Glo Kobo Glo HD - Your Review?

Calenorn · 11-23-2015, 07:20 AM

Do you own a Kobo Glo HD? What do you think of it? What features do you like; what has disappointed you about it? I'd be grateful for the benefit of your experience.

Thanks in advance!

C.

booklover6 · 11-23-2015, 07:37 AM

Since you have a Kobo Mini, according to your device list, you will find the firmware on the Kobo Glo HD to be similar (depending on what firmware you run). So from that stand point, if you like the Mini, you will like the Glo HD.

As for the hardware, the Glo HD is fantastic. The screen is beautiful, the lighting is excellent and even, and I love the casing and bezel, too. I also like the button at the top better than the slider. It is the perfect accompaniment to your Mini!

There is nothing about the Glo HD that disappoints me.

Ripplinger · 11-23-2015, 08:38 AM

I generally love my Glo HD and it's the only reader I use now. The screen is beautiful... the lighting is even, no color shifts or blotches, even the bottom area is an even color, the usual cone shapes from the LEDs just aren't there like they show on so many other readers.

My only complaint is the small shiny trim around the screen that reflects light depending on where you're reading. I read outdoors a lot in the sun, and it can produce pretty large glare spots. But my eyes are very sensitive to light, it might not be a problem for you.

These next 2 things don't bother me at all, but do bother some, so that's the only reason I'm mentioning them so you're aware of them. The Glo HD doesn't have an SD slot. I don't need to carry my entire library around with me, I usually keep around 500-600 books and still have plenty of room remaining. That number gives me a large selection to read from and I just delete what I've finished and add new books. My complete library is stored on my PCs in Calibre, and that's actually how I prefer it.

And there's no games on the reader like on the Glo, but I understand there is a way to get them added back, but I don't know how difficult it it. Again, for myself, that's not a problem at all. When I pick up my reader, it's to read and not to play games, I don't miss them at all. I can always play on my phone if I have some urgent need to do that.

All in all, it's a fantastic reader with a beautiful screen.

Edit: You might want to take a look at this thread. It's long, but there's a lot of info about the the likes and dislikes of the reader from many members.

ThePej · 05-02-2016, 02:47 PM

Hi Everyone, I'm new here.

I've been an iPad user! But my water bottle cracked open in my purse. Of course, my iPad was in there.

My eBooks! Tho, I didn't want to get another tablet so I was on a quest for an eReader. I reviewed the Kobo HD Glo as a YouTube video. Check it out if you are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utQgsn9ILKI

I like it! Do you?

MGlitch · 05-02-2016, 05:41 PM

You cite the Glo HD as being backlit, it's not. It's frontlit. And the reason there isn't glare is because the top most layer of the screen isn't glass, unlike tablets.

ThePej · 05-06-2016, 08:29 AM

Hi there,

Thank for for you watching my video and your feedback.

I will definitely look into this.

Appreciate your time.
Best,
Leila

sapphiresilver · 05-07-2016, 05:18 AM

I got a Glo HD just a few days ago. The text is very clear and the lighting is even. Software seems to be the same as other Kobos so no surprises there, and everything loads quite fast. No SD card slot. Shiny trim around the edge could reflect sunlight. No games or anything, but there is a web browser. I guess if you had books on Dropbox you could use the browser to get them onto the Kobo? Haven't tried that yet, but I should. There is a button at the top, which I think is better than a slider.
All in all, I'm glad I got this one. The only thing which might bother me is the shiny trim, but that hasn't happened yet. I got the Kobo SleepCover with mine, which is a rather nice cover.

alecE · 05-08-2016, 05:33 AM

I bought a Kobo Glo HD earlier this week. I find the screen display excellent, the front lighting very good, the device fast and comfortable to hold. The single top button is good and the facilities for changing font size and lighting level easy to use.
The only gripe about the physical aspects is the shiny surround to the screen - the reflections can be irritating.

All my ebooks are downloaded to my PC as epubs, if DRM'd then via acsm files. Not being locked in to Kobo's ecosystem may explain my two gripes about the Glo:
- hyperlinks for end notes do not work (tapping the hyperlink turns the page instead);
- I have not found any way to zoom in on images within an epub; the promised icon for this does not show.
Consequently, all non-fiction (and Discworld!) titles have been retained on my trusty Sony reader. The Kobo will be used for fiction only.
All in all, a nice little reader, but lacking two important features when reading epubs.

John F · 05-08-2016, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecE

I bought a Kobo Glo HD earlier this week. I find the screen display excellent, the front lighting very good, the device fast and comfortable to hold. The single top button is good and the facilities for changing font size and lighting level easy to use.
The only gripe about the physical aspects is the shiny surround to the screen - the reflections can be irritating.

All my ebooks are downloaded to my PC as epubs, if DRM'd then via acsm files. Not being locked in to Kobo's ecosystem may explain my two gripes about the Glo:
- hyperlinks for end notes do not work (tapping the hyperlink turns the page instead);
- I have not found any way to zoom in on images within an epub; the promised icon for this does not show.
Consequently, all non-fiction (and Discworld!) titles have been retained on my trusty Sony reader. The Kobo will be used for fiction only.
All in all, a nice little reader, but lacking two important features when reading epubs.

