Recently in Kobo Category

CNET have published a review of the Kobo eReader Touch Edition e-ink e-reader. 'Though it doesn't have the Kindle's audio capabilities (MP3) or text-to-speech functionality or any sort of peer-lending features (with both the Kindle and Nook you can lend out certain titles you own), all the other core elements are here: there's a built-in e-book store that allows you to add titles right from the device via Wi-Fi, it supports EPUB, PDF files, as well as e-book lending from your local library (Adobe DRM). PDF viewing is actually better on this Kobo than on the new Nook (you can zoom in and out, which you can't on the Nook), though a 6-inch e-ink screen is not exactly a great platform for viewing PDF documents. (If PDFs are your thing, you're much better off with the iPad 2 and GoodReader app.). In terms of extras, there's a basic Web browser that's been labeled with the "beta" tag.'

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the new Kobo Wireless ereader. 'The updates to the Kobo Wireless are mostly internal, leaving the outer design much the same as the original. This is a good thing, as we liked the original Kobo's slim profile--7.2 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches--and very light weight: just 7.8 ounces. The reader also retains the soft-touch, quilted back that makes it so comfortable to hold. One nice addition is a range of color choices beyond the original's white front and silver backing. Now customers can choose from all black (Onyx) or white with a lilac back.'

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the Kobo eBook Reader. 'With its minimalist design, Kobo's offering definitely looks the part of a budget eReader, but the device doesn't looks cheap. Instead, it gives the impression that it's easy to use, which will appeal to consumers who aren't as comfortable with technology as early adopters. Picking up the Reader, it's surprisingly light, just 7.8 ounces to the Nook's 12.1 ounces. Kobo's Reader measures 7.2 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches, only a little smaller than Barnes & Noble's device (7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches). It's also comfortable to hold due to the light weight, rounded edges, and rubber-esque, quilted back.'

A review of the Kobo e-reader has been posted over at Endadget. 'The Kobo e-reader has 1GB of storage (plus an SD card for more), which means you can house about 1,000 books in it, and it comes pre-loaded with 100 classics. While that sounds great on the surface, and surely will be for some buyers, we're actually not huge fans of Gutenberg e-books in practice, but this could just be us: we'd prefer to pay $5 - $10 for a copy of Sense and Sensibility with great formatting. But for most, the wide selection of pre-loaded classics is a nice touch -- especially since there's no internet connectivity here, and the only way to get selections onto your device is by USB connection to your computer. That's a huge drawback, to be sure -- but back to the reading experience.'

A review of the Borders Kobo eReader has been posted over at CNET. 'Not to be left out of the fast-growing e-reader and e-book arenas, Borders now has its own e-reader, the $150 Kobo eReader. With it, you can read e-books purchased from Borders' online store, which is powered by Kobo Inc. As the price suggests, the Kobo, which has the same-size 6-inch e-ink display as the Kindle and the Nook, is something of a no-frills e-reader: it's got no Wi-Fi or 3G wireless connectivity (and the screen has 8 levels of gray, not 16). However, it does offer a Bluetooth connection for "wirelessly syncing with select smartphones and updating your reading list on the go." It comes with 1GB of internal memory, and there's an SD card expansion slot for adding more (up to 16GB).'

ZDNet have published their "Hands on" review of the Kobo eReader. 'The Kobo desktop software gives you the ability to manage your collection, visit the store and purchase new content, and sync to your eReader. I saw on the store menu that newspapers are coming on May 31st so I look forward to seeing what offerings they have there. I did not like that the Sync button syncs ALL of your ebook library without letting you manage which books you want on the device at the time. This is a problem for me since without a keyboard or text entry method it was a bit daunting scrolling through all of the titles on the library page on the eReader. I also found no way to click on the eReader in the desktop software to remove books and manage content on the device.'

A review of the Borders' Kobo ebook reader has been posted over at APC Mag. 'Available in white and black, Kobo's design is as minimalist as the feature set. The only control on the front panel is an oversized square navigation button with an odd 'rubbery' feel. An immediate issue with this - the button's location makes sense for right-hand users who can thumb to the next (or previous) page, but southpaws will find it frustrating. Kindle users will miss the Kindle's dedicated Page, Menu and Back controls but the rest of us will make do with Kobo's multifunction blob quite nicely.Kobo's back panel has been fashioned for 'holdability', with a textured rubber covering providing a grip that's comfortable yet both confidently firm - there's no nagging fear it will slide out of your hand if you're holding it at an angle or juggling the Kobo and your coffee.'

ZDNet have published a "Hands on" review of the Kobo eReader. 'The front of the Kobo eReader is dominated by the 6 inch eInk display that looks as good as the Barnes & Noble Nook. While Sony adds touchscreen displays and gets away from clarity as the number one priority it is nice to see Kobo lowering the prices on ebook readers while using an excellent display technology. You will find the rather large rubber covered directional pad to the right and below the display. Pressing up and down on the directional pad toggles you through different font sizes (isn't this convenient?) while pressing right and left turns the pages forward and backward.'