In Tabletzona we usually talk about tablets, their applications and accessories, but from time to time we make room for other devices that have to do with sharing software, touch control or format. Today we want to talk to you about e-readers, e-book readers. Specifically, we want to comment on the growing offer of a brand that is growing strongly and well, especially in the United States but little by little in Europe. We talk about Kobo, that with the recent Kobo Aura HD launch Look the Amazon Kindle straight in the eye and puff out your chest for a fight.
The Amazon reader is today the king among these types of devices but the format was originally put into circulation by Sony with Librie in 2004, being the forerunner of its popular Reader. Kindle didn't come out until 2007. The format has greatly influenced what tablets are today, and its more eye-friendly e-ink technology could one day make its way onto all kinds of mobile devices with built-in color.
Kobo is a Canadian company that has been launching readers since 2010. It started with a homonymous device whose commitment was minimalism and a better price than its competitors. Another competitive difference compared to Amazon is that it accepted the ePub open format. As well we can read PDF format.
Its relationship with publishers has been friendlier than that of its competitor and they have achieved an equally extensive library with three million books in many languages and, in addition, with more free titles, up to a million. Two years later the company has 4 models for sale, all of them with connection by WiFi and touch control. Internet access allows us to go to your store where we can buy books and subscriptions to magazines and newspapers. From there we can decide to download them at any time. By having applications for iOS y Android we access our collection from your mobile or tablet, Like from the computer.
Let us then proceed to review the readers.
Kobo AuraHD
The most recent to be sold in a limited edition for $ 169. This is best e-reader From the market, with the strongest and most durable screen, after being highly tested. This has a size of 6,8 inches with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 pixels that gives you the highest definition in readers, 265 ppi. Its 1 GHz processor makes it really fast and responsive. Unfortunately we will not be able to have it in Spain and its circulation, as indicated, has been reduced. However, Aura HD is just the spearhead given that we have other really attractive models from the company.
Kobo Globe
We are facing a really minimalist design with the advantage of having a touch screen adjustable backlight to be able to read in any light situation. It comes in five colors: white, black, silver, pink, and blue. It has a price of 129,99 Euros. Its rival would be the Kindle Paper White with an identical price but with a more harmful lighting technology for your eyes. It is true that the 3G version of the Amazon for 189 euros has no parallel in the Canadian brand.
KoboTouch
In it we have an equally minimalist reader and also with the option of being able to control it through touch gestures. You will have to put the light on. That's why it only costs 99,99 Euros. Its rival would be the Kindle, which with a lower price of 79 euros lacks touch control.
kobomini
My favourite. The idea of a reader is to be able to carry many books in a smaller and lighter device. This is what this device gives you fits in a trouser or shirt pocket. With only 5 inches of screen and 135 grams, it has the same proportions as a mobile or a wallet and has only 4 mm of thickness. Is the smallest and lightest on the market. Still it is equally tactile. Its capacity to store books is not as great as that of its older brothers. All devices have 2 GB of internal memory expandable 32 GB more by SD. In the case of the Kobo mini we do not have the slot for this card but 2 GB gives us for thousands of books.
It comes in 2 colors, black and white, but covers can be purchased that add gray, pink, and blue to the mix. It has a price of 75,90 Euros that make it really attractive.
As you can see, this company does things well. It still does not have a large distribution in Spain and that is why we have not been able to test its interesting tablet on Kobo-Arc. Maybe his second generation.