"They (kobo) are not afraid to lose a sale to a library check-out. Because they're trying to make the device the most useful for the most people." You hit it right on the head of the nail.
Don’t feel pressured to show your face. Showing and moving around the product is what I personally want to see in a tech review. It’s frustrating when many tech reviews are showing mostly their face as they talk or these fancy cool shots. I like more raw unedited reviews where someone is using the product naturally as if I’d be using it and seeing what those angles look like.
I would love to see your face, but not necessarily needed. I loved your presentation and had no problems with your hands. You’re the first kobo review that really tried showing your viewers what the kobo has to offer. I say keep doing what you’re doing. Great video, thank you❤
just want to mention at 17:02 you mention not being able to use colours when writing in the books but you absolutely can! If you click on the pen icon while in a book it brings up all the colour / pen thickness options
Hi! A lot of people comment about how plastic it feels, but if you look into it thats what amazing about it. It's made of 100% recycled plastic and 10% of that is made from plastic that washes up on the beach. So it's proudly plastic :) I allways have my kobo in a case and even have a screen protector. It's 11 years old now and still look great... which is frustrating because I would love the new colour one;) Thanks for a great video...😀
Yours is the FIRST review I've seen that actually plays with the different notebook options. THANK YOU! Although you say it's not as enjoyable as writing on a supernote, I am still planning to replace my puppy-decorated Supernote Nomad A2 X2 with this, because it has the options I need and the intuitiveness that I want. Supernote can do a LOT, but I don't want to have to read a novel to learn about all it can do.
I loved that you had the focus on the kobo. I’ve watched wayyyyy too many videos of people just talking in front of a camera and inserting small clips of the kobo instead of actually showing us. I prefer this way much better than someone just talking at me and barely showing the device in action. Thank you for your video!
I'm getting a Kobo Libra Colour for my birthday, and the library integration was one of the reasons why. Overdrive integration makes so much more sense than the way Amazon does it. Edited to Add: So I got my Kobo, and I'm loving it. The Overdrive integration is really convenient, and I also love the Google Drive integration. It makes it really easy to drop files on to the Kobo. I've converted some of the Kindle books I bought and loaded them on my Kobo, and I've used Calibre to load some newspapers and magazines. One thing I haven't seen any reviewers mention yet: It's got full Bluetooth support, which means you can not only connect headphones, but you can also connect a keyboard. this means that if you want to write a note on a book, you can use a Bluetooth keyboard rather than the onscreen keyboard or a stylus. I have the Metapen M1, and it's good for highlighting or short (one word) notes on books, but with a keyboard, you can really write a detailed note. Very happy with it so far. :)
I really enjoy your videos. I also agree with you that Amazon is taking over more and more and that the Kobo integration with Overdrive is phenomenal. One thing you might not be aware of is that, although not integrated, the Libby app does allow you to send borrowed books to Kindle in the US. As for showing your face on camera, I think it is completely your choice. I think the content is the most important thing. Just my two cents.
Awesome review! Thank you for taking the time to make it! Your step through of the Overdrive feature is what sold me in the end, so much appreciated! I have read into other reviews that there are screen protectors available that can help with the "stylus feel" to give more of a paper like texture. You might find that helpful for your overall experience. I just ordered my Libra Color, so I do not have a recommendation yet. :) Also, concerning build quality, one of the points that sold me on this Kobo is that they have partnered with IFixIt to make these devices user repairable/update-able! You will be able to buy kits to replace the battery, screen, or motherboard which will be supported with an in depth video on how to make the repair. With that kind of open access, these devices will last longer than anything that Amazon puts out at any price and will help keep mountains of e-waste produced out of landfills and dump sites.
Hi, I like your review about the Libra Colour. You very directly told us the things about it which not every reviewer would do so. And feel free to show yourself; I don’t have any opinion against it as long as the content is good.😊
Just finish watching your video and I don't think you need to show your face. I think you did a good job, especially talking about the difference between the Scribe, Supernote and Boox devices. I too have all those devices and am looking forward to using it. Thank you very much for the head start.
