Do I REALLY need to upgrade

The Cod Father · 11-15-2012, 10:50 PM

I have been looking at the new Kobo Glo as we are all guilty of upgradeitius .

I orginally tried an Alluretek Libre but after some problems I returned it and used the money to buy a first generation Kobo. I have only had one problem with my original purchase and Kobo sent me a prepaid mailer and returned and then sent me a replacement within a few days . That unit has been working ever since and I am still using it every day .

I originally bought my Kobo it was due to my being in a car accident . Being in hospital for prolonged periods of time and then in \dr. offices so I had wanted a way to carry several books with me in an easy format and I only wanted a book not all the other add ons ,no phone ,mp3 player,web access just a book ( actually it was hard to find just that ) My needs haven't changed but technology has moved along .

So again would I reap any benefit from changing to the new Glo or should I just use the money to buy some new books .

TCF

JSWolf · 11-15-2012, 10:57 PM

If your current Kobo works, you don't need to upgrade. I have a 650 and I didn't need to upgrade to a T1 or T2. You might want the new Glo. But that's not actually need.

But my cell phone did need upgrading as it didn't work well. It was an iPhone 3G that I've upgraded to an iPhone 5.

kobokobe · 11-15-2012, 11:08 PM

Although I have both the Touch and the Glo, my opinion is that neither of them are a "must" if you already have a Kobo. Unless, of course you read heavily in bed, then the Glo borders on being a necessity although you could just use another light source (the difference in reading experience is, however, more significant than I had previously thought).

Since you have the original Kobo, you would also be getting another feature in the form of a touch screen, which I don't consider to be necessary at all for ereaders unless you do a lot of note taking, browsing books directly from your device, or maybe if you like to frequently switch between books.

I would suggest going to the store and trying the Glo, and deciding if it's worth dishing out $130 + tax. Although you most likely won't be able to test night-time reading. I don't suggest buying and returning once you feel it is not worthy, because that doesn't seem to work with most people, but if you feel that you're strong enough..

echwel · 11-16-2012, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Cod Father

I have been looking at the new Kobo Glo as we are all guilty of upgradeitius .

I think you should make a decision based on wheter you could really be better off with the changes in the new device.

If you're satisfied with your current device the only major change probably is the embedded light.

All other changes could probably be categorized as minor (faster processor, touch screen?, ...).

I for example would really like to have embedded light, opposed to the clip-on light I have now on my touch, but:
a- I only bought it three months ago
b- do I want to spend the money just to only really have benefit from the light.

Until now, my answer to the question under b. is: no. But it might change after I have had one in my hand...

meeera · 11-16-2012, 06:11 AM

I'm getting one for the light, no other reason. I often read in medium-light conditions which aren't quite bright enough for a good contrast and a relaxed reading experience on my Touch. At the moment I turn on an external LED spotlamp, but getting the angle just right to avoid bezel shadows and illuminate the page nicely is a mild but constant annoyance.

I also read in bed a lot, and my husband goes to sleep first; so the device will be useful to avoid the dance of adjusting the spotlamp just right for the Kobo while not shining in his sleeping eyes!

echwel · 11-16-2012, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meeera

I'm getting one for the light, no other reason. I often read in medium-light conditions which aren't quite bright enough for a good contrast and a relaxed reading experience on my Touch. At the moment I turn on an external LED spotlamp, but getting the angle just right to avoid bezel shadows and illuminate the page nicely is a mild but constant annoyance.

I also read in bed a lot, and my husband goes to sleep first; so the device will be useful to avoid the dance of adjusting the spotlamp just right for the Kobo while not shining in his sleeping eyes!

This last reason is just not triggering me enough to spend my money as soon as possible. Just not. I'm afraid time wil be of influence, and I'm wondering whether my next reader will be a Glo, or a Glo 2

owly · 11-16-2012, 07:52 AM

Gooderead has a Touch vs Glo video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Oecp142fM

treadlightly · 11-16-2012, 08:17 AM

The light on the Glo is really nice in sub-optimal light conditions. And isn't your thumb getting sore on the D-pad? I've been trying to convince my stepfather to upgrade his original Kobo for that reason alone.

