Kobo's new entry-level e-reader is the $100 Nia
It's got front lighting and higher resolution than the Kindle.
Kobo Aura
82
Engadget Review
Kobo's built a terrific e-reader, but the high price is tough to justify.
Pros
- Great build quality for an e-reader
- Best-in-class frontlighting
- Integration with Pocket
Cons
- Expensive
- Touchscreen can be unresponsive
View All Critic & User Reviews
Kobo Aura
- Critic Reviews (8)
- User Reviews (5)
- 76AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE8 ReviewsCNET80Kobo Aura e-reader review: A Kindle competitor witWith its more portable design, the Kobo Aura is a worthwhile -- albeit pricier -- Kindle Paperwhite alternative for EPUB fans who don't want to be tied to Amazon's proprietary ecosystem.PC Mag60Kobo AuraKobo's latest Aura ebook reader brings the Aura HD's technology down to a smaller device size and lower price point. It adds a few tricks of its own, but it's still not enough to switch from a Kindle.Laptop Magazine60Kobo Aura ReviewThe Kobo Aura e-reader offers a bright backlit display and a personalized reading experience in a very light design, but for a premium price.Engadget80Kobo Aura review: is spending $150 on an e-readerIf you're a Kobo devotee or someone who has yet to pull the trigger on an e-reader (and don't mind paying for quality), do yourself a favor and take a serious look at the Aura.PC MagNot RatedHands On With the Kobo Aura Ebook ReaderPerhaps the biggest problem with the ebook reader market in general—and one that Kobo is probably more attuned to than most—is the inertia that happens as you buy Kindle or Nook books. The larger your collection, the more difficult it is to break away and start over with Kobo.MashableNot RatedHands On With the Super-Light Kobo Aura E-ReaderMashable got some hands-on time with the device, and was astounded by its lightness. First, the touchscreen Aura is remarkably thin — measuring in at just 8.1 mm and 6.1 ounces — and fits right in the palm of your hand. It almost feels like an oversized coaster.T360Kobo Aura reviewWere the Kobo Aura cheaper than its main competitor, the Kindle Paperwhite, we might be more inclined to recommend it. It does, after all, have compact, pocketable dimensions and a very easy to use backlight.Digital Versus100Kobo AuraThe Kobo Aura is like the Kobo Glo, but better: it has a sleeker design, twice as much storage, longer battery life, a multitouch screen and the handy Pocket feature. Once again, Kobo has won us over with an all-star product and an elegant design.TrustedReviews90Kobo Aura reviewWith the longest battery life of any eReader on the market, you can overlook the slightly higher price of the Kobo Aura. It has a great and even backlight, clear text and loads of software features that will let you enjoy your chosen book with ease.Expert Reviews80Kobo Aura reviewHas a lower resolution than the Aura HD, but it's a great value eReader and a worthy rival to the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.Techno BuffaloNot RatedKobo Arc 7, Arc 10HD and Aura Hands-OnThe software is easy to use, though it reminds us so much of the UI on the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch that we’re curious if there’s a lawsuit looming. The 6-inch display is large enough for fitting enough text on the screen, and its 212dpi looks relatively crisp.Digital TrendsNot RatedHands On: Kobo’s Aura e-reader commands a premiuWith a nice screen, Pocket integration, and a smaller footprint than the Kindle, Kobo’s Aura is a fine alternative e-reader. But its $150 price is steep considering good alternatives are available for as low as $99.
- 92AVERAGE USER SCORE5 ReviewsEngadget Reader100June 5, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I purchased the Kobo Aura about one year ago and after nearly 1000 hours of reading like it very much! The capacitive touch screen does not have the dust collecting bezel that is on my Kobo Glo and delivers a sleek reading experience. I recently purchased the Kobo Glo HD which returns to the bezel and have to say that it detracts from the reading experience just a little. Overall, the Aura does not have the clarity of the Glo HD but Kobo has lowered its prices on the Aura and is a great second choice between the two units.Engadget Reader80May 27, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!After my kindle 3rd Gen/Keyboard died in a water incident, I wanted to replace it with another e-reader, I was hesitant to switch to the paperwhite for the lack of physical button, and the omething was off with the 4rth gen.Fast forward a few month after trying to read on Computer/Tablet , I finally decided for the kobo Aura.Of course it lack the physical page turn buttons I loved on the k3g, but one outstanding feature was the pocket integration, The design is a nice plus and the comfort-light is a good evolution (coming from a e-reader without light).I've read report about device defect, and got somewhat lucky with a bright pixel only.the good :- Pocket integration (Awesome)- USB mass storage to drop files on the device- Micro-SD slot (might be handy)- Nice looking- back-lightthe ok :- price (slightly expensive)the bad :- no physical page turn button (even on the back it would have been nice)- no sector adapter (only a micro-usb cable)- not usable out of the box (you need to register an account on their website, then login on the device)- the pocket intgration might not be available everywhere (not in Japan anyway, but you can enable it with a simple modification)- the gestures- not waterproof (no e-reading device ever provide this much desired feature yet )- feel like it could be snapped in two with little to no effort.Would I recommend it to a friend, I honestly don't know, the device is quite expensive for the purpose, but the pocket integration make it a great for commute reading, the back-light is great and the format support is more than acceptable, it would be up to you choose what is best, I am still waiting for the best e-reader to come, but the kobo aura is still good enough to fille the gap.Engadget Reader100November 11, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100October 22, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Kobo Aura has many things going for it. From a superb build, to some market leading features. The device has a flush screen and bezel, making it less bulky. The screen panel is capacitive, which aids in the navigation of PDF and image files. The Glolight is very even, and does not damage the reading experience in any way. After turning the light on, it can be controlled from the settings menu. Additionally, Kobo has implemented some multitouch gestures to control the light intensity.The UI is similar to old Kobo devices. Reading options also remain the same. The library has been upgraded, with support for searching through books stored in the Kobo cloud.All in all, the device is absolutely THE BEST eReader available. If you are interested in a more detailed review, check out my blog (from my profile page).Engadget Reader80October 19, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - Engadget
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Key Specs
SCREEN TYPE
E Ink
SCREEN SIZE
622
TOUCHSCREEN
Yes
INTERNAL STORAGE
41
MEMORY CARD SUPPORT
MicroSD
BATTERY LIFE
Up to 233
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