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tvuongpham · 09-04-2015, 01:40 PM

Well. I just got a new Kobo Aura.. the reseller said it was open box but upon receiving the item it was factory sealed.

I powered it on, put it on the wifi, it forced me to use/ create a kobo account. Then it downloaded an upgraded to the firmware. I really didn't have a choice...

Initial impressions:
The device is quite nice. Build quality.
Size and weight are good.
- a bit larger than my older PRS-350, but lighter
- quite a bit smaller than the PRS-T1 and slightly heavier. More square as the PRS-T1 has the area below for hard buttons interface.

Major differences: (between PRS-T1 and Kobo Aura)
no Audio support - but I never used it on my Sony, except to for trial. Nice to play music while reading but I didn't want to stress the battery. iPod, iPhone is readily available for that task.

- Screen resolution.
212 dpi (Kobo Aura) vs 170 dpi (Sony PRS-T1)
While both are 6" e-readers. The Kobo Aura is slighter newer and higher resolution. I choose not to go with the 300 dpi options (kindle pw3, voyage or kobo hd). I wanted to have the flush screen.

- Speed
Kobo Aura Faster

- epub support
One of the major reasons for choosing Kobo. I have kindles in the household but I like the open epub format.

- wifi
both do wifi. I have 802.11n/b in the house and both work fine

- calibre support
same

- Screen lighting
kobo aura has backlight
very nice option. defacto feature for me. I can use my older PRS-T1 if I want no back light but having the option is better.

Interesting:
when I put my old microSD card that was in use for the PRS-T1. The kobo didn't reformat the card. It imported all the books. That was nice. I still need to transfer the internal memory contents from the Sony PRS-T1.

- Kobo Store.
With the exit of Sony in the e-reader manufactures.. Sony Store did transition to Kobo Store. That is nice

- Additional features
Pocket - Pocket is broken (service outage sept 3-4 '15) will try later
Don't need good reads
Don't want Facebook integration

Still looking for a case or slip cover.
I am using my OLD PRS-600 neoprene slip cover.. a bit tall but works fine for now.

Overall experience
The kobo is a pretty good reader. Responsive e-reader. Clear e-ink print. Great formatting customization (fonts, sizing, spacing)
Interface is good. Creating personal "collections" from the device is great. Simple

On screen keyboard is responsive. but small virtual keys.
Dictionary is good. One of the strong features of the sony has been the multi-language dictionary. All top e-readers now seem to have that feature.

Reading Stats and awards are nice motivators
Progress reports on book % read is nice

MicroSD...
the current card is 8 GB from my Sony PRS-T1.. it sort of sticks out when inserted in use for the Kobo Aura. I don't like the open design of the Kobo microSD slot?
Perhaps a recessed slot with a hinged rubberized cover.. that would seem better.

Otherwise the microUSB and reset button seem exposed as well.

Well only 24 hours of use so far.. came with a partial charge and still going strong.

? Does anyone use a screen protector? some soft of vinyl film? or tempered glass? Brands and or where to get them? Is it necessary?

? Cases covers?
Kobo is a bit insane IMHO to charge 40$ USD and shipping for their magnetic case??!!

Rickshawbags will custom make any slip cover as bags are made to order.
Would there be a leather option? or PU leather?? Would be less susceptible to water and more protective.

09-04-2015, 01:40 PM	#1
tvuongpham Banned Posts: 183 Karma: 2826564 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: Kobo Aura, Kindle Paperwhite 2nd gen, Kindle KB (dead) PRS-T1, PRS 350	New Kobo Aura user Well. I just got a new Kobo Aura.. the reseller said it was open box but upon receiving the item it was factory sealed. I powered it on, put it on the wifi, it forced me to use/ create a kobo account. Then it downloaded an upgraded to the firmware. I really didn't have a choice... Initial impressions: The device is quite nice. Build quality. Size and weight are good. - a bit larger than my older PRS-350, but lighter - quite a bit smaller than the PRS-T1 and slightly heavier. More square as the PRS-T1 has the area below for hard buttons interface. Major differences: (between PRS-T1 and Kobo Aura) no Audio support - but I never used it on my Sony, except to for trial. Nice to play music while reading but I didn't want to stress the battery. iPod, iPhone is readily available for that task. - Screen resolution. 212 dpi (Kobo Aura) vs 170 dpi (Sony PRS-T1) While both are 6" e-readers. The Kobo Aura is slighter newer and higher resolution. I choose not to go with the 300 dpi options (kindle pw3, voyage or kobo hd). I wanted to have the flush screen. - Speed Kobo Aura Faster - epub support One of the major reasons for choosing Kobo. I have kindles in the household but I like the open epub format. - wifi both do wifi. I have 802.11n/b in the house and both work fine - calibre support same - Screen lighting kobo aura has backlight very nice option. defacto feature for me. I can use my older PRS-T1 if I want no back light but having the option is better. Interesting: when I put my old microSD card that was in use for the PRS-T1. The kobo didn't reformat the card. It imported all the books. That was nice. I still need to transfer the internal memory contents from the Sony PRS-T1. - Kobo Store. With the exit of Sony in the e-reader manufactures.. Sony Store did transition to Kobo Store. That is nice - Additional features Pocket - Pocket is broken (service outage sept 3-4 '15) will try later Don't need good reads Don't want Facebook integration Still looking for a case or slip cover. I am using my OLD PRS-600 neoprene slip cover.. a bit tall but works fine for now. Overall experience The kobo is a pretty good reader. Responsive e-reader. Clear e-ink print. Great formatting customization (fonts, sizing, spacing) Interface is good. Creating personal "collections" from the device is great. Simple On screen keyboard is responsive. but small virtual keys. Dictionary is good. One of the strong features of the sony has been the multi-language dictionary. All top e-readers now seem to have that feature. Reading Stats and awards are nice motivators Progress reports on book % read is nice MicroSD... the current card is 8 GB from my Sony PRS-T1.. it sort of sticks out when inserted in use for the Kobo Aura. I don't like the open design of the Kobo microSD slot? Perhaps a recessed slot with a hinged rubberized cover.. that would seem better. Otherwise the microUSB and reset button seem exposed as well. Well only 24 hours of use so far.. came with a partial charge and still going strong. ? Does anyone use a screen protector? some soft of vinyl film? or tempered glass? Brands and or where to get them? Is it necessary? ? Cases covers? Kobo is a bit insane IMHO to charge 40$ USD and shipping for their magnetic case??!! Rickshawbags will custom make any slip cover as bags are made to order. Would there be a leather option? or PU leather?? Would be less susceptible to water and more protective.