46jimbo · 11-16-2012, 09:26 AM

I've owned every Kobo and the improvements are astonishing. The original Kobo is a real clunker compared to the Touch or the Glo. It appears to be moving in slow motion. Nice screen, though. And pushing the D-pad button was also irritating to my thumb!

I say go give yourself a treat with a new Touch. They're under $100 now. If lighting is an issue for you, spend $30 more for the Glo.

The Cod Father · 11-16-2012, 10:32 AM

See I knew that I could count on everyone here to give me a true response and not just a "go get it cause it's new" . I guess I'll hold off for now . My only complaint is the night reading but my kids bought me a nice clip on unit tha solved that issue .
As to the problem with the D pad I guess between the wheelchair and walker I have enough of a callus on my thumb to make it a non issue ,but it is something to consider when this unit goes legs up .

Thanks again everyone ,new books it is .

TCF

kobokobe · 11-16-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echwel

If you're satisfied with your current device the only major change probably is the embedded light.

All other changes could probably be categorized as minor (faster processor, touch screen?, ...).

I suppose this is true for most people, although I purchased a Glo mainly because it has a faster processor/better contrast than my Touch. But after using the Glo's light feature, I cannot possibly fathom going back.

oj829 · 11-16-2012, 01:23 PM

I love my Kobo Touch, but I too found that, due to the indirect-sunlight situation, I was unable to read in my bedroom as early as 4PM in the Summer. Bleah. I stared and stared at the NST with Glolight for a long long time, but managed to hold out for the Kobo Glo, which was great, as it coincided with my interest in supporting my local indie bookstore.

IcecreamLtDan · 11-16-2012, 04:14 PM

I wouldn't discount the difference between the touch screen feature and the lack of one on the older models. I have the Kobo wireless and when I first got it, it did not have any way of going to a selected page. You had to just keep hitting the D-pad to page through each page until you got to the one you wanted. Eventually they upgraded the software to have a goto page option, but it's not exactly easy to use either. You hit menu, goto, then use the d pad to select each number of the page you want to goto and hit go. I'm not sure if the original Kobo had that software upgrade or not, I have the wireless.

Now, if you're the type that's not important to, no big deal. I read quite a few history books though and they have appendices and such. The Kobo wireless does not have a feature to allow you to just click on those and go to the page to read them, you have to go through the process I just described. I haven't played with the Kobo touch or newer models, but I would imagine that with a touch screen this process would be a lot easier to do.

rashkae · 11-16-2012, 05:56 PM

Obviously, you don't *really* need to upgrade. If you did, you would hardly have to ask now would you? The real question is: would you be happy with an upgrade, or is an upgrade worth your heard earned money.... to that, I think, Yes!. The improved screen resolution is really very noticeable if you like to read with smaller font sizes. (it makes less of a difference the larger you like your text.) The faster page turns and responsiveness also make reading on an e-device much more pleasant... if you ever read for a few hours on a newer device, you'll have hard time going back for that reason alone.

On the other hand, if you aren't immediately tempted to demand kobo take your money already, then waiting a bit over a month will be to your advantage. No matter how good they are, e-readers aren't for everyone. By the first week of January, there should be a glut of these up for re-gifting.

speakingtohe · 11-17-2012, 12:22 AM

I bought a Kobo Mini on impulse. despite its smaller screen size I am able to read with more characters on the page than My PRS-T1 etc.
The screen on the Glo is supposed to be even better, and of course is bigger.

I may have to buy one one of these days, but hard to find a working demo in the stores. They either don't plug them in or don't authorize them.

My reasons for liking the mini, great screen, small and comfortable to hold, easy to use, easy to organise shelves in library, change font styles, weight, line spacing. Has some other features which I like but probably unimportant to most.

It does have some problems such as the occasional double page turn or reset if you make too many changes to the fonts at once.