If the above 2 items are important to you, you may want to look at using kepubs.

meeera · 05-08-2016, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

If the above 2 items are important to you, you may want to look at using kepubs.

And, just to clarify here: you don't have to buy books from Kobo or sync with Kobo to use kepubs - you can convert any epub to kepub.

GERGE · 05-09-2016, 09:53 AM

Yes, kepubs have great support for them, check, this is still relevant I think: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=256757

unaj41 · 05-09-2016, 04:33 PM

I own Glo HD for some time now ... it is my second Kobo device after Touch. Love it, it is my one and only device for reading - screen, light, OS is all great.
My only complains would be related to the build quality: the old Touch felt way more solid ... Glo HD, because of the removable back "squeaks" while holding it ... I had to put a foam layer padding inside to make it feel little better.
Also, compare to the old Touch it is toooooo slippery while holding - I am no fan of any cases while reading (have a simple sleeve for protection while on the road) so I had to put couple of "no-slip" strips on each side ...
But overall I am happy with it and would recommend it over Kindle Paperwhite anytime (my wife's device) ... it has definitely better build quality, but it feels very heavy and also I prefer Kobo's OS...

Larken · 05-09-2016, 09:23 PM

I've had my Glo HD since shortly after it released. I love it. It has excellent battery life, crisp display and does everything I want it to do. Almost. The one thing that I dislike with it over the Nook is the inability to subscribe to magazines like Reader's Digest. If anyone happens to know a way to do this, I'd like to know how.

pindakaasmetmayo · 05-17-2016, 05:07 AM

Love it! Before I had a Kobo Mini and the Glo HD has light and is a lot faster. It is very comprehensive in functions, although it has no games (priorities right?). I can recommend it.

marp68 · 05-26-2016, 12:27 PM

I like it, but then it's my first ereader, so I can't really compare it. I was just a little suprised byt the slow respons when for example, turning pages, adjust settings, use the web etc. SInce I'm only reading on it, it doesn't bother me though. Except for the irritatingly slow web browser. I use the computer to borrow books, and leave the built in browser for emergency needs :-)

Yesterday I had the chance to test a Kindle Paperwhite. That one was faster. Is this normal or is it something wrong with my ereader?

11-23-2015, 07:20 AM	#1
Calenorn Brash Fumbler Posts: 1,203 Karma: 9224939 Join Date: May 2013 Device: NST, Kobo Mini	Kobo Glo HD - Your Review? Do you own a Kobo Glo HD? What do you think of it? What features do you like; what has disappointed you about it? I'd be grateful for the benefit of your experience. Thanks in advance! C.

11-23-2015, 08:38 AM	#3
Ripplinger 350 Hoarder Posts: 3,574 Karma: 8281267 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Midwest USA Device: Sony PRS-350, Kobo Glo & Glo HD, PW2	I generally love my Glo HD and it's the only reader I use now. The screen is beautiful... the lighting is even, no color shifts or blotches, even the bottom area is an even color, the usual cone shapes from the LEDs just aren't there like they show on so many other readers. My only complaint is the small shiny trim around the screen that reflects light depending on where you're reading. I read outdoors a lot in the sun, and it can produce pretty large glare spots. But my eyes are very sensitive to light, it might not be a problem for you. These next 2 things don't bother me at all, but do bother some, so that's the only reason I'm mentioning them so you're aware of them. The Glo HD doesn't have an SD slot. I don't need to carry my entire library around with me, I usually keep around 500-600 books and still have plenty of room remaining. That number gives me a large selection to read from and I just delete what I've finished and add new books. My complete library is stored on my PCs in Calibre, and that's actually how I prefer it. And there's no games on the reader like on the Glo, but I understand there is a way to get them added back, but I don't know how difficult it it. Again, for myself, that's not a problem at all. When I pick up my reader, it's to read and not to play games, I don't miss them at all. I can always play on my phone if I have some urgent need to do that. All in all, it's a fantastic reader with a beautiful screen. Edit: You might want to take a look at this thread. It's long, but there's a lot of info about the the likes and dislikes of the reader from many members. Last edited by Ripplinger; 11-23-2015 at 12:13 PM.

05-02-2016, 02:47 PM	#4
ThePej Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2016 Device: Kobo Glo HD	Kobo HD GLO Hi Everyone, I'm new here. I've been an iPad user! But my water bottle cracked open in my purse. Of course, my iPad was in there. My eBooks! Tho, I didn't want to get another tablet so I was on a quest for an eReader. I reviewed the Kobo HD Glo as a YouTube video. Check it out if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utQgsn9ILKI I like it! Do you?

