I’m reading more thanks to my Kobo Clara Colour — here’s why

It took me a long time to get used to e-readers. I still love physical copies of books, but I’ve come around to the benefits of an excellent E Ink slab.

It’s easier to pick up and read a few pages in between meetings or while I’m waiting for an appointment when using an e-reader, and it’s not a question of what to bring with me.

I can carry an entire library around, without the bulk of one or more physical books.

Summer is also an excellent time to pick up a new e-reader, as it’s ideal for longer vacations or shorter weekend getaways.

I’ve tested quite a few devices over the last several years, but the Kobo Clara Colour is what I’ll bring with me to the beach this year. Here’s why.

Gorgeous display with a lightweight design

The Kobo Clara is meant to be portable

Some prefer 7-inch e-readers, but 6 inches is the sweet spot. It keeps the device light and fits into a pocket if needed.

The Kobo Clara Colour features a 6-inch Kaleido 3 display with a 1448 x 1072 resolution. It includes the ComfortLight Pro backlighting system for easy viewing in less-than-ideal conditions.

I appreciate that I can adjust the color temperature of the backlighting, which helps reduce eye strain. Like most e-readers, there’s a drop-off in quality from black and white content to color.

If you don’t need the benefits of color, I’d recommend saving a few dollars and opting for the black and white version. However, I do like having the option available.

The Clara Colour has the build quality you’d expect from an inexpensive color e-reader, but it’s not all bad.

Its plastic construction means it’s light, weighing only 174g. It’s not fatiguing to hold for long periods, and it’s ideal for lazy afternoons by the pool.

I love that Kobo added texture to the back of the plastic, making it easier to grip.

It won’t be mistaken for a luxury item, but it’s sturdy and does the job. It’s an e-reader you toss in a bag without thinking twice about it.

Kobo makes finding new titles easy

I didn’t need another membership

The last thing I needed was another subscription service, but I’ve made an exception for Kobo Plus.

I used to pay $10 a month for a package that included audiobooks, but I’ve since downgraded to $8. The Kobo store (Rakuten’s e-book outlet) stocks all the titles you’d expect.

Kobo Plus titles can be hard to find, but a basic search of the topics and authors you’re interested in yields a decent number of results included with Kobo Plus.

It’s an excellent way to find more to read, and you can easily get $8 worth of value from the service.

The Clara Colour also features Overdrive built in. It’s a way to access your local library’s e-book selection, expanding the available titles even further.

A Kobo Clara Colour with a Kobo Plus subscription is a fantastic way to increase your reading, and I’ve downloaded quite a few titles I never thought I would.

It’s not perfect, and the Amazon e-book ecosystem has advantages, but I’m still a fan.

The Clara Colour doesn’t overreach

Solid performance for the price

When I reviewed the Kobo Clara Colour, I remarked about the smooth performance. It doesn’t try to do too much.

It features a straightforward user interface and only includes the necessary functions.

I never experienced any significant lag, and typing on the Clara Colour is pleasant. Nothing frustrates me more than an E Ink device that slows down while I’m inputting text, but that’s not a concern here.

The battery life is also excellent, allowing me to read for several days without needing to recharge.

Your mileage will vary, especially depending on how much and how intensely you use the lighting, but the Clara Colour gets outstanding battery life.

What makes the Kobo e-reader interesting is the price. For $160, you get a capable color e-reader with snappy performance and a gorgeous display.

All told, that’s a formidable combination, especially if you’re looking for a fun device to bring with you this summer.

It’s hard to go wrong

I understand if you’re hesitant to pick up an e-reader, as it was quite an adjustment for me.

I’m not telling you to give up your beloved books. The Kobo Clara Colour should be considered a complement to your collection, rather than a replacement for it.

It’s an ideal way to carry around multiple books at once, and it’s light enough to throw in your bag without worrying whether you’ll have a chance to use them throughout the day.

If you’re in the market for an e-reader, the Kobo Clara Colour is the one I’d buy this summer.