It’s no secret that I’ve been a Kobo fanatic since I got my first e-reader three years ago. I haven’t given up on my paper books (for me the ultimate retail therapy experience is a new book, a new lipstick and a new pair of shoes), but I swear having a Kobo during my crowded Toronto subway commute every single day has been life changing. I haven’t had the urge to rip a fellow commuter’s head off in ages.
There are many e-readers out there, but I do love my Kobo. First, the company started in Canada in 2009 (and is now available in over 190 countries); my national pride roots for my home and native land. The Kobo bookstore has over 3 million ebooks (including 1 million free titles). Finally, their “Read Freely Guarantee” allows you to read your ebooks across all of your devices with the Kobo apps. All good reasons to join the Kobo family of readers.
Next month, the Kobo family expands with three brands new products, and recently I was invited to a launch event where I got to see and play on them. Here’s the lowdown on the new additions.
KoboGlo is for the reader who does as much of her reading at night as she does in the day. This Kobo is illuminated by a front-lit, even, adjustable glow so you can read all night. It’s priced at $129.99 and is available in four colours.
KoboMini is going to be a hit with the tweens and the men, I expect. Think of this one as the iPod shuffle of the family. It’s the world’s lightest e-reader, but it’s got all of the features you expect, including storage for up to 1,000 ebooks, customizable fonts and built-in wifi for shopping wherever you are. At just 5″, it will fit in your teen’s knapsack or your husband’s suit pocket. Priced at just $79.99 I expect this to be a big holiday gift pick.
KoboArc Put this one on your own holiday list. It’s for readers who want to do so much more; it’s a tablet that allows you to surf the internet, check your email, watch a movie and play your favourite games…oh, and read even more as the Discovery Ribbon fills up with personal recommendations based on the ebooks, magazines, music and movies you’ve already collected. The new Tapestries is one of the most personalized and simple interfaces I’ve ever seen. The KoboArc will be available in either 8 GB or 16 GB models.
Left to right, that’s the KoboMini, KoboGlo, KoboTouch and KoboArc in this family photo.
The KoboGlo and KoboMini will be in Indigo, Future Shop and Best Buy stores across the country on October 1. The KoboArc launches in mid-November.