The new Kobo Aura HD reader is positioned as a premium e-ink reader. The manufacturer goes so far as calling it the Porsche of e-ink readers. According to the reviewers, this claim is largely met.
Rather than attempting to undercut Amazon on price, Kobo chose to provide deluxe features. The display is a large 6.8" screen and it features a 265 dpi display. At 1440 x 1080, it is the classic aspect ratio of 4:3. Before buying, check out the pricing and availability of books that you like. Some reviewers commented that Kobo's store has higher prices and a smaller selection than Amazon's selection.
The Good: Larger size, high resolution display; ergonomic details and build quality; supports EPUB format and Adobe DRM.
The Bad: More expensive than Kindle's e-ink readers; e-ink is not competitive with a tablet display and it is not good as a general purpose web browser; Kobo's store may not have some titles that you want.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Richard Goodwin, Know Your MobileThe Kobo Aura HD is the best eReader on the market. It’s got the best display by far, and also the best ergonomic design. We love this thing, and so will you. The Aura HD will make for a perfect gift this Xmas
- Agnieszka Tarkowska, Tech AdvisorAlthough rather plasticky just like the Amazon Kindle, the Kobo Aura HD felt to us like a better quality product – even with all the snags and problems we experienced getting our own books onto it. In the end comfort of reading is what e-readers are also all about, and this device can provide...
- K. T. Bradford, Digital TrendsFor a product that’s being pushed as premium it’s surprising that the design doesn’t have more premium elements.
- Lee Bell, The InquirerThe Kobo Aura HD is by far one of the best ereaders we have used. Text is generally clean without pixilation and appears sharp and clean both in standard and backlit modes, making it pleasing to read.Kobo's claims that page turns are 20 percent faster on the Aura HD do seem correct, as swiping from...
- Laura Hazard Owen, GigaOMKobo says the Aura is aimed at avid readers who aren’t particularly price-sensitive, but even those who don’t care that this device is $40 more than the Glo shouldn’t automatically trade up: The Aura’s added bulk is not a luxury feature.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Kobo Aura HD Quick Start Guide (PDF)
- Kobo Aura HD Manual (PDF)
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.