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Company: Kobo |
In the world of portable devices, multi functionality is the norm. With mobile phones functioning like miniature computers, what were once single function devices are finding themselves moonlighting performing functions sometimes unrelated to their original intention.
For the Kobo eBook Reader, attempting to do a myriad of things is not part of the philosophy behind the device. There is a definite focus. This eReader is about reading only and it makes no bones about that primary function.
The new wave of E Readers are increasingly encroaching on the territory reserved by touch screens. Adding color displays, sound, images and actual applications, the line that separates E Readers from touchscreens is starting to blur a bit.
Convenience, size, portability and cost are all characteristics that enhance ease of use, desirability and function. The more you can pack into one device, the less need there is for specific ones designed for specialized functions. But, there is a price for this in some instances.
The cost paid for a device that exceeds its grasp is that quality can take a huge hit. Other areas impacted include user-friendliness and the learning curve, which usually becomes a lot steeper the more complex a device becomes.
Taking the less is more stance, the Kobo reader is centered on reading books with few extras.
While the latest incarnation includes WiFi, interestingly enough the Kobo does not have a Web browser included. Online access is strictly for purchasing books from Borders Books.
With USB connectivity included, with a PC or Mac, you can download content from other providers. The Kobo supports ePUB (short for Electronic Publishing), which is increasingly becoming a standard that many libraries support, including the Phoenix Public Library, and Adobe’s digital rights management software, compatibility with other eBook providers is possible.
Another advantage that the Kobo has over other readers is a diminutive size; it is smaller than the other mainstream devices and weighs a bit less. Measuring 120 mm by 184 mm and 10 mm thick, its 121 grams weight places it on a slightly more diminutive size that others, particularly considering the color eReaders, which tend to be larger.
Internal memory is set at one gigabyte, but it can be expanded via SD cards allowing for unlimited storage, provided you do not mind obtaining more external media. The display is an E ink display with 16 levels of grayscale.
If reading extensive text on a PC screen causes you considerable eye fatigue – the E reader’s screen makes this a thing of the past. Reading is now more in line with the traditional book experience.
The Kobo is one of the less expensive of the better known readers coming in at $139.00(in some instances as low as $129.00).
If games, music or not talking are essential to you, the Kobo may not be an ideal fit. Beyond the essentials needed to download, store and read a book, there is little there aside from functions related directly to reading.
The lack of extras can be seen as an advantage. With less around, you are far more likely to read than becoming distracted, and that means more storage for more books and less that can conceivable go wrong since it is very basic in comparison to other readers in its class.
Another differing feature is that the Kobo comes preloaded with 100 titles. While this may seem like an obvious, most readers may throw in a few books. Here you are gaining a mini classics library simply for the cost of admission.
Minus the bells and whistles of other readers, by focusing on just one function, and eliminating many others, learning to operate the device is an intuitive process. With a few key buttons, and a small pad to move forward, backwards and sideways, navigating is a basic process that requires just a few moments to be conversant.
The only real downsides with the Kobo are the lack of note taking, the lack of a browser and no way to have it read back documents enclosed or listen to music while reading. If you like those niceties, the Kobo may be too basic.
On the flip side, with fewer devices, and fewer features, you are looking at a much more intuitive device to use than most. The elegant menu system, ease of use and the connectivity to libraries and Borders Books, are solid. While you may be losing features, you also gain a smaller device to handle, easier interface, interoperability with other ebook distributors and a smaller price point.
As an alternative to other better known readers, and the inclusion of 100 books to get started, there is precious little to dislike about this very capable and user-friendly reader.
Kobo Specificiations:
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