Fathers Day Gift Selection
eReaders are often overlooked with the market set ablaze with tablets, but one important factor is left out. Tablets are general tools that are meant to operate a broad set of tasks, while the main focus of an eReader is to display text based content to you! As a result, devices such as the Kobo Aura HD are able to refine the capabilities in fine detail so they make your experience perfect. With this in mind, Kobo has packed many features inside this device.Disclosure: I received this item for the purpose of a review. All opinions are 100% my own. I was not compensated for this review. Your opinion may vary from mine.
Let us take a look inside of what this unit has to offer from technical specifications, and compare it to its younger brother the Kobo Glo.
| Kobo Glo | Kobo Aura HD | |
| Size & Weight | 4.5"x6.2"x0.4" 6.5 oz | 6.91"x5.05"x0.46" 8.4658 oz |
| Processor | 1 GHz | 1 GHz |
| Display | 6" XGA Touch screen | 6.8" WXGA+ Touch screen |
| Resolution | 1024 x 758 | 1440 x 1080 |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n & MicroUSB | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n & MicroUSB |
| Storage | 2 GB* Option to expand up to 32 GB with MicroSD Card | 4 GB Option to expand up to 32 GB wih MicroSD Card |
| Battery Life | Over 1 month with WiFi Off** Up to 70 hours of continuous usage with ComfortLight on*** | Up to 2 Months**** |
| File Types | EPUB, PDF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, TXT, (X)HTML, RTF, CBZ, CBR | eBooks: EPUB, PDF, and MOBI Images: JPEG, GIF, PNG, and TIFF Text: TXT, HTML, XHTML, RTF Comic Books: CBZ and CBR |
*1 GB available to store content (over 1,000 eBooks).
**Battery life is measured with Wi-Fi turned off.
***Actual results are based on individual usage and may vary.
****Based on 30 minutes of reading a day. Varies according to individual use.
Unlike some other manufacturer’s eReaders, this device brings interactivity and connectivity to the internet and social media. Sharing to what you are reading to Facebook to let your friends know what you are reading and gives you a space to place your comments on your “wall”. Since you have wireless connectivity to your router, you are able to post whenever you would like. In addition, you can connect to the internet with the experimental web browser that is included within.**Battery life is measured with Wi-Fi turned off.
***Actual results are based on individual usage and may vary.
****Based on 30 minutes of reading a day. Varies according to individual use.
Students from elementary school to college, or even self-learners may find this device extremely helpful as several features can assist with the learning process. Built into the device is the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate® dictionary that can assist with comprehension of the context. As well, the ability to use a “highlighter” can assist you to separate important information as you are reading through. Lastly, one can place notes on an area to help accentuate thoughts or additional context as you read through the information.
Intuitive features provide a high level of fluidity as the device is being utilized. These include turning pages by either a swipe, such as you are reading a paper book or simply tapping to change the page. In PDF files, you can simple double-tap to zoom into the page for a higher level of detail. Predictive searching feature assists you when you are looking for specific items so you do not have to input the entire name. Lastly, you can personalize your library to suit your needs.
Extra features are not enough to make an eReader great, the performance and overall experience of the product that affects our judgment of the product. Fortunately, Kobo did not fail to deliver in this area either. With the 1 GHz processor, there is no hang time when you are trying to manipulate menus or switch pages. The adjustable backlight allows you to read in the dark without the light being too light or dark which can greatly affect the quickness your eyes fatigue. As previously mentioned, the resolution of this device is wonderful which couples with the backlight to allow long reading with eye strain. Lastly, you can change fonts to assist with reading or just to suit your personal style. Every thought was placed into this unit to ensure the needs of the reader are met.
When you get tired of reading the Kobo offers you several options as well. Two preloaded games include chess and the ever popular Sudoku. An experimental browser is installed so you can check out the latest news, or browse the web through your wireless (Wi-Fi) connection.
You can get books through several ways, and they all do not cost money. Kobo does provide an expansive book store that you can purchase the latest eBooks, magazines, and comic books. In addition, you can download and read PDF files that are freely available on the internet. It is important to make sure that the file you are downloading is legal and freely available to the public of course! Lastly, in a lot of areas you can go down to the local library and borrow eBooks for free! In fact, Kobo’s book store offers millions of free eBooks at the time of writing.
Overall, I must say that I am very impressed. The unit has a solid feel to it and is very responsive. The screen is my favorite feature since my eyes are getting older and cannot see as well as I used too. I am able to read it quite well for longer periods of time of that of standard print text. The software that comes with it is very easy to use, and is quite intuitive. As a result, setup takes almost no time at all.
You can purchase this device at Kobo.com in their online store.
