Why is Kobo Going For Large Screen ONLY?

[Majorix]

They discontinued support for Mini, and even removed it from their product list on their homepage. I doubt they are still selling them.

And now they come up with a single device for 2014, which is a 6.8" larger device as we all know.

Why are they not releasing a 5" Aura Mini (which I would LOVE to see) or even a 6" device? Why not broaden your spectrum and satisfy a broader audience? I for one don't like carrying a larger device and my Mini is great for "on-the-go". Did the Mini not sell well? Or did the original 6" Aura sales not please Kobo? Or is there something I am missing?

EDIT: Don't get me wrong, I do love my Aura HD, just not as a lightweight, small device. And like I said, it would be better if they released other options for the different kinds of readers.

[robko]

No hard facts behind this, but from theoretically "informed" reports the Mini just didn't sell enough numbers to justify keeping it (and larger smart phones has also likely ate into the market for a small device for out and about). And from more official reports Kobo was floored by the demand for the Aura HD when it was released as a limited edition (which was why it became a regular item) and has continued selling well which is why we're seeing a new big device. It's unfortunate for those wanting a small device, but that's the business reality. And while the mini runs the "same" firmware as the other devices, it is just enough different (I believe the interface etc are different) that it would cost them for development time to keep it up to date on top of inventory costs for the devices.

[filmo]

I like my Mini and will buy another. I like Mini's simple touch interface.
Otherwise 5" screen PocketBook ereader would be my next choice.

[Josieb1]

The Aura is small enough to be close to the mini's size, especially in a slim third party case.

[paola]

Originally Posted by Josieb1

The Aura is small enough to be close to the mini's size, especially in a slim third party case.

yes, I think this is what does it: true, the Mini is really tiny, but the Aura is still e.g. the size of Pocketbook's 360, but with a 6" screen. It must be the smallest 6" around, and the H2O looks only marginally bigger than the Kindle paperwhite.

[RobertJSawyer]

I have heard from numerous Kobo employees and retailers that the Kobo Mini ONLY sold well when it was deeply discounted (such as when it was on sale for $49 in Canada); there simply wasn't a market for it at a profitable price, sad to say.

Kobo's E Ink product line consists of 6-inch and 6.8-inch devices, both of which sell well, with the 6-inch devices selling the most (and the 6-inch size is also the best-seller for their competitors).

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by RobertJSawyer

I have heard from numerous Kobo employees and retailers that the Kobo Mini ONLY sold well when it was deeply discounted (such as when it was on sale for $49 in Canada); there simply wasn't a market for it at a profitable price, sad to say.

Kobo's E Ink product line consists of 6-inch and 6.8-inch devices, both of which sell well, with the 6-inch devices selling the most (and the 6-inch size is also the best-seller for their competitors).

But there's a theory circulating amongst us that a Kobo Mini with a front light would be the sleeper of the year in sales.

I'd buy one.

[JSWolf]

Personally, I find a 5" eInk screen too small. One of the reasons I'm considering a Kobo Aura H2O is the higher resolution, the bigger screen, and the front light. Though I could do without the front light as the light I have for the T1 works quite well.

[dordale]

I have to say I love my Aura HD--love the screen size...but I also love my 5" Sony 350--it's just so portable--light weight and small in size. I don't mind reading on the 5" screen at all. If Kobo came out with a lighted mini reader, I'd be sorely tempted to add it to my reader lineup.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

But there's a theory circulating amongst us that a Kobo Mini with a front light would be the sleeper of the year in sales.

I'd buy one.

But would you buy it if it cost as much as a 6" device? A lot of 5" devices have been cheaper due to using lower specs or leaving things out (like the light) that the 6" units had.

I'm sure they'd sell some, but the question is would they sell enough if the price point was similar to a 6" version. As Robert pointed out, the Mini only sold well when they blew them out on discount at various times.

[booklover6]

I like the Mini, but since that is discontinued, I'd like to see an improved Aura. It is the perfect size, but I'd like to see it in higher definition. 300 PPI would be awesome.

[glos]

I used to read on an ipod touch and then got the aura hd, i'd buy the mini with light (for a reasonable price) immediately, as I miss the smaller screen... (event though i LOVE my HD).

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

But would you buy it if it cost as much as a 6" device? A lot of 5" devices have been cheaper due to using lower specs or leaving things out (like the light) that the 6" units had.

I'm sure they'd sell some, but the question is would they sell enough if the price point was similar to a 6" version. As Robert pointed out, the Mini only sold well when they blew them out on discount at various times.

I believe I would, since I would like to carry it with me on some outings at night.

Yes, I would buy one if it was around $129.

I think, however, a good break point would be $99.99

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I believe I would, since I would like to carry it with me on some outings at night.

Yes, I would buy one if it was around $129.

I think, however, a good break point would be $99.99

A smaller Kobo than the HD, with Carta Screen, under $150, sign me up! I do prefer a smaller size.

[Anak]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Personally, I find a 5" eInk screen too small. One of the reasons I'm considering a Kobo Aura H2O is the higher resolution, the bigger screen, and the front light. Though I could do without the front light as the light I have for the T1 works quite well.

That raises another question: would a reader without front light sell (enough to be profitable)?
It seems to me that a 5" only sells when it is considerably cheaper than 6" readers, if not most customers bought a 6".
IMO, the same logic can be applied for readers with or without front light. Most customers expect to pay less for a reader without light.

I have no idea how well Sonys T3 sells but my guess would be that readers with front light sell better these days.