Borders unveils updated Kobo eReader with Wi-Fi

[dmacmart]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20017975-1.html

(also offered in Canada for $149)

... On the outside, the new model looks almost identical to the older model, but it has a better screen, a faster processor, and offers longer battery life. While the screen is a definite step up, it doesn't appear that it's E-Ink next-generation Pearl display that's currently featured in the Kindle and new Sony Readers.

Here are the key specs:

* Price: $139.99
* 6-inch screen
* Weighs 7 ounces
* Built in Wi-Fi (802.11g)
* Faster processor makes turning pages over 2.5X times faster
* Sharper E-Ink screen (16-grayscale)
* Longer battery life: up to 10,000 page turns on a single charge (with the wireless setting turned off)
* 1GB of built-in memory stores up 1000 eBooks
* Expansion slot for SD card (store up to 5000 eBooks)
* Built-in dictionary
* Available in three colors (black, silver, and lavender)
* Support for ePub and PDF files
* 100 free classics and Poker game pre-loaded onto device
* Ships at the end of October (available for preorder now).

[sabredog]

Not bad at all.

I wonder what the retail price in Australia will be?

[viviena]

Originally Posted by dmacmart

* 100 free classics and Poker game pre-loaded onto device

They've taken the easter egg and turned it into a full-fledged feature!

The new model sounds pretty good though. I'm glad Kobo's decided to stick it out in the ereader market. I just hope there's a timely release of the next firmware for owners of the original Kobo...

[Solicitous]

Originally Posted by sabredog

Not bad at all.

I wonder what the retail price in Australia will be?

Well I would imagine that seeings as the original Kobo was $149US and was $199AUS, I would say somewhere between $190-199AUS.

Good to see Kobo moving forward with the product.

Forgot to add, looks like they did away with the bluetooth. Not sure what processor they would put in it, same as the Kindle? 532mhz?

[SensualPoet]

There's also no evidence that Kobo will have two models: with and without wifi. This is a replacement model form what I can see.

Kobo is pursuing a different device strategy than Nook or Sony: in addition to its own eink reader, it has puts its software on other devices like the colour Literati at $159. With wifi, it not only allows for instant download of purchases, it enables bookmark linking across all devices. It already has Kobo apps on Samsung Android phones and Tablet, on Blackberry, Blackberry Playbook, iPhone and iPad.

[Logseman]

If I recall correctly, Kobo sported a Vizplex eInk screen. If the screen is improved, yet they don't use Pearl, what kind of tech are they using then?

[sabredog]

Hmmmm, I was thinking about a K3 or PRS-650 but I might wait and upgrade my Ko1 to a Ko2!

[SensualPoet]

I’m not suggesting this thing is better than sliced bread. But it does provide a different user experience than Kindle, Nook and Sony and at the low end price point. It definitely stays in the running.

Kobo isn’t Kindle — by focusing on so-called “open” ePub, it provides a solid alternative to Kindle and access to library books. And the Kobo bookstore has “localised” content for US, UK, NZ, Australia and Canadian markets.

Kobo isn’t Nook — it is sold outside the US and by leading bookstore partners in major english-speaking markets. Nor is Kobo aimed at the “let’s root this device” market: it’s for folks who want to use it as is right out of the box.

And Kobo certainly isn’t Sony. Yes, it lacks a touch screeen but it has wifi content delivery and syncing across multiple devices and platforms … at considerably lower price.

The US$139 Kobo wifi brings a different value proposition to the market and clear differences between it and leading competitors in and out of the US market.

Kobo's performance is impressive: it's only been in the US market since mid-June -- less than four months -- and has already demonstrated it has a broader vision than some other players. Bravo, Kobo!

[TheJohnNewton]

If it has the pearl screen it's a contender for my next ereader, if not then I'd rather go for a Sony. I guess if you were looking for a cheap ereader that's not tied to Amazon it would be a possible choice.

[pholy]

Nate said this Kobo design pre-dates the Pearl screen rollout, so it's likely an improved Visplex driver.
On the other hand, I looked at a Sony 650 Sunday afternoon: Side-by-side with my old 6" BeBook, I didn't see any real difference! So more investigation is in order - I had planned on buying the Sony, but was disappointed by what I saw.
So I'll wait until I can look at a Kobo in a store.

[Falcao]

Does Kobo has landscape mode?

[boswd]

Originally Posted by TheJohnNewton

If it has the pearl screen it's a contender for my next ereader, if not then I'd rather go for a Sony. I guess if you were looking for a cheap ereader that's not tied to Amazon it would be a possible choice.

If the screen can at least match the contrast of the Nook then it not having the new Pearl screen isn't a huge loss. Though the new pearl screen is a bit better than the nook, it's not head and shoulders or as remarkable as you may think it is.


Overall I would still recommend the nook wi fi simply because I love the color lcd screen of the nook but if it's not for you than this IMHO tops the Kindle wi fi. It's cleaner and sleaker looking, epub/checking out books from your local library. And plus the Borders/Kobo bookstore platform is not too shabby at all.

If this comes back with positive reviews, then this could be a nice contender. Certainly more attractive than the Kindle wi fi, size, weight, and feel.

[dmacmart]

Originally Posted by Falcao

Does Kobo has landscape mode?

On the Kobo 1, you can display PDF in landscape mode, but not ePubs. There should of course be new software with the new reader.

[TheJohnNewton]

Boswd - I've seen the new Kindle (with pearl screen) at a few stores. I thought the new screen was vastly better.

[Pookeysgirl]

Have any of you seen what the wi-fi is for? Is it strictly for downloading books or can you browse the web?