Borders to release Kobo e-reader
It seems that every company wants to release an e-reader these days, and if you are already a bookseller, it seems mandatory. So it is no great surprise that the Borders chain has announced its own device, but it’s the pricing where this gets interesting.
The new Kobo e-reader from Borders has a lot going for it to be sure, but the price point of $149.99 is definitely going to set it apart from the pack. Both Amazon’s Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook are still up at the $249 price range, and with the Apple iPad nipping at everyone’s heals at $499 with its multiple bookstores, color screen and other features, an economically priced e-reader may find itself slipping into the market with a fair amount of ease.
The Kobo isn’t going to break any new ground with its features, but it does have all of the basics that you’ll want.
- E-ink display
- Flexible font size
- 1 GB of memory (approx. 1,000 books)
- Comes with 100 classic books pre-loaded
- Measures 4.7 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
- Weighs 8 ounces
- Organize books in a manner that suits you
- BlueTooth connectivity
- Quilted back for a textured feeling
- PDF support so you can read graphic works like Manga and graphic novels
- Two-week battery life
The biggest drawback appears you need to connect to your computer or cell phone to download any new titles to the e-reader, so that may be a bit cumbersome, and you won’t be able to buy books on the fly.
At $149 dollars, though, it may be the perfect choice for the more budget minded book readers out there who have been reluctant to give an e-reader a try due to the financial barrier to getting one.
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