Let's Share Kobo First Impressions - Page 3

TallMomof2 · 05-07-2010, 11:52 AM

Literally everything you do leaves a footprint. Stay off the internet, don't have a credit card, don't use banks, don't use utilities and maybe you won't leave an electronic trace. Pay cash for everything. Live in a country with a government and they will have records such as driver's license, social security (in the US), income tax returns, voter registration records, vehicle licensing, etc.

Like Dale said, there are records of everything you do using credit cards and loyalty programs. The big question is what the companies do with that information. At this point in time, I'd be more concerned about hackers and identity theft than government intrusion.

techie42 · 05-07-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laruecc

I have just purchased a kobo and would like to load ebooks from the public library on it. I have downloaded them onto my computer using adobe digital editions - now what do I do?

Plug in the KOBO. Start up ADE. Drag the book over to the KOBO bookshelf.

Bittybye · 05-07-2010, 07:55 PM

Well I've had my Kobo for 2 days now, and I have to say I'm very satisfied with it.

I was nervous when I read about the small print. After seeing the print I'm OK with it. I would like to read in a larger font but it's very readable.

I was thinking about using this until the Onyx 8 inch came out...not anymore. With easy converting of the books I already have and being about to buy from Kobo, I think I'll wait to buy another ebook read until they perfect and streamline the colour ebook readers.

The only think I would really change about it is the blue button. I can't say I'm thrilled with it, but it's OK.

Overall I love it. And I'm already planning on buying one for my mom for Christmas.

ficbot · 05-07-2010, 10:13 PM

Update: I gave the Kobo to my mom and she LOVES it! Took it over for dinner tonight and let her play. We both hated the software. I had figured out how to remove books from the 'I'm Reading' list but not how to add them back on again. I set up an account for her to download freebies, and also set up an ADE account for her to use for downloading. She is still saying that she doesn't see why she has to learn how to use software because if she wants to read a new book, she'll just tell ME to buy it for her and then I can install it on the reader FOR her (Mom, it's not that hard, I promise!) but we'll get there, I think. I talked her through the basics of getting to the home screen, opening a book etc. and she finally declared that it was adorable, and she loves it! And then she asked about the name and I said it was the letters from 'book' but scrambled, and she thought that was just the most adorable thing.

dsuden · 05-08-2010, 08:34 AM

I'm glad to see e-readers coming down in price. Frankly, they still seem a little high for what they can do. I've owned a couple e-readers now, a Sony and a Kindle, and IMO, the ideal book reader has yet to be invented. Right now we have a choice of e-ink, which is rather low-contrast, pale, and unresponsive, LCD, which is power hungry and hard on the eyes, or these odd new hybrids that try to marry the two. Reminds me of some of the weird hybrid computer technology we saw in the 80s.

I rather suspect we're in the Commodore 64 era of e-readers right now, and that much clearer, faster, more responsive devices will eventually come, with touch interfaces that don't blur the display (Sony), and an end to little joysticks or big ugly buttons for navigation. Retaining good battery life, but adding sharp, contrasty text, and the ability to display motion. An SDK and a developer community contributing new capabilities. Maybe it will be a razor-thin lightweight, iPaddish device that uses a form of e-ink. For now, I can live with my Kindle 2, but I can't shake the feeling it is a caveman device compared to what will be coming.

SensualPoet · 05-08-2010, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bittybye

Well I've had my Kobo for 2 days now, and I have to say I'm very satisfied with it.

Congrats! Glad you finally took the plunge!

As an entry-level, "it's just an e-reader, ma'am" device, Kobo does a good job. I like being able to easily read library books with it and I'm surprised how much I like the one-handed holding and corresponding super-light weight. As much as I love my Kindle 2, it is heavier (I leave it in the leather case) and hold it "like a book" ... the Kobo is like holding one half a book -- just the page I am reading.

I can see, over time, how a reader like the Kobo can thrive delivering just the basics. (There are a few glitches -- like the ePub font problem and lack of instructions on basics -- but these are minor and easily fixed.) Other devices -- perhaps a SuperKobo -- can step up with bells and whistles in the future. But simple -- just lemme read -- has a lot of merit!

