Kobo Clara vs PocketBook Touch

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.


2020. Pocketbook Touch Lux 5 gets more storage and lighter case



The 5th generation of the Pocketbook Touch Lux e-reader is being released and will be priced at $129.99. This device is very cost-effective, features a dual-core processor, a good battery life and supports a wide range of formats. It also includes support for ABBYY Lingvo dictionaries (24 language combinations), English-German and Webster’s Dictionary 1913. It has a 6-inch E INK Carta HD capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024×758 and 212 PPI. The device includes a front-lit screen and a color temperature adjustment system. Under the hood, it is equipped with a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, with an SD card slot supporting an additional 32GB. It features micro USB, Wi-Fi and is powered by a 1,500 mAh battery. Its dimensions are 161.3 × 108 × 8 mm and it weighs 150g.


2019. Pocketbook released Touch Lux 4 Limited Edition



Pocketbook has just released a new limited edition of the Touch Lux 4 for the holiday season. The e-reader has an elegant gold finish on the front, sides and back. This device comes with a complimentary gift box and a custom cover. It is priced at $149. The Pocketbook Touch Lux 4 features a six-inch E Ink Carta screen with a resolution of 1024×758 and uses a capacitive touchscreen. It includes a new front-lit display with higher quality LED lights compared to previous models, though it lacks a color temperature adjustment system.


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.


2013. Pocketbook announces Pocketbook Touch 2



PocketBook has been relatively silent over the past year while the company underwent business restructuring. Today, PocketBook unveiled a new six-inch device, the PocketBook Touch 2. It features the same HD E Ink Pearl display found on the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo. The resolution is 1024×758 and includes a front-light, which is ideal for reading in low light conditions. It also comes with 256 MB of RAM, 4 GB of internal storage and supports SD cards up to 32 GB. Battery life is expected to be sufficient for up to 7,000 page turns. Additionally, it has an audio jack for listening to audiobooks and music. While PocketBook retains significance in Eastern Europe, it has limited presence in the North American market.