09-29-2010, 01:06 PM | #31 |
Wizard
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The Kobo office is local to me and I write for Teleread, so I have requested a review unit and will probably get one first week of October. I'll let you all know!
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09-29-2010, 01:18 PM | #32 | |
Wizard
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Quote:
I'm really curious to know how the wi-fi works. I love that it comes with a dictionary (I never realized how much I need one until I started reading so many books). Hopefully it will become my second reader. |
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09-29-2010, 02:04 PM | #33 |
monkey on the fringe
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Priced like a Kindle, but with worse specs. Are they serious? This thing should be priced at $99.
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09-29-2010, 02:50 PM | #34 |
Connoisseur
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I think it's very likely that the WiFi enabled Kobo will use almost identical firmware, there are 2 hardware differences, a more powerful processor and switching bluetooth or Wifi (at least their comparison makes it seem like WiFi has replaced Bluetooth). The processor may require differences in the firmware if it's a new processor instead of just a speed bump (a new processor may also still be compatible with the same software). With regards to the Bluetooth and WiFi modules it is a simple matter of only loading those modules if the hardware is available so the firmware could work exactly the same.
Anyway from a user interface perspective I would think there is a very very high probability the code would be shared so things like page jumping and more display options (margins) could easily be shared between the two devices. |
09-29-2010, 03:34 PM | #35 |
Wizard
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Honestly, I don't know what Kobo is thinking releasing this new reader. They can't get the first gen to work properly. There are STILL units breaking down. We've had no firm answer on when the next firmware release will happen for the 1st Kobo. And after so many people complaining about the placement of the d-pad, they still left it on the right side. I personally don't find it bothersome being a lefty, but there are quite a few out there that do have problems with it.
They should also have been clear on the use of wi-fi. What can I do with it exactly? Don't get me wrong, I love my Kobo, and I've had very few problems with it. But I was hoping that their wi-fi model would at least be able to compete with the K3. Right now, IMO, the only reason I would upgrade would be because it's Canadian and it has Epub support. I was really hoping to get an ereader with a dictionary. |
09-29-2010, 05:01 PM | #36 |
Product Manager
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Really busy, but some quick points.
1. Dictionary works when you're in the reading view. Menu > Dictionary > You get a cursor, you move the cursor to the word you want > Press centre dpad > definition comes up. 2. Any typing is done through a virtual onscreen keyboard that needs to be navigated using the Dpad. It's actually relatively easy despite how it sounds, and you only have to use it a few times. Will try and come back as time allows... |
09-29-2010, 05:55 PM | #37 |
Wizard
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I think -- from the press release and website -- the Kobo wifi is the right step forward and can be recommended.
Kobo wifi - direct download to device of books bought; access to your library; syncing to bookmarks of your account with other devices (read on Blackberry, pick-up where you left off on the Kobo wifi); inline dictionary; onscreen keyboard for wifi access (passwords); a sharper screen; ePub access; library book access; expandable storage via SD card; kobobooks bookstore with localised content; fits into a family of devices including colour e-reader Literati, Blackberry app, Playbook, iPhone app, iPad, Android app, Samsung Tab, PC and Mac. All for $139. Kindle 3 wifi - great bookstore, user experience in Amazon; Pearl screen; more developed social networking; web browser; text-to-speech; multi-platform use; direct download of books bought. All for $139. Kindle 3 is arguably a superior device: but it still lacks ePub support, library support, access to books not in Kindle format. If that matters -- and it down to some people, Kobo wifi brings lots to the table. Nook offers wifi and a web browser and ePub support; but then it is only sold in the US. All for $139. Sony does not believe in connected devices; its PRS-950 will be sold only in the US and at $299. It's competitive 6" model is $249 in Canada and offers a touch screen ... for $100 more. Kobo wifi has taken steps in the right direction -- as they have the multitude of product enhancements in the past month. This is a credible alternative and sets up the Q4 selling season quite well. Let's hope they can handle the volume -- it's a bad time of year to run out of stock! |
09-29-2010, 06:12 PM | #38 | |
Groupie
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Quote:
Thanks... Fiona |
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09-29-2010, 07:17 PM | #39 |
Muppet
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09-29-2010, 08:04 PM | #40 |
Geographically Restricted
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09-29-2010, 08:17 PM | #41 |
Fanatic
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09-29-2010, 08:19 PM | #42 |
Groupie
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Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
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09-29-2010, 08:27 PM | #43 |
Addict
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09-29-2010, 08:28 PM | #44 |
Product Manager
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09-29-2010, 09:24 PM | #45 |
Geographically Restricted
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Be interesting to see the price in Australia. The Ko1 retails here now for AU$179
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