Forma New Kobo reader: The Forma/Shape

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by Mrs_Often

I realised I was assuming something: ...landscape mode means two-page view, right?

Apparently not:
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/techc...ium-price/amp/



(...the bold: ...eh???)

Honestly, it never crossed my mind that anyone would assume that. Landscope mode has been out for years in E-readers and phones but I've never seen a split-page feature by default. I can't even stand reading side-by-side with Word on the computer, the flat screen effect with multiple pages is difficult. I'm sure they is a small group who could do this, mainly only with huge screens, so the mileage may vary.

Either way this one is working as advertised - Landscape mode - so I'm surprised the article writer thinks Landscape mode means something else. It's definitely not a new thing. Still, maybe Kobo will listen and add that option for those who want it, wouldn't hurt.

[sawdin2]

Originally Posted by davidfor

The firmware will be the same as that currently available for the Aura ONE. It will be an updated version, but only to add support for the hardware in this device and landscape mode. Everything else about how it works will be the same. There might be a firmware release for the other devices when the Forma is released, but, I expect Kobo to wait a month or so before releasing an update.

If you are basing the decision on the firmware on the Aura ONE at release time, there have been a lot of changes. Overall the performance is better. The speed of page turns has improved, and other functions have been added or improved.

The only other performance consideration is the hardware. I don't think I've seen any mention of the CPU or RAM in the Forma. I'm expecting it to be the same as in the Clara HD and the updated versions of the Aura H2O2 and Aura Edition 2. These should be faster than the CPU in the Aura ONE, but I haven't seen any real reports of the difference. I can't say I've seen a real difference between my Clara HD and Glo HD.

And for those who are going to ask, you should not expect to see landscape mode in the other devices any time soon.

FWIW, Good E-Reader stated the specs as follows:
"It is powered by a Freescale IMX6 Solo Lite 1 GHZ processor. It has 512MB of RAM and has two different storage options, 8GB and 32GB. It does not have an SD card."

I'll believe those are the same as the KA1. We'll know soon enough what the specs are as I assume that Nate, and others, will include that in upcoming reviews.

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by sawdin2

FWIW, Good E-Reader stated the specs as follows:
"It is powered by a Freescale IMX6 Solo Lite 1 GHZ processor. It has 512MB of RAM and has two different storage options, 8GB and 32GB. It does not have an SD card."

I'll believe those are the same as the KA1. We'll know soon enough what the specs are as I assume that Nate, and others, will include that in upcoming reviews.

I have asked the right people, and I was right. The Forma has the i.MX 6SLL. That will be a 1GHz processor with 512MB. As stated, this is in the newer Kobo devices. It should be faster, but I don't know by how much.

[ps67]

Originally Posted by Mrs_Often

I realised I was assuming something: ...landscape mode means two-page view, right?

On KA1 if you set font very very small on epub (unreadable) you have 2 columns.

I do not like reading on landscape but if there was such option, 2 columns on landscape (not only with very small font), somebody could like it.

[lkmiller]

Originally Posted by Dirk-71

Backside slippery, inconvenient placement of power button, only 8GB internal storage (not extendable)....as the device seems to be good for Comics/Mangas, it should have a bigger storage, at least 32 GB.

I doubt the Forma will be successful.

First two objections are things I don't like about the Oasis 2. Forma looks to be an improvement on both of those for me. Plus, a larger screen. I don't need more storage, but one with 32 GB will be available.

[Barbara1955]

https://us.kobobooks.com/products/ko...campaign=Forma

Oct 16th that's quick ....

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by Nate the great

There's just a single column of text in landscape mode.

I agree, it should have two columns.

Try reducing the font size. On my KA1 in portrait mode, going to the flyspeck font sizes triggers a two column mode.

[RobertJSawyer]

Lynx-lynx, I feel your pain. But, remember, the Kobo pricing is not in isolation. You Down Under pay WAAAAAY more for paper books than we do in North America.

Best wishes, my Commonwealth compadre.

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by Lynx-lynx

Whilst I appreciate your viewpoint, it is yet again ridiculous that Australians, and no doubt New Zealanders, will be paying over the top for the device compared to say Canada, where the CAD is relatively approx the same as the AUD. And the Forma sale price for Canada, according to the kobo CA website is: $299.99.
(how outrageous that we suffer such a huge impost and are asked to pay aud429. 95!!!)

Don't feel too persecuted, Lynx-lynx! At today's exchange rate 430AUD is equivalent to 231.22GBP. We in the UK are going to be charged 240GBP (includes 20% VAT) for the new Forma.

[bonnerable]

I'll wait for the reviews regarding one hand reading experience, especially while lying on your back and the device over your face.

Still hoping for a kobo mini 2 with comfortlight and page turn buttons. Lol

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by bonnerable

I'll wait for the reviews regarding one hand reading experience, especially while lying on your back and the device over your face.

I wouldn't even consider a screen this big for bedtime reading. Even 6" screens pack a nerve-jangling punch when they hit you on the nose as you drift off

[kyôdai]

I made some size comparisons with other 8"-ish Readers and the Kindle Oasis.

[Lynx-lynx]

Originally Posted by jackie_w

Don't feel too persecuted, Lynx-lynx! At today's exchange rate 430AUD is equivalent to 231.22GBP. We in the UK are going to be charged 240GBP (includes 20% VAT) for the new Forma.

Dreadful! It's such a huge opportunity cost loss for kobo when they over charge for their ereaders, that is opportunity cost loss for all the ebooks that could have been purchased from their store instead ....


Not to mention that if someone favours reading, and regards that as the priority, they'll say bugger you to kobo and not update their ereader, eh (and after all, Amazon ebooks are quite often cheaper than Kobo and very easy to to reformat the font )

[BadBilly]

Originally Posted by hap124

I am not going to argue with you, which is clearly what you want with the rude and dismissive "LOL" and challenge. If you want to ask people legitimate questions and have a discussion that isn't the way to do it. Your way is far too common online anymore. Not playing.

I agree that there is just too much immature behaviour online. There's all kinds, that's for sure. What bugs me is when people get bent out of shape when you suggest their poorly expressed opinions don't make much sense.

[Lynx-lynx]

Originally Posted by RobertJSawyer

Lynx-lynx, I feel your pain. But, remember, the Kobo pricing is not in isolation. You Down Under pay WAAAAAY more for paper books than we do in North America.

Best wishes, my Commonwealth compadre.

Funny you should mention that, i've never really bought fiction paper books, I've always only read from a very good public library. And a bulk of my non fiction paper books travel from the English store Book Depository (with free postage )