Overall I find it the best ereader I have had, and I have/had 5 at least, not counting tablet.

Still if you are happy with your old reader, then that is a good thing.

Helen

11-15-2012, 10:50 PM	#1
The Cod Father Enthusiast Posts: 49 Karma: 26206 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Newfoundland Canada Device: KOBO. Kobo Aura	Do I REALLY need to upgrade I have been looking at the new Kobo Glo as we are all guilty of upgradeitius . I orginally tried an Alluretek Libre but after some problems I returned it and used the money to buy a first generation Kobo. I have only had one problem with my original purchase and Kobo sent me a prepaid mailer and returned and then sent me a replacement within a few days . That unit has been working ever since and I am still using it every day . I originally bought my Kobo it was due to my being in a car accident . Being in hospital for prolonged periods of time and then in \dr. offices so I had wanted a way to carry several books with me in an easy format and I only wanted a book not all the other add ons ,no phone ,mp3 player,web access just a book ( actually it was hard to find just that ) My needs haven't changed but technology has moved along . So again would I reap any benefit from changing to the new Glo or should I just use the money to buy some new books . TCF

11-15-2012, 11:08 PM	#3
kobokobe I am what I am Posts: 179 Karma: 52789 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: An enormous, polar bear infested igloo that we call north of the 49. Device: Kobo Glo, Kobo Touch	Although I have both the Touch and the Glo, my opinion is that neither of them are a "must" if you already have a Kobo. Unless, of course you read heavily in bed, then the Glo borders on being a necessity although you could just use another light source (the difference in reading experience is, however, more significant than I had previously thought). Since you have the original Kobo, you would also be getting another feature in the form of a touch screen, which I don't consider to be necessary at all for ereaders unless you do a lot of note taking, browsing books directly from your device, or maybe if you like to frequently switch between books. I would suggest going to the store and trying the Glo, and deciding if it's worth dishing out $130 + tax. Although you most likely won't be able to test night-time reading. I don't suggest buying and returning once you feel it is not worthy, because that doesn't seem to work with most people, but if you feel that you're strong enough.. Last edited by kobokobe; 11-15-2012 at 11:12 PM.

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11-15-2012, 10:57 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,756 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	If your current Kobo works, you don't need to upgrade. I have a 650 and I didn't need to upgrade to a T1 or T2. You might want the new Glo. But that's not actually need. But my cell phone did need upgrading as it didn't work well. It was an iPhone 3G that I've upgraded to an iPhone 5.

11-16-2012, 06:11 AM	#5
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,814 Karma: 68407974 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	I'm getting one for the light, no other reason. I often read in medium-light conditions which aren't quite bright enough for a good contrast and a relaxed reading experience on my Touch. At the moment I turn on an external LED spotlamp, but getting the angle just right to avoid bezel shadows and illuminate the page nicely is a mild but constant annoyance. I also read in bed a lot, and my husband goes to sleep first; so the device will be useful to avoid the dance of adjusting the spotlamp just right for the Kobo while not shining in his sleeping eyes!

11-16-2012, 07:52 AM	#7
owly Guru Posts: 729 Karma: 3822612 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sweden Device: Paperwhite 2, Kobo Aura H2O	Gooderead has a Touch vs Glo video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Oecp142fM

11-16-2012, 08:17 AM	#8
treadlightly Wizard Posts: 1,370 Karma: 6957792 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa, ON Device: Kobo H2O	The light on the Glo is really nice in sub-optimal light conditions. And isn't your thumb getting sore on the D-pad? I've been trying to convince my stepfather to upgrade his original Kobo for that reason alone.

11-16-2012, 09:26 AM	#9
46jimbo Zealot Posts: 130 Karma: 143194 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Toronto, CANADA Device: Kobo Touch + Kobo Aura	I've owned every Kobo and the improvements are astonishing. The original Kobo is a real clunker compared to the Touch or the Glo. It appears to be moving in slow motion. Nice screen, though. And pushing the D-pad button was also irritating to my thumb! I say go give yourself a treat with a new Touch. They're under $100 now. If lighting is an issue for you, spend $30 more for the Glo.