Watching for your insights, so you do whatever you feel is right for you, re face or not. I have a Kobo Libra Colour also and I have the same feeling about the stylus feel, particularly compared to Boox, Scribe or Nomad. It works but gives no joy!
I bought the Kindle Scribe and in less than a month, returned it. I didn't like it at all. Yes, to write, the feeling is great, and very functional, but it is way too heavy to use it as an ereader. Your hands will ache after a few minutes of holding it. Now I am getting the Kobo Libra Colour instead.
Came here from a Kobo Mini ( which is no longer support by Kobo software after a decade). Love seeing all the new things like colour, stylus and annotations. Thanks!
Between myself and my mom, my Kobo Clara has been in use (though not daily) for about 10 years. You might be surprised! Also, these new models apparently can have parts replaced through a partner company. Their goal for the color line is longevity.
i don't feel like you NEED to show your face if the video is about a product. it focuses the viewer's attention on the product itself and i think this one is very well made. there are features you discuss here that other reviewers have not touched on. i just received my kobo libra colour last weekend and i have loved it so much i've finished 3 short books. i love highlighting and annotating and i stumbled upon your video to convince myself to get the stylus and i think i will :) i really love that green cover however i'm apprehensive about hard covers (afraid of scratching the ereader) and really wish they'd offer a sleep cover with soft plastic on the inside. switched from kindle also specifically because of the more lightweight material of kobo and how they use recycled plastic and how it's more customizable than the kindle. i just learned you can tweak the color saturation from dev mode and i'm able to personalize to what is clearer and more comfortable for me when reading comics and ebooks. sadly borrowing from libraries is not an option in my country, but i really appreciate how they have that available too. anyway, thank you for the very in depth review!
One downside to the Libra Colour not mentioned often is that all handwritten stylus notes taken are lost if you ever switch devices or reset this device. For me, the notes I take are important to me and I don't want to lose them. And who wants to export their notes as lots and lots of PDFs disassociated from the books? Not me. So, for me, no-go.
This might seem silly as I should be grateful to just be able to use Libby on my kindle since I live in the US, having to have a separate device and then go through 3-4 different menus just to get it on my kindle is much more inconvenient.
To Canadians, Kindle is a non starter. No Overdrive/Libby to borrow books from your local library. Also Bluetooth is disabled on Canadian Kindles so audiobooks are out of the question. With these two MASSIVE limitations, about the only positive thing you can say about Canadian Kindles is that they can put letters and words on the screen. Kobo allows for Libby and audio books. I use my Kobo daily, and my sad old pathetic Kindle resides at the back of a drawer. I cannot for the life of me understand why Amazon Kindle hates Canadians as much as they do.
i use the Libby library throught Amazon but they have blocked me for writing book reviews and I have done nothing wrong, I got a Kobo just trying to figure out how to but my Kindle books on it, As i am no computer tech person.
Hands are enough! You have a great content, why add an unnecessary stress on yourself, preparing the "go-face" to that content? No point. Thank you for your videos ❣ Love what I hear and see - for me - satisfying and great...
If you do decide to show your face, you can always make it a one-off. Your current format is fine though, since you are primarily demonstrating hardware. I think most people are just looking to match a face to the voice, versus advocating for a permanent format change.
Think the Boox go 7 colour is better, can use libby/overdrive also, can buy books from kindle, kobo, or anywhere else, and not a closed system like the other readers and best of all can use android apps. The libra is actually the bulkiest device and kind of old fashion look
Kobo has its own proprietary retail storefront just like Amazon or B&N. You can buy books from within the device, the app, or through their web site, or check them out from library if the library you have attached to your device has the book in their catalog. Sideloading is easy - there's a desktop sync option (help.kobo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017478174-Sync-your-Kobo-eReader-with-Kobo-Desktop), or you can connect your google drive or dropbox to the device and import things that way. BUT ya can't get your Kindle books on Kobo. That's true for every single reading device that isn't a Kindle, unless you break the DRM (digital rights management) through some hack, a thing I've never bothered with but lots of people do.
Don't feel like you need to show your face. You are producing quality content here and I appreciate how ever you choose to show up on this platform. Thank you for the honest review!
