Aura H2O Considering switching to Kobo H20 from Paperwhite 2- advice needed!

[stutzj]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to get some advice/impressions and answers for a few questions I have from H20 owners. I'm deliberating between pulling the trigger on the Kobo H20, waiting a month or two for the Kobo Glo HD(I live in the US), or sticking with the Paperwhite for the time being.

I own a 2nd generation Paperwhite and for the most part am satisfied with it. However, I definitely am interested in a more customizable reading experience and a slightly higher resolution screen. Also, having been a Kindle 5(black) owner, I really miss the text feeling like it pops off the screen. The text feels a little buried under layers on my Paperwhite and I tried the Kindle Voyage but returned it due to the lighting and the text feeling like it was also buried under a thick pane of glass. They Voyage also seemed too expensive for what I got in the reader.

Since the H20 is a infrared touch screen, does the text seem buried in the same that the text on Paperwhite and other capacitive screens to be? Does the waterproofing affect the screen layers?

I'm considering the H20 over the Kobo Glo HD for several reasons:
1. The screen is bigger.
2. The difference in resolution does not seem that significant. They in fact have very similar resolution but the H20 has a slightly bigger screen.
3. micro sd slot on the H20
4. I read at the beach and like to camp so the waterproofing seems attractive. Not super important though, I generally consider the reading experience to be the most important factor in my decision.

Anyone want to make a case to hold out for the Glo HD? I know it isn't out yet but based on specs and video reviews can anyone add their 2 cents?

What case options would people recommend for the H20? I have a Omoton for my Paperwhite which I really love - super light weight and fits like a glove. I would love something comparable.

Does stripping DRM from kindle mobi files and loading them onto a Kobo device affect the formatting? I love the formatting on kindle books and it could be a deal breaker if the format does not transfer well. I have a TON of kindle books that I plan on using on a Kobo if I were to buy it.

I personally have no problem stripping the DRM since I have paid for and own the files. However if any admins have issues with me discussing DRM removal, feel free to let me know and I will edit this last part out of my post.

Not looking for this to turn into a Kindle vs Kobo argument They both seem to have their merits. I'm just looking for device I can enjoy reading on.

Any other impressions or experiences that could be provided to help with my decision would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by stutzj

Since the H20 is a infrared touch screen, does the text seem buried in the same that the text on Paperwhite and other capacitive screens to be? Does the waterproofing affect the screen layers?

The waterproofing does not affect the screen or screen layers in any way. It is a trap door over the USB port, uSD slot, and reset button as well as a seal around any point where water could get into the system. (The seals are not visible unless you open the case.) Since you mentioned using the reader outdoors, it is also handy for keeping dirt out of the USB port and uSD slot.

Does stripping DRM from kindle mobi files and loading them onto a Kobo device affect the formatting? I love the formatting on kindle books and it could be a deal breaker if the format does not transfer well.

As far as I can tell, not in any significant way. That said, I stopped buying ebooks from Amazon years ago so things may have changed.

[Canuck_in_Japan]

The case for the Glo HD is that it's much closer to your current paperwhite in terms of size and feel. But it's super cheap, it's got very high resolution and easier to hold than the H20. It's probably easier to find a decent case for a 6" reader. In all of my readers (5 so far) I have never used nor needed to use the SD card. I convert from Amazon to EPUB a lot and I don't notice any formatting problems. If you go camping then you probably don't need a waterproof reader. But if you're spending a lot of time near the water (canoeing/portaging) then it might be a good idea.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by stutzj

Hi Everyone,

I would like to get some advice/impressions and answers for a few questions I have from H20 owners. I'm deliberating between pulling the trigger on the Kobo H20, waiting a month or two for the Kobo Glo HD(I live in the US), or sticking with the Paperwhite for the time being.

I own a 2nd generation Paperwhite and for the most part am satisfied with it. However, I definitely am interested in a more customizable reading experience and a slightly higher resolution screen. Also, having been a Kindle 5(black) owner, I really miss the text feeling like it pops off the screen. The text feels a little buried under layers on my Paperwhite and I tried the Kindle Voyage but returned it due to the lighting and the text feeling like it was also buried under a thick pane of glass. They Voyage also seemed too expensive for what I got in the reader.

Since the H20 is a infrared touch screen, does the text seem buried in the same that the text on Paperwhite and other capacitive screens to be? Does the waterproofing affect the screen layers?

I'm considering the H20 over the Kobo Glo HD for several reasons:
1. The screen is bigger.
2. The difference in resolution does not seem that significant. They in fact have very similar resolution but the H20 has a slightly bigger screen.
3. micro sd slot on the H20
4. I read at the beach and like to camp so the waterproofing seems attractive. Not super important though, I generally consider the reading experience to be the most important factor in my decision.

Anyone want to make a case to hold out for the Glo HD?

I don't, since the Glo HD has the smaller screen, no microSD slot, and no waterproofing. I'm sure it's going to be a lovely device, but I don't see that it fulfils the things you particularly are looking for in a reader.

I've had no problem disinfecting/converting Kindle books thus far.

I love my H2O, it's a great device.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Canuck_in_Japan

The case for the Glo HD is that it's much closer to your current paperwhite in terms of size and feel. But it's super cheap, it's got very high resolution and easier to hold than the H20. It's probably easier to find a decent case for a 6" reader. In all of my readers (5 so far) I have never used nor needed to use the SD card. I convert from Amazon to EPUB a lot and I don't notice any formatting problems. If you go camping then you probably don't need a waterproof reader. But if you're spending a lot of time near the water (canoeing/portaging) then it might be a good idea.

I find the H2O very easy to hold. There are a number of good cases for the H2O. I have a Fintie case that I rather like.

[GeoffR]

Originally Posted by stutzj

Does stripping DRM from kindle mobi files and loading them onto a Kobo device affect the formatting? I love the formatting on kindle books and it could be a deal breaker if the format does not transfer well. I have a TON of kindle books that I plan on using on a Kobo if I were to buy it.

If you are asking about loading mobi files on the Kobo then it is possible, but don't expect good results, the mobi reader is very basic. You will get much better results by converting mobi to epub and reading the epubs instead.

[stutzj]

Thanks everybody! All of your feedback was very helpful. After giving it some good thought this weekend, I decided to go with the Kobo Glo HD. While I was interested in a bigger screen, I think ultimately I like the 6" form factor and light weight for traveling and reading for long periods of time. The videos I've seen have been very impressive - the screen looks really nice.

I preordered on Chapters and with the Canadian exchange rate and shipping it still comes under the price of the Paperwhite. I even will be in Montreal for vacation at the end of May so will be able to exchange it if I am more impressed when I check out the H20 at one of the stores in person.

[PeterT]

You might want to double check if you can exchange an online Chapters order in a physical store.

[stutzj]

Originally Posted by PeterT

You might want to double check if you can exchange an online Chapters order in a physical store.

Thanks - I verified that you can return an online order either by mail or at a store within 30 days with the original packaging and receipt.

[soulfuldog]

Hope you love your Glo HD when it comes, please do come back and give us your thoughts on how it compares to your PW2 (and your old K5).