MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - eReader

Menelas · 01-15-2018, 04:15 PM

G'day everyone!

I'd like to enter the eReader world, but have found that my choices here in Australia are rather limited. We only seem to have brick and mortar access to Kindle or Kobo. I am hesitant to buy from an overseas online seller, as Australia has excellent consumer protection laws and trying to negotiate returns with overseas vendors seems tricky.

Between Kindle and Kobo, I am currently leaning towards a Kobo (Aura One or Aura H2O 2), however with reservations. Here is my thinking:

Pro Kobo arguments:

1. Epub integration is important to me. Kobo does this natively, Kindle requires an additional step.

2. I like the option of being able to borrow library books. In Australia, Kindle is currently not supported by our libraries.

3. I am computer savvy and like the idea of having a reader that is more customisable.

Against Kobo arguments:

1. There appears to be an issue with quality control. From reading online and speaking to owners, it sounds like there are quite a few Kobo lemons around.

2. It seems Kobo is pricey. H2O 2 is A$230 and the Aura One A$350! Even waiting for a 20% off sale still makes this a pricey option. While Kindle prices are comparable, people seem to rate their quality higher.

Some other factors influencing my decision:

1. I am computer savvy, so don't mind having to do a bit of converting to be able to access epub or library books on a different device. Calibre seems the go to tool here.

2. I like the idea of having a waterproof reader. We have a pool and live by the beach, so it's nice not having to worry about water damage.

3. If another reader was available internationally which met my requirements and was significantly cheaper, I would also consider that.

Thanks for staying with me. As you can see, I really want to get this right and have a reader I'll get a lot out of. Looking forward to reading your comments.

01-15-2018, 04:15 PM	#1
Menelas Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2018 Device: None	eReader - Limited choices in Australia G'day everyone! I'd like to enter the eReader world, but have found that my choices here in Australia are rather limited. We only seem to have brick and mortar access to Kindle or Kobo. I am hesitant to buy from an overseas online seller, as Australia has excellent consumer protection laws and trying to negotiate returns with overseas vendors seems tricky. Between Kindle and Kobo, I am currently leaning towards a Kobo (Aura One or Aura H2O 2), however with reservations. Here is my thinking: Pro Kobo arguments: 1. Epub integration is important to me. Kobo does this natively, Kindle requires an additional step. 2. I like the option of being able to borrow library books. In Australia, Kindle is currently not supported by our libraries. 3. I am computer savvy and like the idea of having a reader that is more customisable. Against Kobo arguments: 1. There appears to be an issue with quality control. From reading online and speaking to owners, it sounds like there are quite a few Kobo lemons around. 2. It seems Kobo is pricey. H2O 2 is A$230 and the Aura One A$350! Even waiting for a 20% off sale still makes this a pricey option. While Kindle prices are comparable, people seem to rate their quality higher. Some other factors influencing my decision: 1. I am computer savvy, so don't mind having to do a bit of converting to be able to access epub or library books on a different device. Calibre seems the go to tool here. 2. I like the idea of having a waterproof reader. We have a pool and live by the beach, so it's nice not having to worry about water damage. 3. If another reader was available internationally which met my requirements and was significantly cheaper, I would also consider that. Thanks for staying with me. As you can see, I really want to get this right and have a reader I'll get a lot out of. Looking forward to reading your comments.