I agree it’s too small for the notebook feature to be very useful, but for reading it’s perfect for me (and same screen size as the kindle I’ve been using 7 yrs so I’m used to that and like it).
it doesnt matter to me. if you wanted to show your face as an intro hello, great and then switch to what this video is, otherwise, its nice to have a really good look at the product being touched and held.
I think your videos are great without your face but whenever I see a TH-camrs face that I follow regularly...they become more like a friend. It would help you with building an emotional relationship or attachment from your fans. But your videos are amusing and provide value without it. I would say that whether you show your face or not maybe needs to be determined by your goals for your channel.
Since this is a tech video, your face isn't important to me. In fact unless you are doing a makeup tutorial or cosmetic product review the face isn't necessary.
Should you show your face? Your choice....it doesn't matter to me. If you are demonstrating something what does that matter? Anonymity is a good thing. Just my opinion tho. Ultimately it's your choice.
"They (kobo) are not afraid to lose a sale to a library check-out. Because they're trying to make the device the most useful for the most people." You hit it right on the head of the nail.
The library connection is something that is a selling point for me.
Don’t feel pressured to show your face. Showing and moving around the product is what I personally want to see in a tech review. It’s frustrating when many tech reviews are showing mostly their face as they talk or these fancy cool shots. I like more raw unedited reviews where someone is using the product naturally as if I’d be using it and seeing what those angles look like.
I would love to see your face, but not necessarily needed. I loved your presentation and had no problems with your hands. You’re the first kobo review that really tried showing your viewers what the kobo has to offer. I say keep doing what you’re doing. Great video, thank you❤
just want to mention at 17:02 you mention not being able to use colours when writing in the books but you absolutely can! If you click on the pen icon while in a book it brings up all the colour / pen thickness options
Here to leave this comment, but you beat me to it. 😅 Yes, you actually can! Hope OP sees this.
Hi! A lot of people comment about how plastic it feels, but if you look into it thats what amazing about it. It's made of 100% recycled plastic and 10% of that is made from plastic that washes up on the beach. So it's proudly plastic :) I allways have my kobo in a case and even have a screen protector. It's 11 years old now and still look great... which is frustrating because I would love the new colour one;) Thanks for a great video...😀
I love my plastic Kobo, I want my ereader to be as lightweight as possible.
Yours is the FIRST review I've seen that actually plays with the different notebook options. THANK YOU! Although you say it's not as enjoyable as writing on a supernote, I am still planning to replace my puppy-decorated Supernote Nomad A2 X2 with this, because it has the options I need and the intuitiveness that I want. Supernote can do a LOT, but I don't want to have to read a novel to learn about all it can do.
I loved that you had the focus on the kobo. I’ve watched wayyyyy too many videos of people just talking in front of a camera and inserting small clips of the kobo instead of actually showing us. I prefer this way much better than someone just talking at me and barely showing the device in action. Thank you for your video!
I'm getting a Kobo Libra Colour for my birthday, and the library integration was one of the reasons why. Overdrive integration makes so much more sense than the way Amazon does it.
Edited to Add:
So I got my Kobo, and I'm loving it. The Overdrive integration is really convenient, and I also love the Google Drive integration. It makes it really easy to drop files on to the Kobo. I've converted some of the Kindle books I bought and loaded them on my Kobo, and I've used Calibre to load some newspapers and magazines.
One thing I haven't seen any reviewers mention yet: It's got full Bluetooth support, which means you can not only connect headphones, but you can also connect a keyboard. this means that if you want to write a note on a book, you can use a Bluetooth keyboard rather than the onscreen keyboard or a stylus. I have the Metapen M1, and it's good for highlighting or short (one word) notes on books, but with a keyboard, you can really write a detailed note.
Very happy with it so far. :)
Finally I find a video with someone explaining overdrive and how its connected. Thanks for the review!
I really enjoy your videos. I also agree with you that Amazon is taking over more and more and that the Kobo integration with Overdrive is phenomenal. One thing you might not be aware of is that, although not integrated, the Libby app does allow you to send borrowed books to Kindle in the US. As for showing your face on camera, I think it is completely your choice. I think the content is the most important thing. Just my two cents.
