If you’re a bookworm like me, you either covet or own an eReader. If you’re a mom, you may also want one for your child, in color, to read children’s books. I did. The iPad and Nook seemed too expensive to purchase for little man’s use, so when I heard about Aluratek’s Libre Color eReader (available as low as $124 if you shop around), I was thrilled. And I really, really wanted to like it.
Example of Color Cover
But I didn’t. Aluratek is a well-reputed company, and I found it odd that they weren’t really promoting their affordable color eReader. I also couldn’t find any reviews, or get any feedback or help from anyone, including Aluratek. In short, the only way I could find out anything about the Libre Color eReader was to actually try it out myself. So I did.
What I liked:
* Large 7 inch viewing screen.
* 100 fantabulous books are included. You already have a full library, and for free.
* Color screen (above is the single color page that came installed on the Aluratek Libre color eReader, to show you an example of what it would look like)
* You can add color photos (an electronic photo album).
* You can (in theory) add video and mp3 downloads, but I wasn’t able to get this to work.
And what I just didn’t like (read: where the Aluratek Libre Color eReader fails):
* It doesn’t stay on. I had to keep pressing the power button every 15 seconds or so, because it just kept dying, even after fully charging it.
* The advertised battery life is pretty short anyway, but I never got to test that out, since I was so frustrated after just an hour of troubleshooting my Libre Color eReader, trying to get some of these things working.
* I couldn’t download any mp3 or video files, even after following their instructions step by step several times.
* Buying books was a nightmare. Borders’ web-site (affiliated with the Aluratek Libre Color eReader and the company you are directed to purchase your eBooks from) wouldn’t respond when I would click “purchase” for the eBooks. The page kept responding with a “null” text, even after repeated attempts, reloads, etc. so now I’m not a fan of Borders’ site after this first frustrating experience with them.
* The eight or so free children’s books available at Borders were lousy, including titles such as “Retro Demonology” and “Reaper” (for kids, folks…are they nuts?!)- you can click to enlarge it:
Free eBooks Available at Borders for Children
* The navigation and color options were not impressive. Since I was buying it for a child, I didn’t care about a touch screen or anything fancy, but since I’m now reviewing it for the general public, if you actually spend time trying to read and navigate for the 15 seconds at a time it stays on, it’s a bit cumbersome. If it worked well, for the price I would have overlooked this. But it doesn’t. So this is just another flaw.
* No wifi or 3g access. Everything has to be done through a computer wire connection. I knew about this beforehand, and was ok with it, but if you are looking for internet access, you aren’t going to get it with this.
* Utter lack of support. I understand why they aren’t really promoting it, but at least respond to customers who actually spend money purchasing your product.
Anyway, it went right back. I can’t recommend it- $124 is just way too much for a paper weight, or something to distract your child while you try to read on your own eReader for a few minutes. For that price, buy your child their own Kindle (what I’m currently reading on) or save up for a Nook.
Ugh sounds like junk. So glad you were able to give a review for others out there trying to find them.
Wow, glad to know, I am about to start saving for a reader and I don’t want to deal with that!
I recently won a Kindle. I know it isn’t color but I am amazed at how easy it is to read on…I have read a book and a half and still have half of a battery left…I am so impressed by that alone. Thanks for being honest Penelope…when I was out shopping for one I would have wanted to read a review like this to know the pros and cons.
I’ve never even heard of it! Must not be a good ebook reader if I’ve never heard of it. I’m a die hard kindle lover. But was thinking of getting an iPad for myself and using the kindle app on it to read my boys books…
Thanks for your honest review!
Bummer I hate when they don’t work out. I tried the nook and wasn’t too pleased with it either, had big problems with the WiFi after several hours with the CS in India who informed me I need to upgrade my router etc. Yup it went back and in came in the iPad.
Stopping by from Nichol’s 🙂
thank you for this honest review and information Penelope! You saved me some money for sure. I hope that Aluratek Libre fixes the next batch of e-readers. There is definitely a need for affordable color e-readers and it is so sad that this one didn’t meet your expectations (or even work!)
I know that anyone wanting to buy this and reads your review first will be very appreciative of all the info you provided. You weren’t just unhappy, you explained why and that is a huge help!
THanks! I’m a GFC follower.
After reading such an honest review, I can see why I’ve never heard of this eReader. Sorry things didn’t work out!
Thanks for the review. I am in the process of comparing e-readers now, so I appreciate it!
Yikes! That sounds like a PITA! Just the turning off every 15 seconds would annoy me beyond belief!
That’s unfortunate because I know people love their e-ink reader – I think with this kind of technology one really has to spend the money to get an all encompassing product.
We have a Kindle, Literati and a Sony Touch – The Sony doesn’t have wi-fi, but like you I have no problems hooking it up to the pc to get books on it – I like that I can download library books, and switch books between the sony and the literati.
The literati doesn’t have great battery life either – I’m thinking it’s because of the LCD screen.
Great, honest review, Penelope!!
I use my iPad as a reader – but if I was going to pay $125 for something that specifically is supposed to be a reader, I wouldn’t want to be turning it back on every 15 seconds – and I’d want it to last long enough for a flight, too.
Oh-oh! thanks for the alert, Penelope. I was thinking of one of these for my grandson or dil, but will look into a different brand is I decide to get a gift like this. I appreciate your honesty as always !
In the meantime, don’t forget that you can download the Kindle AND Borders apps for FREE on your cell phone! You always have your cell phone on you and it’s a nice distraction for kids at the Dr’s Office or at the check-out line when you forgot your bigger ereaders.
For myself, I don’t want color. I also read a lot, so e-Ink is perfect for me. But for little men, I love the idea of getting him a color eReader and teaching him techy stuff early.
I’m hoping to review the iPad very soon too, as an eReader.