In a move that’s turning heads among avid readers and digital note-takers alike, Rakuten Kobo Inc. has made notable price cuts on two of its standout e-readers: the Kobo Libra Colour and the Kobo Elipsa 2E. These revised price points bring the devices within reach for a wider range of users, particularly those seeking robust, high-quality digital reading tools. It’s a timely adjustment too, with the digital reading space continuing its quiet but steady expansion as more readers gravitate toward E Ink displays, long-lasting battery life, and flexible note-taking features.
Key Takeaways:
- Kobo Libra Colour and Elipsa 2E are now offered at significantly reduced prices.
- Libra Colour features a 7-inch color E Ink Kaleido 3 display, 32GB of storage, and a waterproof build.
- Elipsa 2E comes with a 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen, 32GB storage, and includes the Kobo Stylus 2 for note-taking.
- Price drops make these devices far more accessible, especially for those curious about color E Ink or digital note-taking.
- Support for Kobo Audiobooks, Dropbox, and Google Drive is built in.
- Kobo’s open file format support continues to set it apart in a competitive market.
Founded in 2009 and now a subsidiary of Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, Kobo has cemented itself as a key player in the e-reader market. The name “Kobo” is an anagram of “book” and that pretty much sums up their mission: to enhance the reading experience in all its forms.
Kobo Libra Colour: A Vibrant Reading Experience Becomes More Attainable
The Libra Colour, one of Kobo’s more recent introductions, offers a unique color reading experience thanks to its 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display. It’s not the type of display that’ll dazzle like a tablet screen, but it adds a pleasant visual depth to comics, graphic novels, and book covers. It still retains all the beloved E Ink qualities—readable even in bright sunlight, gentle on the eyes, and astonishingly power-efficient.
Its 1264 x 1680 resolution clocks in at 300 PPI for black and white content and 150 PPI for color. ComfortLight PRO helps users adjust brightness and color warmth, a real perk during night-time reading. With 32GB of storage, there’s room for around 24,000 eBooks, which is far more than most of us realistically need.
This device is waterproof too (IPX8-rated), meaning it can handle a dip in the pool or an accidental bath drop without breaking a sweat. Connectivity-wise, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it ready for Kobo Audiobooks through wireless headphones or speakers.
Physical page-turn buttons continue to be a fan favorite, and they’re here in the Libra Colour—along with a subtly ergonomic design that works for both left- and right-handed readers. There’s even support for the Kobo Stylus 2, although it’s sold separately. It’s not a full-fledged writing tablet, but it does let you scribble notes or highlight passages.
And for the environmentally minded, it’s crafted from recycled plastics, including ocean-bound material. That’s a thoughtful touch.
Feedback on the Libra Colour has been generally warm. Users appreciate the comfort-focused features and the added dimension the color display brings. The stylus support is handy, though it might not be ideal for heavy-duty handwriting. Battery life, meanwhile, continues to earn applause—often stretching across weeks on a single charge.
Kobo Elipsa 2E: Enhanced Note-Taking and Larger Display at a Better Value
Then there’s the Elipsa 2E, a model that leans more into productivity without abandoning its reading roots. Its 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen provides a more expansive space to work with—great for annotating PDFs or skimming academic texts. It also supports ComfortLight PRO and includes a Dark Mode for those who prefer white text on a black background.
Inside is a 2GHz CPU that keeps things zippy, and like the Libra Colour, it comes with 32GB of storage. The big bonus here is the included Kobo Stylus 2. It’s not just for highlights—you can jot down full notes, draw, and even convert your handwriting to text. That alone might be worth the price for students or professionals who prefer a digital notebook that mimics pen and paper.
Integration with Dropbox and Google Drive makes it easier to move documents in and out of the device, whether you’re reviewing research papers or scribbling ideas for your next big project. Audiobook support over Bluetooth rounds out the multimedia offerings.
Environmentally, the Elipsa 2E stays on-brand, using recycled plastics and magnesium alloy in its construction. It’s not the lightest device, but users find it manageable—though you might need both hands for longer reading sessions.
User impressions point to strong performance, especially for note-taking and document review. Some mention occasional interface sluggishness or mild ghosting, but on balance, it’s seen as a reliable companion. Stylus battery life, while decent, does require the occasional top-up.
The Impact of Price Adjustments
Dropping the price of these two e-readers is, frankly, a smart move. The e-reader market is getting increasingly crowded, and a competitive price can be the difference between capturing or losing a would-be customer.
For readers and note-takers on the fence, these discounts might just be the nudge they needed. Kobo’s embrace of an open ecosystem and its willingness to innovate (hello, color E Ink!) give it a unique position. And now that these features are more affordable, they’re likely to catch the attention of anyone shopping for a flexible, modern e-reading solution.
As digital reading habits grow more nuanced, the demand for devices that do more than just display text will only increase. Kobo seems to get that—and these new price points reflect a company looking to meet readers where they are.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the main difference between the Kobo Libra Colour and the Kobo Elipsa 2E?
A1: The Libra Colour is more compact and features a 7-inch color E Ink screen, making it ideal for casual reading and comics. The Elipsa 2E is larger, with a 10.3-inch monochrome screen and bundled stylus, tailored more for productivity and note-taking.
Q2: Are Kobo e-readers compatible with library books?
A2: Yes, most Kobo devices work seamlessly with OverDrive, letting users borrow eBooks from participating libraries directly on their e-reader.
Q3: Can I listen to audiobooks on these Kobo devices?
A3: Absolutely. Both devices support Kobo Audiobooks via Bluetooth, so you can pair them with wireless headphones or speakers.
Q4: Is the color display on the Kobo Libra Colour comparable to a tablet screen?
A4: Not quite. Color E Ink displays offer muted tones designed for eye comfort and efficiency, unlike the vivid colors of tablets.
Q5: What file formats do Kobo e-readers support?
A5: Kobo supports a wide range of formats, including EPUB, PDF, MOBI, CBZ, and CBR, giving users flexibility in how they source and read content.
Q6: What is the battery life like on the Kobo Libra Colour and Elipsa 2E?
A6: Battery life is excellent on both devices, often lasting several weeks on a single charge depending on usage.
Q7: Can I take notes on PDFs with the Kobo Elipsa 2E?
A7: Yes, it’s a key feature. With the Kobo Stylus 2, you can annotate PDFs, convert handwriting to text, and manage notes with cloud sync options.
