[PaneintheGlass]

The regular Aura, not the Aura HD (not a fan of the ridges). So yeah! I'm looking for an e-reader, and I've got it down to these two. I like the Onyx for its open-Android, physical buttons, higher resolution, and audio out. I like the Aura for its better front-light, more responsive screen, lower price, and, to a degree, greater portability (presuming it's not too small, which I can't tell without getting a hands-on). I like them both for their SD expansion slot, which, for me, is a requirement.

This will be my first e-reader, and I don't have any terribly grand designs. Really, all I'm looking for is access to "free" (read: public domain, library, publisher handouts, etc.; i.e. - legal) epubs. Yes, a Nook Simple Touch (w/ or w/o GlowLight) would probably serve me well, but I just can't get over the 800x600 res.

So I'm left ping-ponging between these two. What I guess it really comes down to for me is that the Kobo seems more refined, where the Onyx seems more quirky, and the Onyx seems more versatile where the Kobo seems more restrained. It's a tough call, especially without being able to see a demo model for either device. So what say you? Any clear preference one way or the other? Any thoughts or advice that might help with this decision? Any other devices I should consider? Let me know! Your thoughts, feedback, opinions, and advice are all greatly appreciated. Thank you.