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RadarReader · 07-19-2013, 10:21 AM

Just got my Aura HD yesterday and here are my initial impressions.

I considered the Kobo Glo, and to a lesser extent the Paperwhite. I'm very glad I spent the extra $40 on the Aura HD for the size alone...couldn't imagine reading on a smaller screen. Then again, I'm used to reading on a 10" tablet. I just wish it was about an inch taller - then the screen would perfectly mimic the size of a paperback book.

I like the way it feels holding it and I like the ridges on the back. Definitely a lighter, more comfortable hold than my tablet.

I don't have any other e-ink display to compare it to (I think I saw a Nook Glow a couple years ago), but the screen looks good to me. The main reason I got a dedicated e-reader was for reading in direct sunlight, and this seems to fit the bill really well. Other than direct sunlight, I'm not sure why you wouldn't want the glow light on all the time though.

I like that it shows the cover of the current book I'm reading when in sleep or even power off mode. Nice touch. I didn't realize these e-ink readers could still display when not powered on.

The software is okay, nothing special. It serves it's purpose I suppose, but after coming from Moon+ Reader it's a big step back. I realize a lot of this has to do with the technology of the e-ink display.

I wish there was a way to have it go directly to my library rather than the main Kobo screen. I couldn't find a setting for that.

My books primarily come from Amazon, and I used Calibre (along with the Amazon Windows app) to get my books on the Aura and it all seemed to work well.

Overall, I'm satisfied as it serves the main purpose I wanted it for - sunlight reading. And I highly recommend spending the extra $40 on the Aura HD just for the size alone (unless you're looking for something really small).

One complaint - it seems to leave too much space at the bottom of each page...I wish the text went down a bit closer to the bottom.

Not sure if it will completely replace the tablet as a reader, although one factor that may determine if it will - can I easily sync everything (including last reading marker) between devices? Preferably wirelessly, but not completely necessary.

07-19-2013, 10:21 AM	#476
RadarReader Member Posts: 10 Karma: 8158 Join Date: Jul 2013 Device: Kobo Aura HD	Kobo Aura HD Impressions Just got my Aura HD yesterday and here are my initial impressions. I considered the Kobo Glo, and to a lesser extent the Paperwhite. I'm very glad I spent the extra $40 on the Aura HD for the size alone...couldn't imagine reading on a smaller screen. Then again, I'm used to reading on a 10" tablet. I just wish it was about an inch taller - then the screen would perfectly mimic the size of a paperback book. I like the way it feels holding it and I like the ridges on the back. Definitely a lighter, more comfortable hold than my tablet. I don't have any other e-ink display to compare it to (I think I saw a Nook Glow a couple years ago), but the screen looks good to me. The main reason I got a dedicated e-reader was for reading in direct sunlight, and this seems to fit the bill really well. Other than direct sunlight, I'm not sure why you wouldn't want the glow light on all the time though. I like that it shows the cover of the current book I'm reading when in sleep or even power off mode. Nice touch. I didn't realize these e-ink readers could still display when not powered on. The software is okay, nothing special. It serves it's purpose I suppose, but after coming from Moon+ Reader it's a big step back. I realize a lot of this has to do with the technology of the e-ink display. I wish there was a way to have it go directly to my library rather than the main Kobo screen. I couldn't find a setting for that. My books primarily come from Amazon, and I used Calibre (along with the Amazon Windows app) to get my books on the Aura and it all seemed to work well. Overall, I'm satisfied as it serves the main purpose I wanted it for - sunlight reading. And I highly recommend spending the extra $40 on the Aura HD just for the size alone (unless you're looking for something really small). One complaint - it seems to leave too much space at the bottom of each page...I wish the text went down a bit closer to the bottom. Not sure if it will completely replace the tablet as a reader, although one factor that may determine if it will - can I easily sync everything (including last reading marker) between devices? Preferably wirelessly, but not completely necessary.