Quote:
Originally Posted by stuartjmz
"bottom-end" "with very good specs" - sorry to be repetitive, but this also to me sounds like the definition of "bottom-end" in this case is purely size - it's small, ergo it's bottom end. That seems strange to me.
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Yeah, true "bottom-end" (properly, entry-level) ereaders are, like the Basic Kindle, purely reflective, SVGA, without backlight or maybe touch.
The Paperwhite line is really a mid-range reader, following the classic marketing rules of Good--better--best.
On the Kindle side this is easily seen as (Basic) Kindle--Paperwhite--Oasis.
On the Kobo side it's Clara--Aura--Forma.
Pocketbook it's Basic, Lux, Touch, etc.
What might be confusing people is that Kobo's "entry level" Clara is configured like a Paperwhite as their sales volumes can't really support a true entry level reader like Amazon's, Pocketbook, and most of the european vendors. Instead, their strategy is to offer added features at higher prices and defining their midrange and premium models by size. It's a good approach for smaller vendors...
...with the downside that they are effectively surrendering the true entry level, which impacts their bookstore and publisher appeal.
(shrug)
Kobo has bigger competitive issues than a lack of a US$50 reader for newcomers and gifting.
Mainstream visibility and partner reliability among them.