MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - How's jBook going to compete with Kobo Reader?

afa · 05-10-2010, 04:34 AM

I think the point greenapple was making is that one of the main points of attraction for the jetBook is their low price. With the Kobo launching at $149* the JB now has a genuine competitor in the bang-for-buck department.

Additionally, the Kobo will use an e-Ink display, which many feel gives a better contrast and is easier to read than JB's reflective LCD. Also, it has a 6" screen, as opposed to 5". It will have a longer battery life, a result of the screen. It has built-in memory of 1 GB, which means it can store up to a thousand books; so most buyers will never even need to bother with an SD card. It has Bluetooth. The functionality is limited, but still. And to my eyes (and, I would think, most people's) the Kobo looks a lot better, and according to some early reports is of a pretty good build quality, too. I like that 'quilted' back...

I think your point about the hassle of converting files into ePub is very weak. One could easily turn it around and point out that the JB doesn't support any DRM, so you have to go to the hassle of stripping it every time you buy a book. That's neither here nor there.

All in all, there are more than enough reasons why the Kobo looks like a solid contender. Enough so that I was leaning heavily towards the JB until yesterday, but am now considering the Kobo.

* Keep in mind, though, that this is only the launch price, and is only for a limited time. No word yet on the standard MSRP.

05-10-2010, 04:34 AM	#3
afa The Forgotten Posts: 1,136 Karma: 4689999 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Dubai Device: Kindle Paperwhite; Nook HD; Sony Xperia Z3 Compact	I think the point greenapple was making is that one of the main points of attraction for the jetBook is their low price. With the Kobo launching at $149* the JB now has a genuine competitor in the bang-for-buck department. Additionally, the Kobo will use an e-Ink display, which many feel gives a better contrast and is easier to read than JB's reflective LCD. Also, it has a 6" screen, as opposed to 5". It will have a longer battery life, a result of the screen. It has built-in memory of 1 GB, which means it can store up to a thousand books; so most buyers will never even need to bother with an SD card. It has Bluetooth. The functionality is limited, but still. And to my eyes (and, I would think, most people's) the Kobo looks a lot better, and according to some early reports is of a pretty good build quality, too. I like that 'quilted' back... I think your point about the hassle of converting files into ePub is very weak. One could easily turn it around and point out that the JB doesn't support any DRM, so you have to go to the hassle of stripping it every time you buy a book. That's neither here nor there. All in all, there are more than enough reasons why the Kobo looks like a solid contender. Enough so that I was leaning heavily towards the JB until yesterday, but am now considering the Kobo. * Keep in mind, though, that this is only the launch price, and is only for a limited time. No word yet on the standard MSRP. Last edited by afa; 05-10-2010 at 04:38 AM.