11-16-2012, 10:32 AM	#10
The Cod Father Enthusiast Posts: 49 Karma: 26206 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Newfoundland Canada Device: KOBO. Kobo Aura	See I knew that I could count on everyone here to give me a true response and not just a "go get it cause it's new" . I guess I'll hold off for now . My only complaint is the night reading but my kids bought me a nice clip on unit tha solved that issue . As to the problem with the D pad I guess between the wheelchair and walker I have enough of a callus on my thumb to make it a non issue ,but it is something to consider when this unit goes legs up . Thanks again everyone ,new books it is . TCF

11-16-2012, 01:23 PM	#12
oj829 Groupie Posts: 191 Karma: 574940 Join Date: Jul 2012 Device: Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo, Kobo Arc(32GB), Kobo Arc 7HD, Kobo Glo HD,NookHD	I love my Kobo Touch, but I too found that, due to the indirect-sunlight situation, I was unable to read in my bedroom as early as 4PM in the Summer. Bleah. I stared and stared at the NST with Glolight for a long long time, but managed to hold out for the Kobo Glo, which was great, as it coincided with my interest in supporting my local indie bookstore.

11-16-2012, 04:14 PM	#13
IcecreamLtDan Groupie Posts: 178 Karma: 1928980 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: North Carolina Device: JetBook Lite, Kobo wireless, Kobo Glo	I wouldn't discount the difference between the touch screen feature and the lack of one on the older models. I have the Kobo wireless and when I first got it, it did not have any way of going to a selected page. You had to just keep hitting the D-pad to page through each page until you got to the one you wanted. Eventually they upgraded the software to have a goto page option, but it's not exactly easy to use either. You hit menu, goto, then use the d pad to select each number of the page you want to goto and hit go. I'm not sure if the original Kobo had that software upgrade or not, I have the wireless. Now, if you're the type that's not important to, no big deal. I read quite a few history books though and they have appendices and such. The Kobo wireless does not have a feature to allow you to just click on those and go to the page to read them, you have to go through the process I just described. I haven't played with the Kobo touch or newer models, but I would imagine that with a touch screen this process would be a lot easier to do.

11-16-2012, 05:56 PM	#14
rashkae Wizard Posts: 1,274 Karma: 5935030 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: Kobo Aura HD	Obviously, you don't really need to upgrade. If you did, you would hardly have to ask now would you? The real question is: would you be happy with an upgrade, or is an upgrade worth your heard earned money.... to that, I think, Yes!. The improved screen resolution is really very noticeable if you like to read with smaller font sizes. (it makes less of a difference the larger you like your text.) The faster page turns and responsiveness also make reading on an e-device much more pleasant... if you ever read for a few hours on a newer device, you'll have hard time going back for that reason alone. On the other hand, if you aren't immediately tempted to demand kobo take your money already, then waiting a bit over a month will be to your advantage. No matter how good they are, e-readers aren't for everyone. By the first week of January, there should be a glut of these up for re-gifting.

11-17-2012, 12:22 AM	#15
speakingtohe Wizard Posts: 4,812 Karma: 26912940 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet	I bought a Kobo Mini on impulse. despite its smaller screen size I am able to read with more characters on the page than My PRS-T1 etc. The screen on the Glo is supposed to be even better, and of course is bigger. I may have to buy one one of these days, but hard to find a working demo in the stores. They either don't plug them in or don't authorize them. My reasons for liking the mini, great screen, small and comfortable to hold, easy to use, easy to organise shelves in library, change font styles, weight, line spacing. Has some other features which I like but probably unimportant to most. It does have some problems such as the occasional double page turn or reset if you make too many changes to the fonts at once. Overall I find it the best ereader I have had, and I have/had 5 at least, not counting tablet. Still if you are happy with your old reader, then that is a good thing. Helen