Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapking
If the only front-lit e-readers were the Kindle Paperwhite, and the NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight, then I would agree. And if Sony was offering only one e-reader at a time, then I also might agree.
But there is another front-lit e-reader, and it proves it can be done right. Where are the hordes of people complaining about the Kobo Glo? It's been almost entirely accolades. I have one and the lighting is even and effective. The light technology is where we want it, if you do it right.
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The problem with saying "Amazon screwed up, but Kobo got it right" is that they are using the same display and light guide setup. Why are Kobos coming out more consistent? I suspect Amazon's real mistake here is in their limited sampling of batches for defects in an effort to get larger volumes out in time for holiday, along with shipping devices straight to users from manufacturing. Since Kobo needs to send theirs through retail partners, they spend extra time in warehouses/etc during the trip to stores. If adhesive is causing blotching, these two things definitely contribute to the higher rates of blotching, but the Kobo isn't immune to this effect either.
Amazon's advertising isn't terribly helpful here either, as it tended to overstate the nature of the front-light.
Kobo's biggest problem is software QA. If they can lick that, they've got a real chance to effectively kick Sony right out of the market in the west and give B&N a run for their money. Amazon is a tougher nut to crack in the US since they have the brand, the ecosystem, and a good device selection that tends to be reliable (despite first-run production hiccups).
And for the record, Sony *is* offering only one e-reader at a time right now.