Evaluation of the Connect-enabled Kobo E-book Reader
Introducing the Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader: A Significant Upgrade from the Original Kobo E-Reader
The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader, similar to the Kobo Clara BW, has hit the market, offering a host of improvements over its predecessor, the Kobo E-Reader.
Display
One of the most notable enhancements is the display. The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader boasts a 6-inch glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD touchscreen with a resolution of 1448 x 1072. This upgrade results in faster page turns, deeper contrast, and the addition of a Dark Mode for night reading, a significant improvement over the basic E Ink screen found on the original Kobo E-Reader.
Waterproofing and Lighting
Another significant improvement is the full waterproof protection (IPX8 rated), which allows use at the beach or bath without damage. The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader also features ComfortLight PRO technology, enabling adjustable color temperature and blue light filtering for comfortable nighttime reading.
Storage and Connectivity
The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader offers increased onboard storage of 16GB, allowing you to store roughly 12,000 eBooks or 75 audiobooks. Enhanced WiFi (dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth support enable audiobook playback and wireless capabilities, features not present in the original Kobo E-Reader.
Battery Life and Eco-friendly Design
Weeks-long battery life has been maintained or improved, alongside faster performance with a 1.0 GHz CPU versus older, slower processors in early models. The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader also uses recycled plastics for its exterior and is designed to be repairable, targeting sustainability not emphasized in the original release.
File Handling
Though limited cloud file transfer support compared to premium models, the entry-level models like Kobo Clara BW offer sideloading ease.
Retail Presence and Additional Features
The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader is available in Chapters/Indigo locations, as well as Whitcoulls, and has a strong retail presence in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. The device comes in four colours: Onyx, Silver, White, and Lilac. It also comes with an integrated Websters Dictionary and allows users to purchase ebooks directly from the device, with access to a library of over 2.2 million ebooks.
In summary, the Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader offers major advances in screen technology, waterproofing, lighting, storage, connectivity (Bluetooth), and sustainability compared to the original Kobo E-Reader, providing a more versatile, durable, and comfortable reading experience.
- The Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader, with its boasted 6-inch E Ink Carta 1300 HD touchscreen, offers a significant improvement in screen resolution (1448 x 1072) over the original Kobo E-Reader, resulting in faster page turns and better contrast.
- In addition to the improved screen technology, the Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader also showcases increased onboard storage (16GB) compared to the original Kobo E-Reader, capable of storing roughly 12,000 eBooks or 75 audiobooks.
- Furthermore, the Kobo Wireless WiFi e-Reader has a longer battery life or comparable weeks-long battery life, while also being designed with a focus on sustainability using recycled plastics for its exterior and being repairable.
