Previously, I posted on why the Kindle Paperwhite is the best 6-inches e-reader. In this post, I'll justify why the Kobo Libra H20 is not just the best choice for a 7-inches e-reader but also the best value e-reader. In the 7-inches size, the comparison is between the Kindle Oasis 3 and the Kobo Libra H20. Android e-readers mainly exist in the 7.8-inches and 10.3-inches sizes, so there are limited options to include. Onyx Boox previously released a 6.8-inches e-reader - the Onyx Boox T68 Plus - but the model is no longer supported.
Three main reasons make Libra H20 an attractive proposition:
- For the £150 price, you get premium features. To compare, the 8GB model of the Kindle Oasis 3 costs £230. Despite the significant price difference, you get similar hardware features - water-proofing, auto-rotation, buttons, warm lighting and a larger 7-inches screen. Yes, the Oasis has a metallic back, but for many, this is a negative as it is more prone to damage in comparison to the Libra's hardened plastic. The metallic back is also cold to the hand in lower temperatures.
- The Libra H20, like other Kobo e-readers, is open to installing third-party add-ons. Thus, it is possible to not only install KOReader but also several hacks and utilities.
- I can't repeat it enough: the ability to borrow public library e-books and read them on a Kobo is a big deal. Public library support of e-book borrowing is still developing and should get better.
Overall, the Libra H20, for its price, is the best value e-reader. The 7-inches size is ideal for e-books and costs only £30 more than the Paperwhite. In real-world usage, Kobo didn't cut any corners to get the price down. It is essentially a smaller version of the Kobo Forma but without the Mobius screen technology.
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