Shopaholic · 05-09-2010, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsuden

I rather suspect we're in the Commodore 64 era of e-readers right now, and that much clearer, faster, more responsive devices will eventually come, with touch interfaces that don't blur the display (Sony), and an end to little joysticks or big ugly buttons for navigation. Retaining good battery life, but adding sharp, contrasty text, and the ability to display motion. An SDK and a developer community contributing new capabilities. Maybe it will be a razor-thin lightweight, iPaddish device that uses a form of e-ink. For now, I can live with my Kindle 2, but I can't shake the feeling it is a caveman device compared to what will be coming.

Very well said. I remember those days and that's a perfect analogy.

Orochi · 05-09-2010, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsuden

I rather suspect we're in the Commodore 64 era of e-readers right now, and that much clearer, faster, more responsive devices will eventually come, with touch interfaces that don't blur the display (Sony), and an end to little joysticks or big ugly buttons for navigation. Retaining good battery life, but adding sharp, contrasty text, and the ability to display motion. An SDK and a developer community contributing new capabilities. Maybe it will be a razor-thin lightweight, iPaddish device that uses a form of e-ink. For now, I can live with my Kindle 2, but I can't shake the feeling it is a caveman device compared to what will be coming.

I have to say I agree with that as well.

Remember the Commodore and Atari camps - always arguing which one was better? I remember those days quite fondly. I have to say that was what really got computers off the ground, since it made it cheap enough for people to get computers into their homes.

The Kobo kind of feels that way to me, great price, lots of fun, good enough to do the job, but just the beginning of something much greater. Hope it plays out similiarly, the last ride was pretty good.

Verencat · 05-09-2010, 10:49 PM

I got my Kobo a couple hours ago, and I must say I like it very much. I use a Sony 500 usually, and this little wonder is half the weight and twice as clear as the Sony, which is much appreciated, as is the fact that I can only see the pixels when I hold the screen very close to my eyes. I must say that I think that the quotes that pop up on the screen when you are waiting to see the help page are *adorable*, almost like elevator music for the eyes!
I succesfully installed the Kobo and transfered pdf's on it, that display very well (I'm slightly techno-phobic, so it's close to a miracle

) but there's a few things that I haven't managed to do just yet - like uploading an e-pub file on it, but I'm assuming I'll figure out what I'm doing wrong in the upcoming days.

I really like this gadget!

Bittybye · 05-10-2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

Congrats! Glad you finally took the plunge!

As an entry-level, "it's just an e-reader, ma'am" device, Kobo does a good job. I like being able to easily read library books with it and I'm surprised how much I like the one-handed holding and corresponding super-light weight. As much as I love my Kindle 2, it is heavier (I leave it in the leather case) and hold it "like a book" ... the Kobo is like holding one half a book -- just the page I am reading.

I can see, over time, how a reader like the Kobo can thrive delivering just the basics. (There are a few glitches -- like the ePub font problem and lack of instructions on basics -- but these are minor and easily fixed.) Other devices -- perhaps a SuperKobo -- can step up with bells and whistles in the future. But simple -- just lemme read -- has a lot of merit!

Yeah, I'm hoping that eventually Kobo will release something with a few more bells and whistles, but really for reading the Kobo is great. I never needed (or wanted) Wifi.

The only thing they really need to do is get the font glitch fixed and maybe a little faster start up and page turn.

StealthyScribe · 05-11-2010, 12:15 AM

Just got my Kobo earlier this afternoon, and first impression is I love it. It feels great in my hands, the device is working well so far, aside from one font issue, which from what I read I'm not the only one having problems.

I downloaded the desktop app right away and since I've already purchased books from Kobo the were automatically added to my library of the 100 books. They books I've purchased though were not transfered to the reader itself, I had to use ADE to do that. So I did that and the books were successfully put onto the reader, but the font on the one book I'm trying to read is super tiny. The font adjustment doesn't work at all on the uploaded book.

Aside from going into the file and deleting certain file extentions and re-uploading it, is there any way to remedy this? I'm not tech-savvy enough to go into the file and start playing with it like that. Any suggestions?