05-06-2016, 08:29 AM	#6
ThePej Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2016 Device: Kobo Glo HD	Thank you Hi there, Thank for for you watching my video and your feedback. I will definitely look into this. Appreciate your time. Best, Leila

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11-23-2015, 07:37 AM	#2
booklover6 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,545 Karma: 14008730 Join Date: May 2008 Location: PA (USA) Device: Kobo Clara, 2E, Libre 1, PW4, PW5, 2022 Kindle, Kobo Libre Colour	Since you have a Kobo Mini, according to your device list, you will find the firmware on the Kobo Glo HD to be similar (depending on what firmware you run). So from that stand point, if you like the Mini, you will like the Glo HD. As for the hardware, the Glo HD is fantastic. The screen is beautiful, the lighting is excellent and even, and I love the casing and bezel, too. I also like the button at the top better than the slider. It is the perfect accompaniment to your Mini! There is nothing about the Glo HD that disappoints me.

05-02-2016, 05:41 PM	#5
MGlitch Wizard Posts: 2,855 Karma: 22003124 Join Date: Aug 2014 Device: Kobo Forma, Kobo Sage, Kobo Libra 2	You cite the Glo HD as being backlit, it's not. It's frontlit. And the reason there isn't glare is because the top most layer of the screen isn't glass, unlike tablets.

05-07-2016, 05:18 AM	#7
sapphiresilver Connoisseur Posts: 51 Karma: 5368 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Australia Device: Amazon Oasis 2, Kobo Clara HD, iPad Pro	I got a Glo HD just a few days ago. The text is very clear and the lighting is even. Software seems to be the same as other Kobos so no surprises there, and everything loads quite fast. No SD card slot. Shiny trim around the edge could reflect sunlight. No games or anything, but there is a web browser. I guess if you had books on Dropbox you could use the browser to get them onto the Kobo? Haven't tried that yet, but I should. There is a button at the top, which I think is better than a slider. All in all, I'm glad I got this one. The only thing which might bother me is the shiny trim, but that hasn't happened yet. I got the Kobo SleepCover with mine, which is a rather nice cover.

05-08-2016, 05:33 AM	#8
alecE Evangelist Posts: 412 Karma: 546196 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK canal boat Device: sony prs505, prs650, kobo Glo HD liseuses	I bought a Kobo Glo HD earlier this week. I find the screen display excellent, the front lighting very good, the device fast and comfortable to hold. The single top button is good and the facilities for changing font size and lighting level easy to use. The only gripe about the physical aspects is the shiny surround to the screen - the reflections can be irritating. All my ebooks are downloaded to my PC as epubs, if DRM'd then via acsm files. Not being locked in to Kobo's ecosystem may explain my two gripes about the Glo: - hyperlinks for end notes do not work (tapping the hyperlink turns the page instead); - I have not found any way to zoom in on images within an epub; the promised icon for this does not show. Consequently, all non-fiction (and Discworld!) titles have been retained on my trusty Sony reader. The Kobo will be used for fiction only. All in all, a nice little reader, but lacking two important features when reading epubs.

05-09-2016, 09:53 AM	#11
GERGE Guru Posts: 733 Karma: 5797160 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Istanbul Device: Kobo Libra	Yes, kepubs have great support for them, check, this is still relevant I think: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=256757

05-09-2016, 04:33 PM	#12
unaj41 Enthusiast Posts: 30 Karma: 56426 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco Device: Kobo Glo HD	I own Glo HD for some time now ... it is my second Kobo device after Touch. Love it, it is my one and only device for reading - screen, light, OS is all great. My only complains would be related to the build quality: the old Touch felt way more solid ... Glo HD, because of the removable back "squeaks" while holding it ... I had to put a foam layer padding inside to make it feel little better. Also, compare to the old Touch it is toooooo slippery while holding - I am no fan of any cases while reading (have a simple sleeve for protection while on the road) so I had to put couple of "no-slip" strips on each side ... But overall I am happy with it and would recommend it over Kindle Paperwhite anytime (my wife's device) ... it has definitely better build quality, but it feels very heavy and also I prefer Kobo's OS...

05-09-2016, 09:23 PM	#13
Larken Where's the backlight?? Posts: 52 Karma: 2089116 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Device: Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and Kobo Glo HD	I've had my Glo HD since shortly after it released. I love it. It has excellent battery life, crisp display and does everything I want it to do. Almost. The one thing that I dislike with it over the Nook is the inability to subscribe to magazines like Reader's Digest. If anyone happens to know a way to do this, I'd like to know how.

05-17-2016, 05:07 AM	#14
pindakaasmetmayo Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2016 Device: Kobo Glo HD	Love it! Before I had a Kobo Mini and the Glo HD has light and is a lot faster. It is very comprehensive in functions, although it has no games (priorities right?). I can recommend it.

05-26-2016, 12:27 PM	#15
marp68 Addict Posts: 283 Karma: 132294 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Sweden Device: Kobo Clara HD	I like it, but then it's my first ereader, so I can't really compare it. I was just a little suprised byt the slow respons when for example, turning pages, adjust settings, use the web etc. SInce I'm only reading on it, it doesn't bother me though. Except for the irritatingly slow web browser. I use the computer to borrow books, and leave the built in browser for emergency needs :-) Yesterday I had the chance to test a Kindle Paperwhite. That one was faster. Is this normal or is it something wrong with my ereader?