Moving on from a PW3; what to get next?

[yaygya]

I've had a Kindle Paperwhite 3 for about 8 years now and have gotten plenty of use out of it. I even jailbroke it and loaded a bunch of things on it with KOReader. However, some time back, an Amazon update undid the jailbreak, and while trying to recover it, it got bricked. While I do want to unbrick it, I figured it's about time I get a new e-reader. Problem is, I'm having trouble deciding what to replace it with.

These are the things I prioritize having in whatever I get:

• Must have a USB-C port (so nothing older than 2021)
• The screen must be at least comparable to or better than the PW3
• Build quality should be at least on par with the PW3
• Ideally suitable for reading manga (6-inch isn't bad, but maybe a larger screen?)
• Library e-books would be a nice-to-have
• Must be easily available in Canada (rules out Pocketbook and Onyx)
• Has the ability to run KOReader (optional but would be nice)
• Ideally not CA$200

These are the options I've shortlisted, and pros and cons I have for each:
Kindle Paperwhite 5
Pros:

• Larger screen than the PW3, better for manga
• Allows me to carry over my Amazon library easier
• Flush screen doesn't catch as much dust in the edges
• Familiarity with the Kindle software
• Easier to find on the used market

Cons:

• I hear it's not as easy to use one-handed
• Can't read library e-books on it
• Storage capacity is smaller on some models (8GB)
• No guarantee of a jailbreak

Kobo Clara 2E
Pros:

• Typical 6" size which is more compact
• Supports library e-books
• KOReader can be installed without a jailbreak

Cons:

• Slightly harder to find used
• Screen size not as large
• Importing Amazon books will be a bit of a pain
• Not sure how much I would like the Kobo software
• Don't know about the build quality

Kobo Libra 2
Pros:

• Larger size than the Clara
• Physical page turn buttons make the size more manageable
• Build quality is decent
• Larger storage capacity at 32GB
• Similar advantages to the Clara

Cons:

• Discontinued in favour of the Libra Color (with a dimmer display)
• High resale value will eat away at my wallet, so I'll have to wait longer to buy it
• Don't know if I'll like the form factor

In summary, the decision largely comes down to how much I'm willing to spend on a reader, and whether I should compromise on storage size, display size, or library e-book access.

[Quoth]

The Libra colour is poorer sharpness and has artefacts in mono mode than a Libra or Libra 2.

The Kobo Sage (8″) is fine and replaced my Libra with replaced the PW3. It's got more pixels than the 10.3″ except the Scribe and charge run time is fine, though not as long as my Libra or Libra 2. I got it because I got an Elipsa and found it too big.

I read my Amazon ebooks on the Kobos.

[Sirtel]

I would recommend the Libra 2, but then I'm somewhat biased (I prefer the Kobo software to the Kindle software, having used both, and the asymmetrical form factor to the symmetrical one). Ultimately it comes down to personal preferences and priorities, and those vary widely. So only you can decide what is important to you.

[Tom8o]

I will also vote for the Libra 2. The ecosystem is significantly less closed down than Kindle's (which I found out when I bought a basic Kindle to see what their ecosystem and hardware is like- already had a few ebooks), the Libra 2 feels excellent in my (big) hands, and I also vastly prefer the asymmetrical form + page turn buttons to the base Kindle/Clara form factor now.

Ultimately, we cannot know what's best for you, but out of the ebook readers I have tried, Libra 2 is probably my favorite reader thus far.

Walmarts, Indigo stores and Best Buys often have kiosks for Kobo devices. Worth a look in person to see if you gel with the UI and the form factor.

[JSWolf]

@yaygya you need to ask for this thread to be closed so you can start a new thread. Both the Clara 2E and Libra 2 are discontinued. I don't know if you could get a Libra 2 any longer.

The new Clara is the Clara BW and the Libra 2 could be gone. I cannot in good conscience recommend the Clara BW (6" screen) or the PW 5 (It's a Kindle and the UI is not good). Given that there may be no Libra 2, The only Reader I can recommend ss there is now (no Kobo I can recommend) is the Pocketbook Era which is a 7" Reader.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

@yaygya you need to ask for this thread to be closed so you can start a new thread. Both the Clara 2E and Libra 2 are discontinued. I don't know if you could get a Libra 2 any longer.

The new Clara is the Clara BW and the Libra 2 could be gone. I cannot in good conscience recommend the Clara BW (6" screen) or the PW 5 (It's a Kindle and the UI is not good). Given that there may be no Libra 2, The only Reader I can recommend ss there is now (no Kobo I can recommend) is the Pocketbook Era which is a 7" Reader.

The OP stated in their first post that they're willing to buy an used device. So I'd still recommend the Libra 2.

[jackm8]

Invest a little more and go with 8'' reader. 7'' to 8'' is a lot when it comes to comics.