I’ve been an Amazon Kindle user since the 2009 Kindle 2. Over the years, I’ve upgraded three times—first to a Kindle, then the Kindle Paperwhite, then finally to the Kindle Oasis. My e-book library now holds over 400 books. I even bought Kindles for my partner and daughter, so they have their own collections.

My Kindle has been a daily companion. I never go to bed without reading at least a chapter, and it has travelled with me everywhere—from camp grounds to luxury suites and all the places in between. It became something I simply took for granted, a device I could always reach for.

But Jeff Bezos? I just can’t any more.

The Search for an Alternative

When researching alternatives, I found the common advice online was: If you want a Kindle-like device, just get a Kindle. But the most highly recommended alternative was Kobo. So, I checked out their line-up. At the time I ordered, the Kobo Clara Colour was the same price as the black-and-white version—an easy choice. Reviews suggested that even with a price difference, the Colour model was the one to go for if a 6-inch screen was all you needed. Like Kindle, Kobo offers a range of models depending on your preferences.

Choosing the Right Kobo

After a year with the Kindle Oasis, I realised I hadn’t enjoyed its form factor. In hindsight, if I had tested one before purchasing, I probably would have stuck with my Paperwhite. So, when choosing a Kobo, the Clara was the only model I seriously considered because its form factor suits me best.

I usually hold on to devices until they reach the end of their natural life—when the battery gives out or software support stops. The Oasis still worked perfectly, always kept in a case, so I wanted to find it a new home rather than let it gather dust. I listed it for sale online, and within three days, it was gone. The buyer was already an Oasis user whose screen had broken, so it felt great to pass it on rather than waste it.

Repairability Matters

One standout feature of the Kobo Clara Colour is that it’s repairable—a rarity for modern e-readers. The battery is often the first thing to fail, and in most cases, replacing it is a hassle. Knowing I can repair this device if needed makes me much more confident in its longevity.

Accessories & Ergonomics

I also picked up the Kobo Clara Colour/BW SleepCover in Cayenne Red. A cover is usually the only accessory I get for my gadgets. Since I have nerve damage in one hand, I’m prone to dropping things, so protection is essential. This cover also lets the device stand upright—something I imagine using mainly on a plane, but nice to have nonetheless.

What About My Kindle Library?

Did I lose access to my 400+ books? Nope!

I’ve always kept a backup of my Kindle library offline using Calibre [ebook management software]. Amazon has recently removed the ability to transfer books via USB easily, but you can still email them to yourself from your account. It’s a bit tedious, but since my backups were already in place, I didn’t have much to do.

First Impressions of the Kobo Clara Colour

Now, on day one of using the Kobo Clara Colour, I’m already impressed. The build quality, weight, and feel are excellent. The software is intuitive—on par with Kindle in terms of responsiveness and usability. I haven’t needed to look up anything or struggle to find settings.

When I plugged the Kobo Clara into my laptop, Calibre detected it instantly. Transferring books was seamless—just a single click.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a break from Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem—for whatever reason—Kobo is absolutely worth considering.

Happy reading… and be excellent to each other.