I did know about that Libby feature and use it all the time. Libby is such a good app! But this direct integration is amazing.
Awesome review! Thank you for taking the time to make it! Your step through of the Overdrive feature is what sold me in the end, so much appreciated!
I have read into other reviews that there are screen protectors available that can help with the "stylus feel" to give more of a paper like texture. You might find that helpful for your overall experience. I just ordered my Libra Color, so I do not have a recommendation yet. :)
Also, concerning build quality, one of the points that sold me on this Kobo is that they have partnered with IFixIt to make these devices user repairable/update-able! You will be able to buy kits to replace the battery, screen, or motherboard which will be supported with an in depth video on how to make the repair. With that kind of open access, these devices will last longer than anything that Amazon puts out at any price and will help keep mountains of e-waste produced out of landfills and dump sites.
Hi, I like your review about the Libra Colour. You very directly told us the things about it which not every reviewer would do so. And feel free to show yourself; I don’t have any opinion against it as long as the content is good.😊
Best review of this device so far.
I'm glad it was helpful! I am still loving this and don't think I've bought a book on Amazon since I got it.
I agreed with you about Amazon and public libraries.
I can’t sell my remarkable, but You’ve sold me! 😂. Fun little device!
Just finish watching your video and I don't think you need to show your face. I think you did a good job, especially talking about the difference between the Scribe, Supernote and Boox devices. I too have all those devices and am looking forward to using it. Thank you very much for the head start.
Nice review, my Kobo Libra Colour is coming this week 😊 I got the white with the same case as yours. I loved the green!
the kindle scribe does in fact convert handwriting to text. It came with their last software update.
I wish you could add handwritten notes like on the Scribe, but maybe they will add that later. Thanks for the review.
I add handwritten notes right on the pages of the book.
I love the cover and the stylus. I enjoy reading with it and annotating my books.
Watching for your insights, so you do whatever you feel is right for you, re face or not.
I have a Kobo Libra Colour also and I have the same feeling about the stylus feel, particularly compared to Boox, Scribe or Nomad. It works but gives no joy!
I bought the Kindle Scribe and in less than a month, returned it. I didn't like it at all. Yes, to write, the feeling is great, and very functional, but it is way too heavy to use it as an ereader. Your hands will ache after a few minutes of holding it. Now I am getting the Kobo Libra Colour instead.
Came here from a Kobo Mini ( which is no longer support by Kobo software after a decade). Love seeing all the new things like colour, stylus and annotations. Thanks!
Between myself and my mom, my Kobo Clara has been in use (though not daily) for about 10 years. You might be surprised! Also, these new models apparently can have parts replaced through a partner company. Their goal for the color line is longevity.
i don't feel like you NEED to show your face if the video is about a product. it focuses the viewer's attention on the product itself and i think this one is very well made. there are features you discuss here that other reviewers have not touched on. i just received my kobo libra colour last weekend and i have loved it so much i've finished 3 short books. i love highlighting and annotating and i stumbled upon your video to convince myself to get the stylus and i think i will :) i really love that green cover however i'm apprehensive about hard covers (afraid of scratching the ereader) and really wish they'd offer a sleep cover with soft plastic on the inside. switched from kindle also specifically because of the more lightweight material of kobo and how they use recycled plastic and how it's more customizable than the kindle. i just learned you can tweak the color saturation from dev mode and i'm able to personalize to what is clearer and more comfortable for me when reading comics and ebooks. sadly borrowing from libraries is not an option in my country, but i really appreciate how they have that available too. anyway, thank you for the very in depth review!
Gosh I am still using my kobo glow after 12yrs and it’s still going strong.
Amazing!
Did you replace it's battery? Or has it been going for 12 years?
I’m jealous if your green case. They were sold out every time I tried to get it😫
You make some really good points. Subscribed!
I dont know because i have a kindle 2 from 2009 that is plastic on the front and is still going, its not my only, but i still use it😊
One downside to the Libra Colour not mentioned often is that all handwritten stylus notes taken are lost if you ever switch devices or reset this device. For me, the notes I take are important to me and I don't want to lose them. And who wants to export their notes as lots and lots of PDFs disassociated from the books? Not me. So, for me, no-go.
