a resolution of 1264 × 1680 pixels or 300 PPI. This e-reader offers color temperature adjustment and Dark Mode, allowing users to customize their reading experience. Powered by a 1 GHz Processor and equipped with 32 GB of onboard storage, the Libra 2 has a distinctive asymmetrical design, with a thicker right spine housing physical page turn buttons. Additionally, it boasts a fully waterproof construction and is available in Black and White variants. Customers can also purchase optional SleepCovers for $50. The Kobo Libra 2 is priced at $250 and is accessible for purchase through Flipkart and various online retailers in India.
2023. Pocket updates support for Kobo e-readers
News and article reading service Pocket has announced that Kobo e-readers will no longer be supported. The reason is that in order to improve security all Pocket accounts are migrated to Firefox accounts. This news caused great indignation among Kobo users and the developers of Pocket decided to solve the problem anyway. Sarah Vasquez, the Senior Manager, Communication at Mozilla, told Good e-Reader in an exclusive statement, “Kobo is aiming to update the Pocket login on their e-readers to support Firefox accounts. The exact timing is to be determined. However, Pocket’s existing Kobo users will not be affected nor lose access to their accounts.
2022. New Kobo software update added a pinch-zooming gesture
Kobo has released a software update for their entire range of Kobo e-readers, including models dating back to the original Kobo Touch (excluding the Kobo Mini). The update introduces a pinch-zooming gesture to adjust font size and now includes a new gesture that allows users to quickly access the last three books they read by swiping down from the top of the screen. Additionally, two new font options specifically designed for digital reading, Rakuten Sans and Rakuten Serif, have been added. The interface now supports three additional languages: Czech, Polish, and Romanian. A new feature called "Recently Viewed" has also been introduced, which displays recently viewed ebooks in the Kobo store, although users have the option to disable this feature in the settings.
2021. Kobo released Sage and Libra 2 with Bluetooth and stylus support
Kobo has introduced two new e-readers, the Sage and Libra 2, which build upon the company's high-end offerings by incorporating Bluetooth audiobook and stylus support. These devices retain the recognizable asymmetrical design of their larger counterparts. Furthermore, the Sage and Libra 2 are equipped with a new charging cover, allowing users to recharge the device every few months instead of every few weeks. The Sage, an evolution of the Forma, boasts an impressive 8-inch, 300 PPI screen and a color-adjustable screen light, ensuring an exceptional reading experience. Similarly, the Libra 2 serves as the successor to the Libra H2O (sans the H2O branding, although it remains waterproof), featuring a 7-inch display with the same display and lighting characteristics. For those seeking a more compact option, the Clara model remains the ideal choice.
2019. Kobo brings the Forma form factor to a cheaper model Kobo Libra
The new Kobo Libra H2O brings the sleek form factor of the Forma e-reader to a 7-inch screen device, retailing at a relatively affordable price of $170. Although it may not be the cheapest option in the e-reader market, it's a positive development to witness some of these advanced features becoming more accessible. The device's form factor is highly functional, allowing users to read in both landscape and portrait orientations, with automatic screen rotation thanks to the built-in accelerometer. Kobo has also made software improvements, enhancing menus, book scrubbing, and previews for a smoother reading experience. Additional convenient features include the ability to adjust front light intensity by swiping the screen's side and the device being waterproofed with an IPX8 rating, ensuring protection against water damage.
2018. Kobo Forma e-Reader gets first major update
Kobo has recently released a significant update for their Kobo Forma e-reader, addressing various persistent issues such as improving WIFI stability and enhancing manga performance. With this update, readers now have the ability to navigate through pages by pressing dedicated page-turn buttons, enabling them to move forward or backward with ease. Furthermore, by pressing and holding these buttons, users can rapidly flip through multiple pages. Kobo has also ensured that their e-reader is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed individuals. By simply holding the Kobo Forma in either hand, the screen will automatically adjust. Additionally, readers can now enjoy the flexibility of reading in landscape or portrait mode. While reading, users can rotate their device to any orientation they prefer. To lock the screen into portrait or landscape mode, readers can tap the middle of the page to access the menu and then select the rotation icon located in the header (all while maintaining the option to hold the device in either hand).
2018. Kobo Forma - e-Ink reader with IPX8 case
Kobo has unveiled their latest ebook reader, the Kobo Forma, which surpasses the Kindle Oasis in several aspects, making it their most innovative e-reader to date. With a design reminiscent of the Kindle Oasis, featuring page buttons on one side of the screen and a tapered back (without the wedge), the Kobo Forma offers the flexibility to read in both portrait and landscape mode, complete with the option for automatic screen rotation. Boasting a spacious 8-inch screen and waterproof capabilities, this digital eBook reader delivers an immersive reading experience. Moreover, it allows direct borrowing of ebooks from Overdrive, resulting in long-term cost savings. The inclusion of comfortlight technology enables users to dim the bright white screen for comfortable nighttime reading. The adjustable front-light is gentle on the eyes and gradually reduces blue-light exposure, promoting better sleep quality. With an IPX8 rating, the Forma is waterproof for up to 60 minutes, and it even comes pre-installed with the popular library app OneDrive, simplifying the process of connecting your library account to the e-reader.
2018. Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Forma
Kobo has introduced the Forma, their latest addition to the lineup of e-ink e-readers, showcasing a range of enhancements. The Forma is equipped with an 8-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) e-ink display, combining high resolution with an immersive reading experience. Its new ergonomic design stands out, featuring a handle on the side that not only provides a fresh aesthetic but also improves the device's grip. Along the right edge, convenient buttons simplify page-turning, offering a more tactile alternative to touchscreen interactions. Weighing just 197g, the Forma is approximately 15 percent lighter than the Kobo Aura One, without compromising durability. Kobo assures that the e-reader can withstand drops from two meters. Furthermore, with its IPX8 rating, the device is water-resistant and capable of enduring submersion in up to two meters of water for around 60 minutes. The Forma is available in an 8GB version starting at $299.99 CAD.