Also...is any one else having this problem...? When I power down the reader it's displaying the wrong chapter information on it. For example, I'm on chapter one of the last book I'm reading, yet on the cover display it says Chapter 6 of 145. I also noticed this when I had to page through a book to remove it from my "I'm reading" list. I was flipping to the last chapter and the menu said it was two chapters before that, even though it wasn't.

malliemcg · 05-11-2010, 01:20 AM

Based on everything I've read on in this section, I'm hanging out for the 19th when it's said the Kobo will be launched through borders down here, lets hope that the AUD<->USD exchange rate is working favorably for me. A cheap, simple dedicated eBook reader, can't wait!

SensualPoet · 05-13-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StealthyScribe

They books I've purchased though were not transfered to the reader itself, I had to use ADE to do that. So I did that and the books were successfully put onto the reader, but the font on the one book I'm trying to read is super tiny. The font adjustment doesn't work at all on the uploaded book.

Aside from going into the file and deleting certain file extentions and re-uploading it, is there any way to remedy this? I'm not tech-savvy enough to go into the file and start playing with it like that. Any suggestions?

Yes -- wait a few days and read something else in the meantime. This is a known (and annoying) glitch and Kobo will fix it.

StealthyScribe · 05-13-2010, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

Yes -- wait a few days and read something else in the meantime. This is a known (and annoying) glitch and Kobo will fix it.

LOL...yup, did that until they emailed me and told me what to do to fix it.

Turt99 · 05-13-2010, 09:22 PM

Why are you not sharing the information?

05-08-2010, 08:34 AM	#35
dsuden Connoisseur Posts: 73 Karma: 120 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony Reader	Glad for cheaper product, but... I'm glad to see e-readers coming down in price. Frankly, they still seem a little high for what they can do. I've owned a couple e-readers now, a Sony and a Kindle, and IMO, the ideal book reader has yet to be invented. Right now we have a choice of e-ink, which is rather low-contrast, pale, and unresponsive, LCD, which is power hungry and hard on the eyes, or these odd new hybrids that try to marry the two. Reminds me of some of the weird hybrid computer technology we saw in the 80s. I rather suspect we're in the Commodore 64 era of e-readers right now, and that much clearer, faster, more responsive devices will eventually come, with touch interfaces that don't blur the display (Sony), and an end to little joysticks or big ugly buttons for navigation. Retaining good battery life, but adding sharp, contrasty text, and the ability to display motion. An SDK and a developer community contributing new capabilities. Maybe it will be a razor-thin lightweight, iPaddish device that uses a form of e-ink. For now, I can live with my Kindle 2, but I can't shake the feeling it is a caveman device compared to what will be coming. Last edited by dsuden; 05-08-2010 at 08:37 AM.

05-09-2010, 10:49 PM	#39
Verencat Wizard Posts: 2,615 Karma: 96491 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal, Qc Device: xxx	I got my Kobo a couple hours ago, and I must say I like it very much. I use a Sony 500 usually, and this little wonder is half the weight and twice as clear as the Sony, which is much appreciated, as is the fact that I can only see the pixels when I hold the screen very close to my eyes. I must say that I think that the quotes that pop up on the screen when you are waiting to see the help page are adorable, almost like elevator music for the eyes! I succesfully installed the Kobo and transfered pdf's on it, that display very well (I'm slightly techno-phobic, so it's close to a miracle ) but there's a few things that I haven't managed to do just yet - like uploading an e-pub file on it, but I'm assuming I'll figure out what I'm doing wrong in the upcoming days. I really like this gadget! Last edited by Verencat; 05-09-2010 at 10:53 PM.

