jonnyah 
Kobo Clara 2E | eReader | Glare-Free 6” HD Touchscreen | ComfortLight PRO Blue Light Reduction | Adjustable Brightness | WiFi | 16GB of Storage | Carta E Ink Technology | Waterproof
Features
- - – Our first eReader with an exterior made with over 85% recycled plastic. This includes 10% ocean-bound plastic – abandoned plastic waste that is on its way to our oceans. Over the course of a year, we plan to divert over 200,000 plastic bottles from our planet’s oceans to do our part in limiting the damage our oceans are suffering. Make the better choice with Kobo Clara 2E, a more eco-conscious eReader
- - – Kobo Clara 2E has a 6” HD E INK Carta 1200 touchscreen with ComfortLight PRO to adjust brightness and colour temperature. Reducing blue light gives your eyes a break – so you can stay in your story longer, without affecting your sleep. With the latest E Ink technology for faster page turns and deeper contrast, this eReader has a screen that is glare-free allowing you to read in direct sunlight just like print on paper
- , – With 16GB of storage, take your entire book collection wherever you go.
- – The Kobo Clara 2E eReader has a battery life that lasts for weeks*, so you can experience uninterrupted reading on a single charge; *dependent on individual usage
- – Kobo Clara 2E is fully waterproof and meets the requirements of IPX8 rating – waterproof for up to 60 minutes in up to 2 metres of water. That means it’s always ready for unexpected spills or a relaxing soak in the tub
The Kobo Clara 2E offers a mix of appealing features, including waterproofing, a high-resolution display, and audiobook support. However, its sluggish performance might deter potential buyers. In this review, we’ll delve into the device’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Waterproof (IPX8): The Kobo Clara 2E is Kobo’s first waterproof e-reader, and it excels in this regard, surviving a rainstorm without issues.
- High-Resolution Display: The device boasts a 300 PPI display, matching Amazon’s latest Kindles, with added customization options for font weight, margins, and line spacing.
- No Ads: Unlike Amazon’s e-readers, the Kobo Clara 2E doesn’t display annoying ads on the lockscreen.
- Storage: It offers double the storage of the base Kindle Paperwhite, with 16GB of storage.
- Audiobook Support: The addition of Bluetooth support allows for audiobook playback.
- USB-C Support: The device supports USB-C for faster charging.
Cons
- Slow Performance: The most significant drawback of the Clara 2E is its noticeably slow performance compared to competitors like the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite. This lag affects navigation and page turning.
- Battery Life: While the battery life is decent, it falls short of the “months-long” battery life advertised by the Kindle Paperwhite.
- Sunken Display: The sunken display design creates a gap that can collect dust and dirt.
- Small Screen: The 6-inch display might be too small for some readers, making it less comfortable for extended reading sessions.
- Limited Ecosystem: Lack of support for Amazon’s proprietary AZW files may be a drawback for users already embedded in the Kindle ecosystem.
Design and Display
The Kobo Clara 2E impresses with its high-resolution 300 PPI display, offering crisp and clear text. Customization options for font settings and a dark mode enhance the reading experience. However, the sunken display design is a minor inconvenience, as it can gather dust and dirt.
Performance and Battery Life
Despite its strong features, the Clara 2E’s most significant drawback is its slow performance, which can be frustrating during navigation and page turns. Battery life, while decent, doesn’t match the longevity of some competitors.
Content and Ecosystem
The device provides access to a wide range of content, including access to public library e-books through OverDrive support. However, it lacks support for Amazon’s AZW files, potentially limiting content options.
Conclusion
The Kobo Clara 2E is a solid e-reader choice, particularly for those seeking a waterproof alternative to the Kindle Paperwhite. Its customization options and lack of ads are commendable. However, its sluggish performance may be a dealbreaker for users looking for a snappier reading experience. Ultimately, choosing the Clara 2E over other e-readers like Amazon’s depends on your specific preferences and priorities.
