Kobo Reader WiFi Introduced
0
A couple of years ago, e-reader manufacturers could get away with e-readers that did not offer any internet connectivity feature. That is not going to cut in this day and age. With Kindle, nook, and many other e-readers offering WiFi and 3G support, those devices that do not, at least, offer WiFi will get left behind. We can now count the new Kobo Reader among e-readers that offer WiFi capability. Borders will be releasing a new model of Kobo that will have a better processor, faster page turns, more color options, and WiFi.
Borders’ new Kobo Wireless eReader comes with a built-in wireless connection, upgraded hardware in three new colors and a new processor that drives faster page turns. Just .4 inches thick and 7.8 grams, the lightweight eReader is available in three sleek color combinations: onyx, porcelain with a metallic silver back and porcelain with a pearlized lilac back.
The new Kobo Wireless eReader allows consumers to browse more than 1.5 million books in the Borders eBook store and update their digital library wirelessly, directly from the eReader device, a smartphone or the Borders Desktop Application. With the intuitive control pad and a built-in library-management system, customers can easily navigate and organize their library by title, date last read and author. In addition, customers can add documents using an SD card, Adobe Digital Editions, or drag-and-drop. The eReader also supports EPUB and PDF documents, so customers can enjoy the option of borrowing and reading free eBooks from their local library.
The new Kobo Reader is available for pre-order and will cost only $139. That is as cheap as Amazon Kindle. That is probably not the best strategy to challenge Amazon Kindle, especially with the holiday shopping season only a short-while away.
Borders will be pushing regular tablets as well as e-readers for the foreseeable future. It already has an Android tablet lined up for release in the upcoming weeks (Cruz Tablet). How will Kobo fare against Kindle and nook? It won’t beat those devices but it can be more competitive with an aggressive pricing strategy (a $40 discount would be a good start).
Are you impressed with the new Kobo reader?