I'm perfectly fine with the visual focus on the device (& your hands)!
This might seem silly as I should be grateful to just be able to use Libby on my kindle since I live in the US, having to have a separate device and then go through 3-4 different menus just to get it on my kindle is much more inconvenient.
I use all different colors writing on the book !
Can we import notebook background
To Canadians, Kindle is a non starter. No Overdrive/Libby to borrow books from your local library. Also Bluetooth is disabled on Canadian Kindles so audiobooks are out of the question. With these two MASSIVE limitations, about the only positive thing you can say about Canadian Kindles is that they can put letters and words on the screen. Kobo allows for Libby and audio books. I use my Kobo daily, and my sad old pathetic Kindle resides at the back of a drawer. I cannot for the life of me understand why Amazon Kindle hates Canadians as much as they do.
Has that case held up well?
i use the Libby library throught Amazon but they have blocked me for writing book reviews and I have done nothing wrong, I got a Kobo just trying to figure out how to but my Kindle books on it, As i am no computer tech person.
I’m not either but it’s pretty simple and there are many videos on TH-cam that will show you step by step how to do it.
Hands are enough! You have a great content, why add an unnecessary stress on yourself, preparing the "go-face" to that content? No point. Thank you for your videos ❣ Love what I hear and see - for me - satisfying and great...
If you do decide to show your face, you can always make it a one-off. Your current format is fine though, since you are primarily demonstrating hardware. I think most people are just looking to match a face to the voice, versus advocating for a permanent format change.
Think the Boox go 7 colour is better, can use libby/overdrive also, can buy books from kindle, kobo, or anywhere else, and not a closed system like the other readers and best of all can use android apps. The libra is actually the bulkiest device and kind of old fashion look
Oops you dig it again❤
What about the battery ? Is it strong enough ? Thanks
That’s something I won’t know until I use it awhile, but so far very little depletion since first charge.
Kobo is underpriced? I wanted to see compared to scribe
I'm so jealous that your library uses overdrive. Mine doesn't.
can you side load PDFs?
for those of us who don't know kobo, where do you get books and can you access any of your amazon books?
Kobo has its own proprietary retail storefront just like Amazon or B&N. You can buy books from within the device, the app, or through their web site, or check them out from library if the library you have attached to your device has the book in their catalog.
Sideloading is easy - there's a desktop sync option (help.kobo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017478174-Sync-your-Kobo-eReader-with-Kobo-Desktop), or you can connect your google drive or dropbox to the device and import things that way.
BUT ya can't get your Kindle books on Kobo. That's true for every single reading device that isn't a Kindle, unless you break the DRM (digital rights management) through some hack, a thing I've never bothered with but lots of people do.
Stay anonymous. Protect your privacy.
Don't feel like you need to show your face. You are producing quality content here and I appreciate how ever you choose to show up on this platform. Thank you for the honest review!
it's a bit too small.
Yes , I wait for a new kobo sage
I agree it’s too small for the notebook feature to be very useful, but for reading it’s perfect for me (and same screen size as the kindle I’ve been using 7 yrs so I’m used to that and like it).
it doesnt matter to me. if you wanted to show your face as an intro hello, great and then switch to what this video is, otherwise, its nice to have a really good look at the product being touched and held.
I think your videos are great without your face but whenever I see a TH-camrs face that I follow regularly...they become more like a friend. It would help you with building an emotional relationship or attachment from your fans. But your videos are amusing and provide value without it. I would say that whether you show your face or not maybe needs to be determined by your goals for your channel.
First time watching you, won't be the last. No need to show your face!
Since this is a tech video, your face isn't important to me. In fact unless you are doing a makeup tutorial or cosmetic product review the face isn't necessary.
Should you show your face? Your choice....it doesn't matter to me. If you are demonstrating something what does that matter? Anonymity is a good thing. Just my opinion tho. Ultimately it's your choice.
Kudos on trying to get away from Amazon.
There is no trying… only doing! I’m done with the jungle!