Thursday, June 27, 2013

Review: The Kobo Aura HD e-Reader

Kobo Aura HD
by Kobo
Website
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I recently had the opportunity to review the Kobo Aura HD reader, thanks to the wonderful people at Kobo! After using the device extensively, I finally feel ready to share my thoughts on the e-reader with you.

I am an extensive reader, and I read both physical books, as well as a few devices I read on. I have a Nook, Sony Reader, Kindle Fire HD, iPad and iPad mini.  A lot of the books that I read on these devices are usually e-Arcs from publishers, although I do purchase e-books from time to time.

One of the things I love most about the Aura is the simplicity of it. Yes, it can surf the web and even shop at the Kobo store. However, being an ADD poster-child with the attention span of a gnat, I find it refreshing to know that I can get on the Aura and do exactly what I want to do, read. I’m not distracted by apps and other sparkly things that grab my attention on the other devices. I LOVE this because I do have such a short attention span, it keeps me on track.

Besides the iPads and Kindle Fire’s that I have, the Aura is the first e-reader that I have had the pleasure of using that has a backlight.  I didn’t know what to expect from this, as sometimes the lighting on my other devices gives me terrible eye strain. However, the light on the Aura is very soft, and is adjustable for any time of day. I did not experience any eye strain while reading with the device.The screen on the Aura is very clear, and the HD makes the text sharp and readable.  I also love that I can take it outside, which I do a lot in the summertime, and there is no glare on the screen, unlike a few of my other devices. The shape of the device is also really well designed. The curved back feels just perfect when holding it in my hands.

The only con that I had with the Aura, was trying to read a PDF file galley on it. The type was really small, and I wasn’t able to zoom in and scroll at the same time. This is only a problem with PDF’s; it works beautifully with my EPUB books.

Overall, I really enjoyed reviewing this reader. While it’s been a while since I have had a standard e-reader, I found it very refreshing to read on. If you are looking for a simple reader to read your books on, this device is for you!

Happy Reading!

Do you have an e-reader? What kind do you have, and what are your thoughts on it??


Kobo Aura HD


Features:

Crisper. Bigger. Gorgeous.
ClarityScreen+ takes E Ink to the next level, making Kobo Aura HD the highest resolution* eReader at 1440 x 1080 and 265 dpi, with the most paper-like† E Ink display. The durable 6.8” reading surface is approximately 30% larger than other eReaders. Built-in ComfortLight is the most evenly lit front-light for a completely comfortable reading experience.

Feels like a book in your hand.
The back of Kobo Aura HD is elegantly designed to fit comfortably in your hand, like the spine of a physical book.

Never run out of reading material.
4 GB of built-in memory allows you to carry a library of up to 3,000 eBooks with you wherever you go. Store even more eBooks with a Micro SD card. With Wi Fi access to over millions of eBooks, your reading list can grow longer than ever before.

Tech Specs
  • 6.8" Custom WXGA+ Pearl E Ink Screen
  • ClarityScreen+: 265 dpi, 1440 x 1080 resolution
  • ComfortLight: Built-in front-light technology with coating for durability and even light distribution
  • Length: 175.7 millimeters, Width: 128.3 millimeters, Edge depth: 7 millimeters, Max Depth: 11.7 millimeters, Weight: 240g
  • 1 GHZ - 25% faster processor than other leading eReaders
  • 4 GB – Option to expand up to 32 GB with a Micro SD card
  • Wi Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Micro USB
  • Up to 2 months **
  • Espresso, Ivory, Onyx
(Features from Kobo.com)

Visit Kobo today for more information!


9 comments:

  1. I have a short attention span when there are too many distractions, too! Great, detailed review! I love my Kindle but it's old and I'll probably have to replace it soon...

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    1. Glad I'm not the only one with the short attention span! :)

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  2. I have Aura's brother/sister. I recently got the Kobo Glo and it's about the same. I love the background lighting like you and it's awesome to read without the glare in the sun :) I'm happy you like it!

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    1. The Glo looks really awesome as well! So glad you enjoy it!

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  3. I'll have to check this out if my Kindle goes out. Thanks for the breakdown. :)

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  4. Hehe short attention span of a gnat.. ditto, sister. I am so addicted to reading physical books that I still haven't caved and gotten an ereader. Yeah, I know... I'm one of THOSE kinds of readers lol! Maybe some day! Great review :)
    Shae @ Understanding Shae's Story

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  5. Great review. Perhaps if my Sony Reader kicks the bucket I will look into one of these. :)

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  6. How wonderful you got to review this :-) I read on my kindle through the day & tablet at night but it does cause eye strain so I'm pleased to see you weren't affected with the kobo.

    A great review! :-)

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  7. The Kobo Touch was (still is) my first eReader and I love it to death. When it finally dies on me, I doubt I'll stray away from the Kobo family actually because I find they're sturdy machines that know what they're for and do it well.

    I've been thinking about upgrading to one with a backlight. I've heard such great things about the Aura from so many people now, but I'm not sure I can justify paying the price for an Aura (akin to tablet prices) when the Glo is also on the market. Do you think it's worth the £140 price tag?

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Thanks for stopping by! :)