Kobo Clara vs Kobo Mini

2024. Kobo releases new firmware for Colour e-readers



Kobo, in what one can only assume is a spirited attempt to keep its latest e-readers in perfect harmony with the cosmic fabric of electronic stability, has launched a software update for its shiniest new models: the Clara Colour, Libra Colour, and Clara BW. Known for their startling knack for both performance and affordability—a rare and dizzying combination—these devices are getting a touch more robust, though the specifics of what’s been fixed or stabilized remain a mystery, presumably known only to Kobo and perhaps a small cabal of hyper-intelligent squid. The rollout begins today, promising that every reader will soon be up-to-date, though—let's be honest—other models may now feel rather abandoned, left to ponder their own existence. Updating is blissfully simple: press the sync button. For those of a DIY disposition, firmware patches await on Kobo’s site; just select your model, download it to your PC or MAC, connect your e-reader with the USB-C cable, drop the file into the root folder, and with a quick reboot, voilà—you’re in possession of whatever faintly mysterious improvements this update holds.


2024. Kobo has introduced the Kobo Clara BW E-reader



Picture this, if you will: the Kobo Clara BW, a marvelous black-and-white e-reader engineered with the sort of understated brilliance that would leave even hyperintelligent pan-dimensional beings quietly impressed. Featuring a gloriously compact 6-inch glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD screen (which seems to smugly whisper, “Rain? Splashes? Mere trifles!” thanks to its waterproof bravado), it transforms the act of reading into an effortless glide through Kobo’s vast library of audiobooks and ebooks. With the understated oomph of a MediaTek MT8113L processor, paired with Bluetooth 5.0 to beam your favorite words into your choice of earbuds, headphones, or speakers, this device practically hums contentment at every turn. A USB-C port promises charging and content transfer with the smug simplicity of an evolved species, while a modest 1,500 mAh battery and a frame so portable (112 x 160 x 9.2 mm, weighing just 174 g) might make you suspect it’s hiding a tiny improbability drive. At a price of $129.99 (USD), the Kobo Clara BW might just be the hitchhiker's guide to your next literary adventure—don’t panic, just read.


2022. Kobo's new waterproof Clara 2E e-reader takes on Kindle



Kobo is introducing a new waterproof e-reader - the Kobo Clara 2E, which could challenge Amazon's Kindle e-readers. The device features an exterior crafted from over 85 percent recycled plastic, with 10 percent of it reportedly sourced from ocean-bound materials. The Kobo Clara 2E includes Bluetooth technology for audiobooks, offers 60 minutes of water resistance in up to two meters of water and provides more storage for your eBooks than earlier Kobo models (16GB). It boasts a six-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 glare-free display with dark mode and blue light reduction and promises weeks-long battery life. Priced at $150, it is less expensive than the company's previous Forma model but costlier than the Nia model. Additionally, Kobo's SleepCovers for the device are made from recycled polyester with an inner microfibre lining created from 40 percent recycled plastic water bottles — available in colors like Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Coral Reef Orange and Sea Glass Green.


2022. Kobo Clara HD 2 will be available soon



Kobo is set to release a new e-reader in the coming months—Kobo Clara 2, the second generation of their highly popular 300 PPI e-book reader. The new model will feature a six-inch E INK Carta 1200 display panel, which will enhance page-turning speed and overall performance. It will have a 300 PPI screen, a front-lit display and a candlelight color temperature system. Notably, this model will be the first e-reader globally to use the new E Ink ComfortGaze technology, which reduces blue light with a decreased Blue Light Ratio (BLR) and Blue Light Toxicity Factor (BLTF) by up to 60% and 24%, respectively. BLR refers to the proportion of toxic blue light to total blue light output, while BLTF indicates the ratio of brightness to harmful blue light.


2018. New Kobo Clara HD is an affordable Kindle competitor



After months of speculation, Canadian e-book reader manufacturer Kobo has unveiled its latest device, the Kobo Clara HD. This reader is the first budget-friendly model released by the company in nearly three years. Despite being one of Kobo’s more economical options, it boasts some quite notable features. The Kobo Clara HD features a 6-inch Cara E Ink screen with a 300ppi resolution. It includes a substantial 8GB of storage, which can hold approximately 6,000 e-books. Unless you're a heavy user, the battery is expected to last for several weeks. One of the most exciting additions to the Kobo Clara HD is ComfortLight Pro. Instead of using traditional technology to illuminate most E Ink screens, ComfortLight Pro employs orange and red LEDs for lighting, reducing your exposure to blue light. While the Clara HD is not the first Kobo e-reader to feature this technology, it is the most affordable one available.


2015. Kobo Mini e-Reader available again for a limited time



Kobo is reintroducing its 5-inch Kobo Mini e-reader for $49, but it will only be available until November 7. The original model, released in 2012, used an outdated e-ink Vizplex, but this new version of the Mini features e-Ink Pearl. The Mini boasts a resolution of 800×600 pixels and offers the standard 16 levels of grayscale. This is a very compact device that fits easily into any pocket and is designed to be exceptionally lightweight and portable. While the screen may appear small to those accustomed to larger 6 or 9.7-inch tablets or e-readers, it is ideal for someone seeking extreme portability, a gift, or a backup device. The e-reader includes built-in wireless internet access, enabling you to download e-books directly from the Kobo bookstore.


2012. Kobo unveiles $80 Kobo Mini ereader



Promoted with the slogan "Small is a Big Deal," the new Kobo Mini is aimed at those seeking a pocket-sized device. The Kobo Mini features an E Ink screen for readability in direct sunlight. It comes with 2 GB of internal storage (though some units were shipped with 4 GB cards internally, which users may modify, potentially voiding the warranty, to access the unpartitioned space). A notable feature is SnapBacks (removable back covers) available in three colors at launch (Teal, Ruby Red and Purple) with the unique Kobo quilt pattern. The Kobo Mini is available in black and white. Kobo claims the battery lasts for a month, assuming 30 minutes of reading per day with Wi-Fi turned off. Charging the Kobo and transferring documents is done via the micro-USB port. The Kobo Mini is designed to compete with the basic Kindle and Nook Simple Touch, offering a similar price, identical screen resolution and storage. Its benefits include smaller dimensions and lighter weight.