Kobo revs up its line of e-readers, unveils Kobo Arc 10 HD tablet

[Alexander Turcic]

Hosting the "Beyond the Book" event in NYC today, Kobo just announced a whole bunch of new e-reading devices, including the Kobo Arc 10 HD - their first 10-inch tablet, and quite a beauty it is!

To start with, below is a list of the new devices along with the specifications.

Kobo Aura

Specs:

• Display: 6-inch E Ink
• CPU: 1.0 GHz
• Connectivity: WiFi
• Storage: 4GB
• Price: $149.99 (retail starting September 16)

Kobo Arc 7

Specs:

• Display: 7-inch, 1024 x 600 pixels
• CPU: 1.2 GHz MTK 8125
• Camera: 0.3 MP (front)
• RAM: 1GB, with 8GB storage
• Price: $149.99

Kobo Arc 7 HD

Specs:

• Display: 7-inch, 1920 x 1200 pixels
• CPU: 1.7 GHz Nvidia Tegra 3
• Camera: 1.3 MP (front)
• Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0
• RAM: 1GB, with 16GB or 32GB storage
• Android 4.2.2
• Price: $199.99 (16GB), $249.99 (32GB)

Kobo Arc 10 HD

Specs:

• Display: 10-inch, 2560 x 1600 pixels
• CPU: 1.8 GHz Nvidia Tegra 4
• Camera: 1.3 MP (front)
• RAM: 2GB, with 16GB storage
• Price: $399.99

[via Engadget]

[tubemonkey]

Nothing there of interest to me.

[Alexander Turcic]

According to Financial Post, regarding the Kobo Aura (E Ink):

It will retail for $149 starting Sept. 16, and boasts a new screen technology that almost entirely eliminates ghosting and page refresh effects. It is the first e-Ink reader with read-it-later service integration from Pocket built-in.

[Alexander Turcic]

Press release:

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-rel...221398961.html

[Alexander Turcic]

The tablets are said to retail on October 16.

[Mivo]

I think those are good additions, though none of the devices feel like something I need.

The Glo works fine for me and the Aura doesn't offer enough improvements to justify buying it (no physical page turn buttons), though the capacitive touchsrceen would be nice to have.

I just bought a Nexus 7.2, so the announcement comes too late, but it's good to see that Kobo's device will also have a 1920x1200 resolution and that they state that they'll keep updating the OS.

And 10" tablets, well, I still have my iPad and I consider to get an ultrabook to replace my 17" laptop in half a year or a year, so I don't think a 10" tablet is something that fits in my devices-family-planning.

Still, I feel that those are solid additions to Kobo's product line.

[faithbw]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Nothing there of interest to me.

Yeah, so far the devices are excellent yet don't have anything (good value, hard to beat price, etc.) that entices me to give up my e-reader or trade in my tablet.

[faithbw]

Originally Posted by Mivo

I just bought a Nexus 7.2, so the announcement comes too late, but it's good to see that Kobo's device will also have a 1920x1200 resolution and that they state that they'll keep updating the OS.

Same here. The Kobo Aura HD has some nice specs but I wonder how long it'll take them to upgrade to Android 4.2 plus I imagine the version of Android is skinned. The Kobo is a little cheaper but I don't regret buying the Nexus 7.

[rxmom03]

I've been wanting a lighted e-reader so have been waiting (not so) patiently for all the announcements. I am excited that Pocket is part of Kobo now--I use that all the time! And now if I could only find a picture of the pink e-reader

Mary

[fjtorres]

CNET Has some added details:

http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/kobo...-35826962.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/e-book-reade...-35826967.html

"Up to 100 pages between refresh" is due to an improved screen controller, apparently, as the screen is still Pearl HD and not the next-gen screen eInk talked about recently.

The edge-to-edge design refers to the capacitance touch that allows for a screen-level bezel in matte glass.

CNET Australia has info on the tablets:

http://www.cnet.com.au/kobo-launchin...-339345284.htm

I do hope Kobo is careful managing their tablet inventory because there doesn't appear to be anything compelling there.

[Jewitch]

I'm happy with my Kobo Touch.

[taming]

Originally Posted by faithbw

Same here. The Kobo Aura HD has some nice specs but I wonder how long it'll take them to upgrade to Android 4.2 plus I imagine the version of Android is skinned. The Kobo is a little cheaper but I don't regret buying the Nexus 7.

The Kobo Aura HD is a Linux eink device. The 10 inch Arc tablet is being released with Android 4.2.2.

[evanft]

I have no idea why I would buy an Arc over just about any other tablet.

[Solicitous]

Seems to me the Arc 7 is a step back from the original Arc (ok SD slot and faster processor, but screen res and battery life is worse).

Why have they opted for the backs that they have on the new line? They are not symmetrical. Swapping from one hand to another will feel really odd.

I must note that it is strange lack of Kobo people here on MR anymore, along with Getsatisfaction hasn't seen one reply to a post in a looooong time. Hmmm

[meeera]

They're calling their new six inch device an Aura now? Confusing. And no bumps to the Aura Original. Bother.