05-11-2010, 12:15 AM	#41
StealthyScribe Feverish Posts: 70 Karma: 42 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alberta Device: Black Kobo	Just got my Kobo earlier this afternoon, and first impression is I love it. It feels great in my hands, the device is working well so far, aside from one font issue, which from what I read I'm not the only one having problems. I downloaded the desktop app right away and since I've already purchased books from Kobo the were automatically added to my library of the 100 books. They books I've purchased though were not transfered to the reader itself, I had to use ADE to do that. So I did that and the books were successfully put onto the reader, but the font on the one book I'm trying to read is super tiny. The font adjustment doesn't work at all on the uploaded book. Aside from going into the file and deleting certain file extentions and re-uploading it, is there any way to remedy this? I'm not tech-savvy enough to go into the file and start playing with it like that. Any suggestions? Also...is any one else having this problem...? When I power down the reader it's displaying the wrong chapter information on it. For example, I'm on chapter one of the last book I'm reading, yet on the cover display it says Chapter 6 of 145. I also noticed this when I had to page through a book to remove it from my "I'm reading" list. I was flipping to the last chapter and the menu said it was two chapters before that, even though it wasn't. Last edited by StealthyScribe; 05-11-2010 at 12:37 AM. Reason: Added another question.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New Calibre Kobo Driver allows deleting of Kobo Free books	timlegge	Kobo Reader	46	08-27-2011 10:16 PM
One Kobo eReader, two Kobo store accounts ?	yleibu	Kobo Reader	7	10-09-2010 05:27 PM
Over trying to manage Kobo reader with Kobo desktop. Some help with Calibre?	digital_steve	Calibre	14	09-18-2010 01:12 AM
B&N: ebook share bigger than print share	fjtorres	News	3	08-24-2010 03:20 PM
Over trying to manage Kobo reader with Kobo desktop. Some help with Calibre?	digital_steve	Kobo Reader	11	08-02-2010 10:31 PM

05-07-2010, 11:52 AM	#31
TallMomof2 Kindlephilia Posts: 2,017 Karma: 1139255 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Snowpacolypse 2010 Device: Too many to count	Literally everything you do leaves a footprint. Stay off the internet, don't have a credit card, don't use banks, don't use utilities and maybe you won't leave an electronic trace. Pay cash for everything. Live in a country with a government and they will have records such as driver's license, social security (in the US), income tax returns, voter registration records, vehicle licensing, etc. Like Dale said, there are records of everything you do using credit cards and loyalty programs. The big question is what the companies do with that information. At this point in time, I'd be more concerned about hackers and identity theft than government intrusion.

05-07-2010, 07:55 PM	#33
Bittybye Addict Posts: 262 Karma: 505124 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: PRS-T2	Well I've had my Kobo for 2 days now, and I have to say I'm very satisfied with it. I was nervous when I read about the small print. After seeing the print I'm OK with it. I would like to read in a larger font but it's very readable. I was thinking about using this until the Onyx 8 inch came out...not anymore. With easy converting of the books I already have and being about to buy from Kobo, I think I'll wait to buy another ebook read until they perfect and streamline the colour ebook readers. The only think I would really change about it is the blue button. I can't say I'm thrilled with it, but it's OK. Overall I love it. And I'm already planning on buying one for my mom for Christmas.

05-07-2010, 10:13 PM	#34
ficbot Wizard Posts: 2,409 Karma: 4132096 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: Kindle Paperwhite/iOS Kindle App	Update: I gave the Kobo to my mom and she LOVES it! Took it over for dinner tonight and let her play. We both hated the software. I had figured out how to remove books from the 'I'm Reading' list but not how to add them back on again. I set up an account for her to download freebies, and also set up an ADE account for her to use for downloading. She is still saying that she doesn't see why she has to learn how to use software because if she wants to read a new book, she'll just tell ME to buy it for her and then I can install it on the reader FOR her (Mom, it's not that hard, I promise!) but we'll get there, I think. I talked her through the basics of getting to the home screen, opening a book etc. and she finally declared that it was adorable, and she loves it! And then she asked about the name and I said it was the letters from 'book' but scrambled, and she thought that was just the most adorable thing.

05-11-2010, 01:20 AM	#42
malliemcg Member Posts: 19 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canberra, ACT. Device: iPhone, Kindle3-WiFi	Based on everything I've read on in this section, I'm hanging out for the 19th when it's said the Kobo will be launched through borders down here, lets hope that the AUD<->USD exchange rate is working favorably for me. A cheap, simple dedicated eBook reader, can't wait!

05-13-2010, 09:22 PM	#45
Turt99 Connoisseur Posts: 92 Karma: 14 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Why are you not sharing the information?