[jshzh]

1) With epub books, the Kobo software works well - it opens some epub much faster than Koreader - an open-source software you may want on the HD. One of my epub books (about 3.5M) takes 5 mins for Koreader to open but 20 seconds with the native Kobo software. However, Koreader is a must have for me because it allows me to install better dictionaries of my choice and support more ebook formats.

2) With pdf files, it depends on what kind of pdf ebooks you are talking about but the bottom line is you will need Koreader for better experience. I mostly read "regular" pdf ebooks, by which I mean they are not large-sized (A4 or A5 for instance) college textbooks or books with a lot of graphics. Most books in humanities and social sciences work very well on the HD when you read in landscape mode. The 0.8 inch makes a difference. My 6" works very well in landscape as well but the 6.8 inch is better - in both cases you don't need reflow for regular-sized books - I like the original format of books. Kobo also allows you to increase contrast of the text - I believe most ereaders today have that option. This function renders some pdfs more readable, for instance, light scanned books or books with smaller lighter fonts in notes and sub texts.

3) The frontlight is luxury to have but it also makes a difference. It is convenient not to have to look for good light source when one moves around - just always keep the frontlight on at 30%. It is also very good for reading in the dark - because the screen of an ereader is glass after all - no matter how anti-glare it is, you will get some annoying glare when you read under direct light - or even strong indirect light - from certain angles. With the frontlight on, you won't get glare in the dark because you don't have external light closeby.

4) The free pouch coming with my Pocketbook 602 fits the Aura HD perfectly. In stores like Winners one can often find all kinds of protection cases for about 10$ or less. You may find something of the right size and good quality.

5) If you are in Toronto, there is one store selling Aura HD and the new Aura with 50$ off. That is the deepest discount I could find so I got my HD. Maybe these models will go 50% off in 1.5 years as the Kobo Touch had been for a few days after two year of release. Sony 7" ereader never really got cheap but Kobo may have different pricing tactic.

6) CON: yes, based on my experience, Kobo service is bad. I emailed them about a potential screen problem on 31st Oct. and still haven't got any response today (6th Nov.). The auto-reply said I could expect a feedback within 24-48 hours! Instead, I got their promotion emails everyday.

7) CON: the upper 1/3-1/2 portion of the HD screen is noticeably yellowish when the frontlight is on. I checked many online photos and some youtube videos. It seems to be a rather consistent problem. I guess the new Aura may be a bit better because the screen size is smaller: the light travels less from the bottom to the top. Or maybe the new Aura has light sources on both ends? I don't know.

Edited: 7) Problem solved. Kobo service admitted the issue and will send a new device and a pre-paid mail bag.

8) Another potential CON of ereaders like Kobo or Kindle is they collect personal information. One has to register with Kobo online for a device to work. When you have the Wi-fi on, your "reading life" and "reading stats" will get synchronized. Before long I will get customized advertisements emailed to me - I suspect. I don't like this kind of practice at all but it may not bother others as much.