For the longest time, I have been a strong user of Amazon Kindle and its Kindle library. But recently, I decided to try out the Kobo Libra Colour…. I am thinking of moving out of Amazon ecosystem and also to try out something new. Besides, I can now be allowed to use the word “Colour” instead of “Color”.
The last Kindle I bought was actually the 2022 Kindle version. Before that, I had the Kindle Paperwhite (such as this and this). Also had the 2014 version… and 2012… and I lost count including a very old one in 2011. You get the idea.. towards the end of the article, I want to explain what I am going to do going forward with my Kindle library of about 300+ purchased ebooks.
I bought it from Shopee (where else) when there was some vouchers (what else)… it arrived after just 1 day ! It also came with a $40 ebook shopping voucher to use on the Kobo ebook library.
Like all true blue online shopping fans, I did not buy from the Kobo web site though. I am also NOT planning to use the Kobo Plus which is like the Kindle Unlimited.
Table of Contents
Unboxing Kobo Libra Colour
The box containing the Kobo Libra Colour is very nice…. I like it a lot…
The back of the cover
Still looking great in the box when you open it..
A quick start guide, which no one needs to read…
And an old fashion USB-A to USB-C charging cable. At least the Kobo Libra Colour is using USB-C so that means you really don’t need to care about this cable.
Hello Baby !
The back is pretty nice…
Once I log onto the Kobo (with a Kobo account from don’t know when), I am surprised that I had several old books which I must purchased years ago…
The interface is pretty nice…
Vertical Reading vs Horizontal Reading
Yes you an have vertical reading like all ebook readers
Or go for Horizontal ! NICE !!
Using Singapore National Library Overdrive with Kobo Reader
Of course, one of the most important attraction of the Kobo eReaders are that they can be used with our National Library. I first enjoyed using this in the BOOX Palma Mobile ePaper Reader which is an Android ebook reader so you can download Libby app to access the NLB OverDrive catalog on that eReader. I still highly recommend the BOOX Palma Mobile ePaper Reader if you want something light and small and can bring it around so easily in your purse.
For the Kobo series, you will need to use the OverDrive itself that is baked into the interface. There is no app. It is pretty straightforward to do so. You just need your phone and your NLB library password.
And once you are linked up on your phone, you can see this on the Kobo.
On the top of the interface, choose Overdrive and you can see the selection… I must admit the Libby app is better….
I borrowed the first eBook I saw (Crazy Rich Asians) and it worked. No, I am not going to pay $14 for it. Click on the 3 dot icon and use “BORROW” to borrow from National Library.
Check out successfully and it is now in my library….
And when I go to my NLB app on my phone, I can see that it was borrowed and due end of the month….
Using Wireless Method to transfer ebooks to Kobo Libra Colour
The primary method of Kobo is to use the USB-C cable to transfer ebooks. It is so dated as compared to Kindle where I can use an email address to do so. In fact, I specifically set up Calibre Web on Docker to send ebooks to Kindle. It is easy.
But that does not stop good people on the internet to solve it. If you want to use wifi method of transferring ebooks, then you can visit this web site, Send to Kobo/Kindle.
First you go to your Kobo eReader and use the web browser there. The browser can be found under Experimental… enter the web site URL. You will see this..
Take down the code and then go to the PC/Mac where your ebook that you want to transfer is. Go to the same web site. This time, you will enter the 4 letter code into the web site.
I am transferring “Writing to Learn” by William Zinsser. Once you click UPLOAD and SEND, you will see this on your Kobo eReader. Remember to touch click on the link in the screen. Not just enjoy the screen. You need to click on it.
And you can see the eBook in your Kobo Library 🙂
You need to enter a new code every time 🙂
Using Calibre to transfer ebooks to Kobo Libra Colour
Now the other method is use Calibre too. I have Calibre set up as a docker but now I have also set up Calibre on my MacBook Air. Plug in your USB-C cable to your laptop and the other end of end to your Kobo.
Once the MacBook Air recognise the Kobo reader and Calibre too, then you can right click on your ebook and send it over to the Kobo Colour reader. I choose “Send to Main Memory”. I think Calibre is smart enough to convert the ePub format to a Kobo format called Kepub, which is a modified EPUB format optimized for Kobo devices, offering features like faster page turns, especially with images and better zoom functionality. Else Kobo support ePub too.
And the job tab will tell you when the transfer is done.
And once again, very fast, you can see your ebook in the Kobo eReader library. New York, anyone ? I love that city !!
My eBook Plans going forward
I mentioned this at the start of the article that I have about 300+ ebooks purchased from Kindle (and hence part of Amazon ecosystem and DRM-ed). I am planning to slowly de-DRM them (using clever apps from people on the internet) and convert them to ePub. So I will change from KFX format (Kindle Format) to ePub format. Then I will import these de-DRM books into Calibre and clean them up with proper book covers and information to form part of my eBook library that is INDEPENDENT of any eBook manufacturer (be it Amazon or Kobo).
They will be housed on my Calibre library on Docker and I can browse them on Calibre web like this.. I just wish there is a way to easy move the ePub books from Calibre Web to Kobo Libra Colour.
Do you have a Kobo Libra Colour ? Do you like it ? Share your views on the comments below !
